Iran entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Greek passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. It's valid for 30 days and costs about €75 in cash. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines at Athens (ATH) and other EU hubs will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at IKA and other airports will not issue the visa on arrival without a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget carriers like Pegasus and Turkish Airlines check this at check-in. A bus or land exit ticket does not count — you need a flight out of Iran. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | The visa on arrival counter asks for a confirmed hotel booking covering your entire stay. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or an invitation letter from an Iranian host (verified by the local police station) works. Hostel dorms are accepted but the booking must show your full name. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards don't work. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash for your entire trip. Exchange at official exchange offices or banks — avoid street changers.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Imam Khomeini Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Pay in euros or dollars cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Head to the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a form to complete with your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Keep it simple and accurate.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in euros or US dollars (cash only). As of 2026, it's around €75 for a 30-day visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Submit documents and get your visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment receipt, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer will issue your visa sticker on the spot. Wait time is usually 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker in hand, go to the immigration counter. They'll stamp you in. Keep the visa slip safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Pre-arranged via embassy or online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/cultural)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150–€300 (approx. $165–$330 USD)
Requires sponsor in Iran; for work or study purposes.
work visa
Iran Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
€150–€500 (approx. $165–$550 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) plus university fees
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter from an educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500–€2,000 (approx. $550–$2,200 USD) plus investment amount
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies (typically $50,000+). Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feeFee varies by nationality and duration; payable at airport in euros or USD. | €75–€100 (~$80–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or eVisa system; processing fee may apply. | €50–€80 (~$55–$90 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; validity up to 3 months. | €100–€150 (~$110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iran
No transit visa needed
Greece passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in the south.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
Tehran Immigration Office (General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khalij-e Fars Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists in the northeast.
Practical information for GR travellers
Country basics
CapitalTehran
LanguagePersian (Farsi)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIranian rial (IRR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,279,924.33 IRR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3:30
vs New York+7h30m
vs Los Angeles+10h30m
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at all major international airports: Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Greek passport holders.
Around €75 for a 30-day visa. Pay in euros or US dollars cash. Exact change helps. Prices can change, so check the latest before you travel.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 15 days. Visit the police immigration office in any major city (e.g., Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz). The fee is around €10–15. Do this before your initial visa expires.
No, not for the visa on arrival. You just need a confirmed hotel booking for your first night. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation from them can help but isn't required.
Denials are rare for Greek passport holders. Common reasons: invalid passport (less than 6 months validity), no return ticket, or suspicious travel history. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight. Always have a backup plan.
No, not for standard tourism. But if you stay more than 30 days, you must register with the local police station. Your hotel can usually help with this.
No, international credit/debit cards don't work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars cash for your entire stay. Exchange at official bureaux or banks. Some hotels and shops accept euros directly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.