New Delhi:
Adding to the list of countries easing visa regulations for Indian travelers, Iran has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, among others.
This move aligns with similar initiatives undertaken by Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
and Vietnam, aiming to facilitate tourism and enhance bilateral ties.
1. Visa-Free Entry Conditions:
Indian citizens, along with nationals of several other countries, can enjoy visa-free travel to Iran for up to 15 days. However, certain conditions apply:
- Individuals holding ordinary passports are eligible.
- Visa-free entry is permissible once every six months.
- The maximum stay duration is capped at 15 days, with no option for extension.
This privilege is exclusively for tourism purposes and is limited to air border entry.
2. Extension and Multiple Entries:
Those seeking longer stays, multiple entries within six months,
or other visa types must obtain necessary visas through Iranian missions in India.
3. Previous Initiatives:
Iran’s recent visa-free announcement follows a broader initiative introduced in December, extending similar privileges to India and 32 other nations.
Notable countries included in this program are the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
4. Visa-Free Travel Trends in Other Countries:
Several nations have recently introduced visa-free initiatives for Indian travelers:
Kenya: Implemented visa-free entry for international visitors from January 1, streamlining tourism and offering hassle-free experiences.
Malaysia: Introduced visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese tourists for up to 30 days from December 1, 2023, with security screenings in place.
Sri Lanka: Rolled out a visa-free entry program for Indian visitors, along with six other countries, effective until March 31, 2024.
Thailand: Started granting 30-day visa-free entry to visitors from India and Taiwan from November 1, extending until May 10, 2024.
Vietnam: Considering visa-free entry for Indians and Chinese to boost tourism, with current provisions including e-visas for certain nationalities.
