From November 22, 2025, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports will no longer be allowed to enter Iran without a visa. The Iranian government made this decision following reports of multiple cases where Indians were misled with false employment offers or promises of onward travel to other countries, which, in some cases, led to kidnappings.

MEA Warns Indians Against Iran Visa-Free Scams

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the risks, stating, “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.” Indian authorities have urged their citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid agents offering visa-free entry or onward transit through Iran.

The visa waiver, launched in February 2024, was aimed at boosting tourism. It allowed Indian nationals to stay for up to 15 days once every six months. Iran’s appeal to tourists stems from its rich historical and cultural sites, including cities like Isfahan and Shiraz, pilgrimage centers such as Qom and Mashhad, desert regions, and the ancient Silk Road routes. The country also serves as a strategic transit point for travellers heading to Europe or Central Asia.

Iran Ends Visa-Free Entry for Indian Passport Holders from Nov 22

The Iranian embassy in India confirmed the policy change on X, saying, “The implementation of the one-way tourist visa cancellation regulations for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been suspended as of 22nd November 2025. From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Several alarming incidents prompted the suspension. In May 2025, three men from Punjab Hushanpreet Singh (Sangrur), Jaspal Singh (SBS Nagar), and Amritpal Singh (Hoshiarpur) were reportedly kidnapped in Iran after being lured with promises of travel to Australia via Dubai and Iran. Indian authorities intervened, securing their release.

MEA Warns Indians Against Employment Scams in Iran

Earlier in September, the MEA had already warned citizens against seeking employment opportunities in Iran due to a rising number of scams. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that criminals exploited the visa-free entry to target Indians.

Originally, Iran had granted visa-free entry to over 30 countries, including India, to promote tourism and strengthen ties with neighbouring regions. The latest decision marks a significant policy shift, making it mandatory for Indian nationals to secure visas before travelling to or transiting through Iran.