Iran Cancels Visa Exemption for Indian Citizens; Here’s Why the Decision Was Taken

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): An important update has come for Indian passport holders traveling to Iran. Iran has suspended the visa-exemption facility for ordinary Indian passport holders starting 22 November, a decision confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

According to the ministry, several Indian citizens were being taken to Iran on false promises of employment or transit. After arriving there, some individuals even faced serious incidents such as kidnapping for ransom. To prevent such misuse, Iran has decided to discontinue visa-free entry for Indian nationals.

Now, all ordinary Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Iran. The ministry has also issued an advisory warning people to stay away from agents who claim to provide visa-free travel or promise to take them to a third country through Iran.

Many Indians travel to Iran in search of jobs, but cases of fraud and misleading information by agents have been increasing. Due to these rising incidents, the government has urged people to remain alert and avoid falling prey to such scams.