Iran suspends visa waiver for Indians after ‘misuse by criminal elements’; MEA issues advisory

There is Iran suspended visa exemption for ordinary Indian passport holders Following several incidents where Indians were reportedly lured into that country with false promises of employment or assurances of passage to other countries, according to the MEA.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday, November 17, 2025, that the government’s attention has been drawn to various incidents in which Indian citizens were lured to Iran with false promises of employment or assurances of transit to third countries.

Accordingly, the Iranian government “suspended the visa exemption opportunity” offered to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran as of November 22. The MEA said in a statement that this measure aims to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements.

It was stated that from this date, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.

“The government’s attention has been drawn to several incidents where Indian citizens were lured to Iran with false promises of employment or assurances of passage to third countries.

“These individuals were tricked into traveling to Iran by taking advantage of the visa exemption facility offered to ordinary Indian passport holders. On arrival in Iran, many of them were kidnapped for ransom,” the MEA said. he said.

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has suspended the visa exemption facility offered to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran.

All Indian citizens wishing to visit Iran are “strongly advised” to exercise caution and avoid agencies offering visa-free travel or transit to third countries through Iran, the MEA said.