Iran Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Indians Citing Misuse

Iran has suspended its visa-waiver facility for Indian nationals, effective November 22, due to its misuse by criminal networks. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory stating that several Indians had been lured to Iran with false promises of employment or onward travel, only to be kidnapped for ransom upon arrival. The visa waiver, introduced in February 2024 to boost tourism, was being exploited by traffickers. Indian citizens will now be required to obtain a visa for entry or transit through Iran.