Iran ends visa-free entry for Indians after rising cases of trafficking and kidnapping – Firstpost

Iran has announced that it will suspend its unilateral visa exemption for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports, requiring all Indian travelers to obtain advance visas for both entry and transit from November 22.

“The attention of the Government has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran with false promises of employment or assurances of transit to third countries. These individuals were duped into traveling to Iran by availing the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders. On reaching Iran, many of them were kidnapped for ransom,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The statement further said that the Iranian government has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility with effect from 22 November 2025.

“This measure is aimed at preventing misuse of the facility by criminal elements. From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran,” the statement said.

“All Indian nationals wishing to visit Iran are strongly advised to remain cautious and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries through Iran,” the statement said.

As part of Tehran’s broader effort to promote tourism and enhance ties with Asian countries, the previous policy had allowed Indians to visit Iran without a visa under certain conditions.

As per the new guidelines, passengers will be required to present their Iranian visa before boarding their flight. The order also applies to those transiting through Iranian airports, as visa-free transit will no longer be allowed.

Iran has long been a popular destination for Indian tourists, known for its rich cultural and historical attractions.

Cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz attract visitors for their architectural heritage, while Qom and Mashhad remain major pilgrimage centres. The country’s desert landscape and historic Silk Road routes have also attracted travelers.

Iran has also served as a convenient transit hub for budget travelers heading to Europe or Central Asia.

The introduction of mandatory visas is expected to have a significant impact on the travel plans of many travelers who previously relied on Iran’s visa-free access and easy transit options.

with inputs from agencies