Indians won’t be allowed to enter Iran visa-free from 22 November — why Tehran suspended the facility

Starting 22 November, Indians will no longer have visa-free entry to Iran. Tehran suspended the facility due to a rise in trafficking cases, according to an ANI report.

Reacting to Tehran's move, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory on Monday, warning citizens against bogus job scams and urging them to remain vigilant.

The MEA noted that the Government has become aware of several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran with false promises of employment or assured 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,” MEA said in a statement.

Following a rise in such incidents, Iran has decided to suspend its visa waiver programme.

The MEA further stated that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran, effective 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 MEA advised all Indian nationals intending to visit Iran to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries via Iran.

MEA's previous caution

In September, the MEA had also cautioned Indian citizens about the potential risks of travelling to Iran for work. During a weekly briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that several Indian nationals had been targeted by criminal gangs. These individuals were kidnapped upon arrival and held for ransom.

Jaiswal said that there have been a number of recent cases involving Indian citizens who have been lured to travel to Iran on false promises of employment, or with assurances that they would be sent further to third countries for employment.

“Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs, and ransoms have been demanded from their families for securing their release.”

Visa-free entry to Iran is strictly for tourism purposes, the MEA noted. It is valid only for 15 days every six months and does not permit employment. "Criminals are deceiving Indians with fake job offers, often in collusion with dishonest agents, the ANI report noted.

The ministry urged citizens to thoroughly check any employment-related travel to avoid becoming victims of organised criminal networks.