November 18, 2025 — New Delhi

The Iranian government has decided to end the visa-free entry facility for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports, effective from November 22. This means that Indian nationals will now need a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The decision comes after reports of multiple Indian travellers being misled into unsafe situations while using the visa waiver, prompting concerns over their safety.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the suspension follows several incidents in which Indian nationals were tricked into travelling to Iran under false promises of employment or onward transit to other countries. The MEA explained that while the visa waiver was introduced in February 2024 to encourage tourism and allowed Indian citizens to stay in Iran for up to 15 days once every six months, criminals exploited this facility for illegal purposes.

Many Indians were reportedly lured with fake job offers or promises of passage to third countries, often coordinated by unscrupulous agents. On arrival in Iran, several of them were kidnapped and held for ransom. The MEA emphasized that the visa waiver was intended strictly for tourism and not for employment, and previous warnings about such misuse had already been issued.

In response to these safety threats, Iran has now formally suspended the visa waiver program for Indian passport holders. The MEA stated that this step is aimed at preventing further misuse of the facility by criminal elements. Indian travellers have been strongly advised to remain cautious and avoid dealing with agents offering visa-free travel or transit through Iran.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the ministry had previously warned about the dangers of travelling to Iran for work, as many Indians had fallen victim to criminal gangs. The ministry urged all travellers to exercise vigilance and ensure their travel plans are legitimate.

The suspension reflects a growing concern over the misuse of international visa facilities for fraudulent purposes and highlights the need for travellers to exercise caution. Authorities in both countries are working to ensure that citizens are protected while pursuing tourism or legitimate travel.

Indian nationals planning trips to Iran are now required to apply for a visa in advance and should verify all information through official channels. The MEA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed to protect citizens from potential risks.

This development underscores the importance of responsible travel practices and the need to avoid unofficial agents or offers that promise easy access to foreign countries. By enforcing visa requirements, Iran and India aim to safeguard travellers and reduce the risk of exploitation or criminal activity targeting unsuspecting citizens.

 Iran Suspends Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens Amid Safety Concerns

From November 22, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports will need a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The Iranian government has suspended the visa-free entry program after several Indian travellers were tricked into unsafe situations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) explained that the visa waiver, introduced in February 2024 for tourism, was misused by criminals. Some Indians were lured with fake job offers or promises of onward travel to other countries. On arrival, several were reportedly kidnapped and held for ransom. The MEA emphasized that the facility was meant only for tourism and not employment.

In response to these incidents, Iran decided to end the visa waiver for Indian passport holders. The MEA said this measure is meant to prevent further misuse and advised travellers to avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit through Iran. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reminded citizens to stay cautious and follow official channels when planning trips to Iran.

Travellers must now obtain a visa in advance, ensuring their journey is safe and legal. This move highlights the importance of responsible travel and protecting citizens from criminal exploitation abroad.