Why Iran Has Suspended Visa-Free Entry For Indian Nationals From November 22

In

a shock to travellers, Iran has decided to suspend visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders. It is said that the decision has been taken in the wake of several reported incidents of Indians being lured to the country on false promises.

Iran Suspends Visa Waiver For Indians

The government of Iran has suspended visa-waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran with effect from November 22. From November 22, Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.

MEA Warns Indian Nationals of Job Frauds, Kidnappings

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the central government's attention has been brought to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries."The attention of government has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries. 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 said.The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran, it added. All Indian nationals intending to visit Iran are "strongly advised" to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries via Iran, the MEA said.