Iran entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. It's valid for 30 days and costs about €75. No advance application needed for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan). Pay the fee in euros or US dollars — have exact cash ready. You need a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance covering Iran.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple printout or email on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Travel insurance Travel insurance | You need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in Iran. Some airlines and visa-on-arrival counters ask to see proof. Buy a policy that explicitly includes Iran — standard policies often exclude it. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no local currency. Have the exact amount ready.
Land borders not covered
Visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you plan to enter Iran by land from Turkey, Iraq, or elsewhere, you must get a visa from an Iranian embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Land at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island airports. Not available at land borders.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. Fill out a short application form (usually provided). Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration queue. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost€50 (approx. $57 USD)
Apply in advance at an Iranian embassy; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $114 USD)
For multiple visits; must be arranged before travel.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $57 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $114 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from an Iranian employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feeFee for a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Iranian airports. | €75 (approx. $85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, with no official cap. | €10 (approx. $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
Malta passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) · Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; present in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory issues.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in southeastern provinces.
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
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, Modares Blvd
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the south.
Practical information for MT 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 = 1,219,377.01 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
No, only at designated international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders.
The fee is approximately €75 or equivalent in US dollars. It varies slightly by nationality and is subject to change. Pay in cash at the counter — no credit cards accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended beyond that.
Yes, you need a confirmed booking for your first night in Iran. A printout or digital confirmation with the hotel's address and phone number is sufficient.
Immigration will likely deny your visa on arrival. You must have a confirmed onward or return flight out of Iran before you arrive.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before traveling.
Not for the visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.