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Iran has announced that it will suspend its one-way visa exemption for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports, requiring all Indian travellers to obtain a visa in advance for both entry and transit from November 22.
“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,” 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 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,” added the statement.
“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,” the statement read.
The previous policy allowed Indians to visit Iran without a visa under certain conditions, as part of Tehran’s broader push to boost tourism and enhance ties with Asian countries.
According to the new guidelines, passengers will be required to present their Iranian visa before boarding their flight. The mandate also applies to those transiting through Iranian airports, as visa-free transit will no longer be permitted.
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View AllIran has long been a popular destination for Indian tourists, known for its rich cultural and historical attractions.
Cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz draw visitors for their architectural heritage, while Qom and Mashhad remain major pilgrimage centres. The country’s desert landscapes and historic Silk Road routes have also attracted travellers.
Iran has additionally served as a convenient transit hub for budget travellers heading toward Europe or Central Asia.
The introduction of mandatory visas is expected to significantly impact travel plans for many passengers who previously relied on Iran’s visa-free access and easy transit options.
With inputs from agencies