Iran Ends Visa-Free Entry for Indians from 22 November 2025 Amid Rising Trafficking Concerns

Iran Ends Visa-Free Entry for Indian Nationals from 22 November 2025

Iran has officially withdrawn visa-free entry for Indian nationals, enforcing a mandatory visa requirement for all ordinary passport holders from 22 November 2025 . The decision follows a surge in human trafficking, fraudulent employment schemes and kidnapping incidents involving Indian citizens who were misled into travelling to Iran under false pretences.

Policy Change Triggered by Safety Concerns

Iranian authorities reported numerous cases where Indian travellers were lured by unauthorised agents with promises of jobs, transit to Europe, or onward travel to third countries. Once inside Iran, many fell victim to extortion or kidnapping for ransom. Ending visa-free entry is aimed at blocking these trafficking routes and ensuring better screening of incoming passengers.

Mandatory Visa for Entry and Transit

Under the revised rules, airlines must deny boarding to Indian passengers who do not hold a valid Iranian visa. The new requirement also applies to airport transit , discontinuing the earlier exemption that allowed travellers to connect through Iranian airports without visas. Passengers have been advised to obtain visas only through official channels and avoid intermediaries offering shortcut routes.

Impact on Tourism and Transit Travel

Iran has traditionally been an accessible destination for Indian tourists drawn to its cultural centres such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Qom . It also functioned as a relatively affordable transit hub for travellers heading to Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia . The new restrictions are expected to reduce tourist inflows and disrupt budget transit options, increasing travel planning time and cost.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Iran ends visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders from 22 Nov 2025 .

• Policy change due to rising trafficking and kidnapping of Indian nationals.

• Transit passengers must also obtain visas.

• Iran earlier promoted visa-free access to boost tourism and regional mobility .