Starting 22 November 2025, Indian citizens will no longer be eligible for visa-free entry to Iran. The Iranian government suspended the facility following a rise in cases of trafficking, according to an ANI report.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory warning Indian nationals to remain cautious and avoid scams offering fraudulent jobs or assured onward travel to third countries. The MEA highlighted that several Indians had been lured to Iran with false employment promises or guarantees of further transit abroad, only to face kidnapping and ransom demands upon arrival.
“These individuals were tricked into travelling to Iran by exploiting the visa waiver program for ordinary Indian passport holders. Many were kidnapped for ransom once they arrived,” the MEA stated.
Due to the increase in such incidents, Iran has officially suspended the visa waiver program for ordinary Indian passport holders, effective 22 November 2025. From this date, Indian travellers will need a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The measure aims to prevent further misuse of the visa-free facility by criminal networks.
The MEA advised all Indian citizens planning to visit Iran to remain vigilant and avoid agents promising visa-free travel or onward transit.
Earlier in September, the MEA had cautioned travellers about potential risks of going to Iran for work. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that criminal gangs had targeted Indian nationals, who were kidnapped and held for ransom upon arrival. Many cases involved Indians being deceived by false job offers or promises of further travel for employment, only to fall victim to organized crime.
The MEA emphasized that visa-free entry to Iran is intended solely for tourism. It is valid for 15 days every six months and does not allow employment. Criminals have been exploiting the system by offering fake jobs, sometimes in collusion with dishonest agents. The ministry urged Indian travellers to carefully verify any employment-related plans to avoid falling prey to such scams.
