As of November 22, Iran has officially revoked the visa waiver program for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports, a move that marks the end of a facility aimed at enhancing tourism. This decision comes in light of rising incidents where Indian nationals were misled by fraudulent job offers that often led to dire situations, including kidnapping for ransom.
The Iranian government had initially introduced the visa-free entry option in February 2024 to attract visitors from over 30 countries, including India. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India recently reported a troubling trend of criminal activities exploiting this facility. Indian nationals were reportedly lured to Iran with false promises of employment or passage to other countries, only to find themselves in dangerous predicaments upon arrival.
The MEA had previously warned its citizens that the visa waiver was strictly intended for tourism purposes and limited to 15 days of stay within a six-month period. This notice was not heeded by everyone, as many individuals unknowingly became victims of unscrupulous agents who took advantage of the relaxed entry requirements.
The Iranian authorities took note of these disturbing developments, with the MEA stating that the decision to suspend the visa waiver is a necessary measure "to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements." Following the announcement, the MEA urged Indian travelers to exercise extreme caution, advising them to avoid engagements with agents promising visa-free travel or transit options through Iran.
Prior to this recent decision, the Ministry had already issued alarms regarding the potential dangers of traveling to Iran under employment pretenses. The narrative surrounding this situation has highlighted a concerning pattern where several Indian citizens found themselves victims of kidnapping upon arrival, creating an urgent call for action from both ends to protect citizens and uphold safety. With the end of the visa waiver, prospective travelers will now be compelled to secure a visa before traveling to Iran, altering the accessibility that was previously enjoyed.