Iran Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Indians Following Fraud and Kidnapping Cases

Tehran has suspended visa-free entry privileges for Indian ordinary passport holders effective November 22, following an increase in fraud and human trafficking incidents. Iran had initially implemented this visa waiver program in February 2024 to encourage tourism, but numerous cases emerged where Indian nationals were deceived with false employment promises or assurances of transit to other countries.

The Iranian embassy in India announced on social media platform X: "The implementation of one-way tourist visa cancellation regulations for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been suspended as of 22nd November 2025."

"From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Iran's original visa-free policy for Indians was specifically designed for tourism purposes, allowing a 15-day stay once every six months, and explicitly excluded employment opportunities. Iran remains a popular destination for Indian travelers due to its heritage cities like Isfahan and Shiraz, religious sites such as Qom and Mashhad, along with impressive desert landscapes and historic Silk Road routes.

Additionally, Iran serves as a significant transit hub, particularly for budget-conscious travelers heading to European or Central Asian destinations.

India's Foreign Ministry acknowledged awareness of multiple incidents where Indian nationals were enticed to Iran with fraudulent employment offers or promises of onward travel to third countries.

"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," stated the ministry in an official release.

The statement clarified that Tehran's suspension of the visa waiver facility aims to prevent further exploitation by criminal networks. "From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran."

The Ministry also issued a cautionary notice advising Indian citizens planning to visit Iran to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries via Iran.

In May this year, three men from Punjab who attempted an illegal journey to Australia were kidnapped in Iran. An agent in Punjab had promised Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur passage to Australia via Dubai and Iran, assuring them accommodation in Iran.

However, shortly after their May 1 arrival in Iran, they were kidnapped, with the captors demanding a ransom of Rs 1 crore from their families. The three individuals were eventually rescued following India's request for Iranian authorities' intervention.

In September, India issued an advisory to its citizens seeking employment in Iran, urging "strictest vigilance" in light of recent fraudulent job offers.