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| Iran visa suspension 2025 announcement |
Quick summary
Iran has suspended its visa-waiver / visa-free entry facility for ordinary Indian passport holders effective 22 November 2025. The move follows multiple reports of travellers being lured by fraudulent job offers, then being exploited, kidnapped or stranded — often via Gulf-based middlemen. Indian authorities have issued advisories urging citizens to avoid travel without proper visas and to beware of bogus agents.
Why Iran suspended visa-free entry for Indian travellers
Iran’s decision to end visa-free entry for Indians was driven by a pattern of abuse of the facility. Authorities report organized criminal groups and fake agents were promising high-paying jobs and onward transit, getting people to travel visa-free and then exploiting them. Several cases involved passports being taken, unpaid work, and ransom demands. The suspension is intended to curb these human-trafficking and kidnapping risks.
How the scams worked — a brief breakdown
Understanding the modus operandi explains why the suspension was necessary:
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Bogus job offers: Victims were promised salaries (examples reported: ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 per month) for factory or warehouse work. www.ndtv.com
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Visa-free lure: Criminal networks told recruits that India’s visa-free entry meant “easy and legal” travel — no paperwork required.
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On arrival: Several victims were taken to remote locations, denied promised jobs, had passports confiscated, or were forced into exploitative situations. Families were sometimes contacted and asked to pay ransoms.
What the Indian government (MEA) says
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory highlighting the misuse of visa-free travel, warning Indians against taking job offers in Iran without proper visas and urging vigilance when dealing with agents and middlemen. The MEA also set up channels for consular assistance for stranded citizens. MEA India+1
If you are in Iran and need help, follow official MEA guidance and use emergency helplines listed in the advisory. MEA India
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Transit routes: Investigations indicate some trafficking chains used Gulf intermediaries (e.g., Dubai) to funnel victims. mint
These incidents forced both Iranian and Indian authorities to act quickly to protect citizens.
What this means for travellers (tourists, students, workers, transits)
From 22 Nov 2025 onward:
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All Indian nationals must obtain a visa before travel or transit through Iran — no more visa-free entry or spontaneous airport walk-ins.
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Stricter vetting: Expect more background checks, requests for proof of accommodation, return ticket, and financial means. www.ndtv.com
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Possible interviews: Applicants may be called for in-person interviews if officials deem the application unclear or suspicious.
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Transit rules tightened: Travellers transiting Iran must have confirmed visas if their nationality is affected — check flight itineraries and airline rules before booking.
How to apply for an Iran e-visa (official route) — step-by-step
If you intend to travel to Iran (tourism, study, business, work), use Iran’s official e-visa portal and follow the steps below.
Official e-visa portal: IR-IRAN Electronic Visa — evisa.mfa.ir
Can visa-free entry be restored?
There is no public timeline for reinstating visa-free access. Restoration will likely depend on Iran demonstrating improved safeguards against trafficking and cooperation with Indian authorities. Until official announcements are made, plan travel assuming visa required.
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