No visa-free entry for Indians to Iran from November 22; why Tehran suspended it and what MEA said

Amid incidents of Indians being lured to Iran on the false pretext of employment and onward transit to other countries, the West-Asian nation has decided to suspend visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Monday that the Indian government has been intimated regarding incidents of Indians nationals being tricked into journeying to Iran by taking advantage of the visa waiver facility available for ordinary Indian passport holders.

"The attention of Government has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries.

"These individuals were tricked into journeying to Iran by taking advantage of the visa waiver facility available for ordinary Indian passport holders. On arrival in Iran, many of them were kidnapped for ransom." the statement read.

Thus, in order to put an end to this exploitation, Indians would require a visa to enter the country of Iran. This policy will come into effect from November 22 and will help curb misuse of the facility by criminal elements.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran with effect from 22 November 2025. This measure is intended to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements. From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran," the advisory read.

MEA also warned Indian travellers to be cautious and vigilant

"All Indian nationals intending to visit Iran are strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries via Iran," MEA added.

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties with Central Asia and promote tourism, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran had decided to waive visa for Indians holding an ordinary passport.

Iran gets massive footfall of tourists from India who visit the West-Asian nation for its culture and historical heritage. However, the latest decision marks a major change in policy.