India’s neighboring country, Iran, has taken a major step that impacts Indian travelers. Starting November 22, Iran has changed its visa policy.
Indian citizens with ordinary passports will no longer be allowed to enter Iran without a visa.
Earlier in February 2024, Iran had introduced visa-free entry for Indians to boost tourism.
The Iranian Embassy in India announced on X:
“The implementation of the unilateral tourist visa cancellation rules for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been suspended until November 22, 2025.
From this date onwards, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.”
Why India Responded to Iran’s Decision
The Indian External Affairs Ministry said that the government had noticed several incidents where Indians were misled with fake job offers or promised transit to other countries through Iran.
According to the ministry, many people travelled to Iran because of the visa-free facility. After arriving there, several were kidnapped for ransom.
Due to these incidents, Iran has cancelled the visa exemption for Indian ordinary passport holders.
The suspension aims to prevent misuse of the visa-free entry by criminal groups.
From November 22, Indian citizens must obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.
The ministry also advised Indians planning to travel to Iran to remain cautious and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or routes to third countries through Iran.
Rising Fraud and Kidnapping Cases in Iran
In May 2024, three men from Punjab were kidnapped in Iran while trying to travel illegally to Australia. A Punjab-based agent had promised to send:
Hushanpreet Singh (from Sangrur)
Jaspal Singh (from SBS Nagar)
Amritpal Singh (from Hoshiarpur)
They were told they would be taken to Australia via Dubai–Iran route and provided accommodation in Iran.
However, after arriving on May 1, they were allegedly kidnapped. Their families said the kidnappers demanded a ₹1 crore ransom.
The three were rescued after India requested help from Iranian authorities.
In September, India had also warned its citizens seeking jobs in Iran to be extremely careful because of recent cases involving fake job offers.
