• Source:JND
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Iran has suspended its one-way visa-free entry regime for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports, ending a policy that previously allowed Indians to travel to the country without a visa under specific conditions. Effective November 22, all Indian travellers will now require a valid visa to enter or even transit through Iranian territory.

The announcement, made by the Iranian Embassy in India, marks a significant shift from Tehran’s earlier tourism-friendly approach. “The implementation of the one-way tourist visa cancellation regulations for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports has been suspended as of 22 November 2025. From this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the embassy said in a statement.

Visa-Free Regime Ends

Until now, Indian tourists could enter Iran without a visa for short visits, an arrangement introduced as part of Tehran’s broader effort to boost tourism and strengthen ties with Asian partners. The policy had helped attract Indian tourists to Iran’s culturally rich destinations, including historic cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd, as well as pilgrimage centres such as Qom and Mashhad.

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With the new rule, all Indian nationals must apply for an Iranian visa in advance and possess the approved visa before boarding flights. The requirement applies not only to travellers visiting Iran but also to passengers transiting through Iranian airports, as visa-free transit will no longer be permitted.

Tighter Entry Controls

The updated guidelines mean Indian travellers will have to plan their trips ahead and factor in processing times for consular approval. Airlines operating flights to Iran have been instructed to verify visas at the time of boarding to ensure compliance.

The suspension of visa-free entry comes at a time when Iran has been recalibrating its travel and immigration controls amid regional security concerns and shifting diplomatic priorities. While no specific reason was cited for reversing the earlier relaxation, officials indicated that the revised rules would remain in force until further notice.

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