The MEA said that Indians were lured into Iran with fake job offers or promises of travel to other countries.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran with effect from 22 November 2025. This measure is intended to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements,” the MEA said.
To increase tourism, the Iranian government introduced the visa waiver program for citizens of over 30 nations, including India, in February 2024. The visa-free entry was valid for 15 days once every six months and cannot be used for work.
Criminals took advantage of this, and Indians were misled into travelling to Iran under the guise of jobs or opportunities. Once they arrived, many of them were kidnapped, and the criminals demanded ransom from their families.
“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,” the MEA said.
The ministry has also warned citizens to be cautious and avoid agents who promise visa-free travel or onward transit to other countries via Iran, as these offers may be scams.
Under the new rules, Indians must obtain an Iranian visa before travelling to the country. This applies not only to people visiting Iran but also to those who are just transiting through the country on their way to other countries in Central Asia.
Airlines have also been instructed to check that passengers have a valid Iranian visa before letting them board their flights.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
