Iran has announced that it will suspend its one-way visa exemption for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports. From November 22, Indian travellers will no longer be permitted to enter the country without a visa and must obtain one in advance for both entry and transit.
The earlier policy allowed Indian tourists to visit Iran without a visa under specific conditions. It formed part of Tehran’s wider effort to promote tourism and strengthen relations with Asian countries. With the change, every Indian national carrying an ordinary passport will now be required to secure a valid visa before travelling.
According to the new guidelines, passengers must have their Iranian visa before boarding their flight. The rule also applies to travellers simply
passing through an Iranian airport, as transit without a visa will no longer be allowed.
Iran has been a popular destination for Indian tourists, offering a mix of cultural, historical and spiritual sites. Travellers often visited cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz for their architecture and heritage, while places like Qom and Mashhad remained important pilgrimage stops. Many visitors were also drawn to Iran’s desert landscapes and old Silk Road pathways.
The country has served as a convenient transit hub too, particularly for budget travellers heading to Europe or Central Asia. The new visa requirement is expected to change travel planning for a large number of passengers who previously relied on Iran as an easy transit route.
More details are expected from the Iranian authorities in the coming days as the new rules come into effect.
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