Iran has suspended its visa-free travel facility for ordinary Indian passport holders following a surge in fraud, trafficking and kidnapping cases linked to misuse of the system. The suspension takes effect on November 22, ending the visa waiver introduced just last year to boost tourism from India.
The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi announced the decision on X, confirming that Indian citizens will now need a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The move comes amid growing concerns that criminal networks have been exploiting the visa-free entry to lure Indians with fake job offers or illegal migration routes, only to kidnap them for ransom upon arrival.
Growing Misuse of Visa-Free Entry
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said multiple incidents had been reported in which Indians were deceived with false promises of employment or onward travel to countries like Australia and Europe. Once in Iran, many were abducted and held hostage.
“This measure is intended to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements,” the government said, urging Indians to remain “extremely vigilant” and avoid agents promising visa-free travel or transit via Iran.
Kidnappings Highlight the Crisis
One of the most alarming cases occurred in May 2025, involving three men from Punjab — Hushanpreet Singh, Jaspal Singh and Amritpal Singh — who attempted to reach Australia through an illegal Dubai-Iran route arranged by an agent. After landing in Iran on May 1, they were kidnapped, and their captors demanded ₹1 crore ransom.
The men were freed only after India intervened and pressed Iranian authorities to act.
More recently, in September, India warned job-seekers about fake employment offers in Iran after several Indians were found stranded or defrauded.
Tourism Boom Cut Short
Iran’s visa waiver, introduced in February 2024, was meant exclusively for tourism, allowing Indians a 15-day stay once every six months. Many travellers used it to visit historic and religious sites in Isfahan, Shiraz, Qom and Mashhad, or as a budget transit route to Europe and Central Asia.
But what was designed to boost tourism quickly became a loophole for traffickers and illegal migration agents — prompting Tehran to end the facility.
What Travelers Should Know
From November 22, Indian citizens must obtain a proper visa before:
- Visiting Iran
- Transiting through Iran
- Travelling onward to another country via Iran
India is advising all nationals to avoid unauthorized agents and verify all travel arrangements through official channels.
As Iran shuts its visa-free door, both governments hope the move will curb trafficking networks — and prevent more Indians from becoming victims of fraud and kidnapping abroad.