Iran will halt visa-free entry for Indian tourists starting November 22, 2025, ending a policy introduced in February 2024 that aimed to boost tourism. The decision follows a rise in fraudulent incidents where fake recruitment agents deceived Indian citizens, particularly from states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
These agents promised easy jobs abroad or simple transit through Iran, but many Indians, especially young people, were kidnapped by criminal gangs who demanded ransom. This alarming trend has led to growing concerns about the safety of Indian nationals traveling to Iran.
From November 22, all Indian passport holders will need to obtain a valid visa before entering Iran, even if they are merely transiting. Airlines have been instructed not to allow passengers to board flights to Iran without proper documentation.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a warning for travelers, advising caution and urging people not to fall for agents offering visa-free travel or claiming to facilitate onward journeys to other countries.
While this policy change could reduce tourism between the two nations, it is aimed at protecting Indian citizens from human trafficking and fraud.
