2 hours ago
Last Updated:November 17, 2025, 22:18 IST
Iran has been a popular destination for Indian tourists, offering a mix of cultural, historical and spiritual sites.
Representative image
Iran has announced that it will suspend its one-way visa exemption for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports. From November 22, Indian travellers will no longer be permitted to enter the country without a visa and must obtain one in advance for both entry and transit.
The earlier policy allowed Indian tourists to visit Iran without a visa under specific conditions. It formed part of Tehran’s wider effort to promote tourism and strengthen relations with Asian countries. With the change, every Indian national carrying an ordinary passport will now be required to secure a valid visa before travelling.
According to the new guidelines, passengers must have their Iranian visa before boarding their flight. The rule also applies to travellers simply passing through an Iranian airport, as transit without a visa will no longer be allowed.
Iran has been a popular destination for Indian tourists, offering a mix of cultural, historical and spiritual sites. Travellers often visited cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz for their architecture and heritage, while places like Qom and Mashhad remained important pilgrimage stops. Many visitors were also drawn to Iran’s desert landscapes and old Silk Road pathways.
The country has served as a convenient transit hub too, particularly for budget travellers heading to Europe or Central Asia. The new visa requirement is expected to change travel planning for a large number of passengers who previously relied on Iran as an easy transit route.
Reason Behind This Measure?
According to an official statement by MEA, it has been done due to several incidents where people were lured to Iran on false promise of job and then taken to a third country. This measure is intended to prevent further misuse of the facility.
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...Read More
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...
Read More
First Published:
November 17, 2025, 18:44 IST
News world Iran Ends Visa-Free Entry For Indians, These New Rules Take Effect From November 22
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