In a significant policy shift, Iran has suspended its visa-free entry facility for Indian nationals, effective November 22, 2025. The decision follows a surge in fraudulent activities and human trafficking cases involving Indian citizens. The Iranian embassy in India announced the suspension, stating that Indian passport holders will now require a visa to enter or transit through Iran. This move reverses the visa waiver introduced in February 2024 to promote tourism.
The Indian Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel. The ministry highlighted several incidents where Indian nationals were lured to Iran under false pretenses, such as promises of employment or onward travel to third countries. Upon arrival, many were kidnapped and held for ransom. The suspension aims to curb the misuse of the visa waiver by criminal elements.
In September 2025, India had already warned its citizens about fake job offers in Iran, emphasizing the need for caution. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, revealed that numerous Indians had fallen victim to criminal gangs exploiting the visa-free facility. The advisory stressed that the visa waiver was exclusively for tourism and did not cover employment-related travel.
Iran, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location as a transit hub, had initially introduced the visa waiver to attract Indian tourists. However, the rising incidents of fraud and human trafficking have necessitated this policy reversal. The Indian government continues to advise its citizens to verify employment opportunities thoroughly to avoid falling prey to organized scams.