Introduction
From 22 November 2025, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports will no longer be eligible for visa-free entry or transit through Iran. The change marks a significant reversal of the visa-waiver facility introduced in February 2024, which had been available to Indians for tourism purposes.
The driving factors behind this policy shift involve increasing incidences of fraud, employment scams and kidnapping of Indian nationals within Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has publicly stated that many individuals were “tricked into journeying to Iran … on false promises” and subsequently kidnapped for ransom.
This article breaks down the reasons, impacts and travel-advice implications of the visa-free suspension — so you’re fully informed if you were planning to travel to Iran.
What changed
Iran’s visa waiver facility for Indian ordinary passport holders is suspended effective 22 November 2025.
From that date, all Indian nationals with ordinary passports must hold a valid Iranian visa if entering or transiting through Iran.
The previous visa-free scheme had allowed stays of up to 15 days, once every six months, and was strictly for tourism—not for employment. mint
Why the suspension: key factors
Fraudulent job offers and transit scams
Many Indian nationals travelled to Iran under the presumption of onward transit to third countries or employment opportunities. The MEA highlighted that agents arranged travel saying the visa-free scheme or transit path would facilitate jobs abroad.
Kidnappings and ransom demands
In several reported incidents, Indian nationals arriving in Iran were kidnapped by criminal gangs and held for ransom. For example, three men from Punjab were reportedly abducted after being promised travel via Iran.
Misuse of visa-free facility
The Iranian government and Indian authorities concluded that the visa-free tourism facility was being mis-used by criminal elements. As a preventive measure, the waiver was rescinded.
Implications for Indian travellers
Travel to Iran now requires advance visa application—no more visa-on-arrival or free entry under prior scheme.
Indian travellers should avoid any agent or facilitator who promises employment via Iran or transit to other countries through Iran. The MEA advisory explicitly warns against such agents.
Transit via Iran (even if not staying) now needs the same visa requirement.
Tourism-only travel remains possible—but only with a valid visa, proper documentation, and awareness of the risks.
What led to the change: A brief timeline
February 2024: Iran implements visa-waiver regime for over 30 countries including India.
During 2024-25: Several Indian nationals reportedly mis-used the regime, being lured under false job offers, or using Iran as transit without proper oversight.
May 2025: Specific cases emerge of kidnappings of Indian nationals in Iran after being tricked into travel.
17-18 November 2025: India and Iran formalise decision—MFAs and MEA issue notices; suspension effective 22 November.
Safety and travel advice
Apply for Iran visa in advance via official channels; do not rely on visa-free visa-on-arrival claims.
Verify any overseas job proposals: never accept employment offers without proper contracts, employer credentials and exit options.
If using transit via Iran, ensure you have valid visa even if you don’t intend to stay.
Register travel plans with the Indian embassy or the MEA travel advisory service.
Avoid traveling via dubious agents or promises of quick settlement abroad using Iran as a shortcut.
Keep your family informed of travel itinerary, maintain contact and share local contact details when abroad.
FAQ
Q1: From when is the visa-free facility suspended for Indians?
A: The suspension takes effect from 22 November 2025. Indians holding ordinary passports will no longer be eligible for visa-free entry or transit.
Q2: Does the suspension cover diplomatic or official passports too?
A: The public statements refer specifically to ordinary passport holders. For diplomatic or official passports, different bilateral arrangements may apply — travellers should check with their issuing authority.
Q3: What were the major incidents that triggered this change?
A: The MEA cited multiple cases of Indians being lured to Iran with false job promises or transit routes, and then being kidnapped and held for ransom.
Q4: Can I still visit Iran for tourism?
A: Yes — you can still travel to Iran for tourism, but you must secure a valid visa in advance and ensure the purpose matches tourism. The travel advisories emphasise caution.
Q5: What about transit via Iran (to another country)?
A: Transit also now requires a visa unless exempted under a different bilateral scheme. The MEA statement explicitly includes “enter or transit through Iran”.
Q6: How can travellers avoid being victims of fraud or kidnapping?
A: Some key steps include:
Reject job offers that involve entering Iran as a stepping-stone to another country without transparent legal route.
Do not believe agents stating “visa-free” or “on-arrival” for India-Iran link without verifying with official Iranian embassy.
Maintain updated contacts, share your itinerary, and register with the Indian embassy/travel advisory.
source credit : Sanstuti Nath
Published on : 18th November
Published by : DHANUSH
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