Iran halts visa-free entry for Indian citizens
World
Iran suspends visa-free entry for Indian nationals after trafficking and kidnapping cases emerged, requiring all ordinary passport holders to obtain visas for travel or transit from 22 November
TEHRAN (Dunya News) - Iran has announced the suspension of visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
According to Indian media, travel regulations between India and Iran have been revised, and Iran has decided to discontinue visa-free access for Indian nationals.
Iran reportedly took this step after several cases emerged in which Indians were brought to Iran on false promises of employment or transported onward to other countries via illegal “donkey” routes.
After arriving in Iran, many of these individuals were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that following such incidents, Iran suspended the visa exemption for holders of ordinary Indian passports starting 22 November.
The ministry claimed that Iran implemented the decision to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal groups.
From 22 November onwards, all holders of regular Indian passports will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Iran or transiting through the country to a third destination.
