Iran suspends visa waiver for Indians after misuse by felony components; MEA points advisory

Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility for abnormal Indian passport holders within the wake of a number of reported incidents of Indians being lured to that nation on false guarantees of employment or with assurances of onward transit to different international locations, in line with the MEA.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (November 17, 2025) stated the federal government’s consideration has been drawn to a number of incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false guarantees of employment or with assurances of onward transit to 3rd international locations.

The authorities of Iran has accordingly “suspended the visa waiver facility” out there to abnormal Indian passport holders visiting Iran with impact from November 22. This measure is meant to stop additional misuse of the power by felony components, the MEA stated in an announcement.

From this date, Indian nationals with abnormal passports can be required to acquire a visa to enter or transit by means of Iran, it stated.

“The consideration of presidency has been drawn to a number of incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false guarantees of employment or with assurances of onward transit to 3rd international locations.

“These individuals were tricked into journeying to Iran by taking advantage of the visa waiver facility available for ordinary Indian passport holders. On arrival in Iran, many of them were kidnapped for ransom,” the MEA stated.

The authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility out there to abnormal Indian passport holders visiting Iran.

All Indian nationals intending to go to Iran are “strongly advised” to stay vigilant and keep away from brokers providing visa-free journey or onward transit to 3rd international locations through Iran, the MEA stated.