Post by : Rameen Ariff

Effective November 22, 2025, Iran is terminating its visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens, a measure initially intended to enhance tourism and bilateral relations. This decision arises amid growing reports of Indians being misled, trafficked, or kidnapped in the country.

The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the suspension via an announcement on X, highlighting that Indian passport holders will now need a visa for entry or transit in Iran. This change reverses the visa-free policy instituted in early 2024, which permitted a 15-day stay in Iran solely for tourist purposes.

The initial goal was to welcome Indian tourists and showcase Iran's rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. However, it became apparent that unscrupulous networks were taking advantage of these lenient policies, enticing Indians with false job opportunities and misleading transit routes to countries like Australia and various European nations.

Exploitation of Visa-Free Program by Traffickers

Over the last year, Iran has become a pivotal transit location for illegal migration. Numerous Indians, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, were duped by agents claiming they could access destinations like Australia through Iran and Dubai. Upon arrival, many faced dangerous situations, including threats and kidnappings for ransom.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported that several individuals fell victim to such schemes right after landing in Iran, with documents taken from them and confinement in remote areas. The ministry noted that the appeal of visa-free entry made these travelers easy targets for traffickers posing as job recruiters.

The rising cases of such incidents led the Iranian government to retract the visa waiver. According to Indian officials, this move aims to thwart traffickers from exploiting innocent travelers who naively believed that visa exemptions ensured their safety.

Concerning Incidents Causing Nationwide Alarm

One particularly alarming case emerged in May 2025, involving three young men from Punjab—Hushanpreet Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Amritpal Singh—who sought to travel to Australia using an illegal route facilitated by an agent. Promised safe transit through Iran, their troubles began upon arrival on May 1.

Shortly after touching down, they were kidnapped and their families were asked for a ransom of ₹1 crore. This incident sparked widespread fear in their home villages and drew significant media attention. Following swift action from Indian authorities, the Iranian government assisted in their rescue, shedding light on the extensive trafficking networks operating in the area.

This case marked a crucial turning point, prompting the Indian government to alert job-seekers to the dangers of travelling to Iran without proper verification. In September, a new advisory was released, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when responding to overseas job offers insinuating passage through Iran.

Impact on Tourism and Travel Arrangements

This suspension presents a significant challenge for Indian tourists who viewed Iran as a culturally rich and affordable destination. Cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, and Mashhad attract thousands of Indian visitors annually due to their historical mosques and beautiful gardens.

The visa-free scheme initiated in February 2024 was designed to promote tourism and increase visitors. The immediate cancellation of this policy means Indian tourists must now secure visas beforehand, face longer approval times, and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Additionally, budget travelers who often used Iran as a convenient stop en route to Europe and Central Asia will also feel the repercussions.

Travel agencies expect considerable disruptions, with clients needing new itineraries, pending bookings likely to be canceled, or alternative routes established. The expenses and complexities of travel through Iran are set to escalate in the upcoming months.

Advisories for Indian Citizens

In an official communication, India’s Ministry of External Affairs urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid agents promising easements via visa-free entry to Iran. Many trafficking victims were led with enticing job offers, only to discover the propositions were fictitious and intended to ensnare them.

The ministry emphasized that this suspension aims to safeguard Indian nationals and curb the misuse of travel privileges by criminal organizations. Those planning to visit Iran should adhere to official guidelines, verify job opportunities through credible channels, and stay informed about regulatory changes.

The Significance of This Development

The end of visa-free travel represents a troubling trend regarding illegal migration and the organized human trafficking networks targeting Indian citizens. With increasing aspirations for careers abroad, many are susceptible to exploitation by rogue agents.

Iran’s recent decision is a critical reminder that visa-free access does not ensure safety, and that genuine, legal travel channels are the only reliable means for travelers to pursue.

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