Iran cancels visa-free entry for Indians

Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders amid reports of Indian nationals being lured to the country on false promises of employment or assurances of onward transit to other countries, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday.In a statement, the MEA said that the government's attention has been drawn to several incidents where Indian nationals have been lured to Iran on the fake pretext of jobs or further transit to third nations. The ministry stated that the decision was made to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal entities. The ministry noted how several Indians were tricked into travelling to Iran by using the visa waiver facility and upon their arrival in the country, many of them were kidnapped for ransom.

Effective 22 Nov 2025, Iran will discontinue the tourist visa-waiver for holders of ordinary Indian passports.

From this date, Indian nationals must obtain a visa from Iranian diplomatic or consular missions for entry or transit.#Iran #India #VisaUpdate #TravelNotice pic.twitter.com/iAZweQAjZb

— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) November 17, 2025

Accordingly, the MEA said, the Iranian government "has suspended the visa waiver facility" for ordinary Indian passport holders, taking effect from November 22, 2025. "From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran," the MEA added.