Iran ends visa-free entry for Indian citizens from Nov 22

Iran has announced that Indian citizens will no longer be allowed visa-free entry starting November 22, 2025, citing growing criminal activities, fake job offers, and kidnapping incidents involving Indian nationals.

The Iranian government said that the visa-free facility was misused. Some Indian citizens reportedly entered Iran through fake agents and were later involved in illegal activities, smuggling, money laundering, and even links to terrorist networks. Many also allegedly entered under false promises and caused instability in the country.

Iran also mentioned that attacks on its interests in India, social media propaganda, and anti-Iran narratives further harmed relations between the two countries. Officials described the actions of certain Indian nationals as “suspicious activities” that forced Iran to take this step.

In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a new advisory admitting that some Indian citizens had been misled with fake employment offers and were even kidnapped. According to India, such incidents became so serious that Iran decided to end the visa-free facility, which was initially offered as a gesture of “friendship.”

Under the new rules, Indian citizens must now obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran. Airlines have been instructed not to board any Indian passenger without a valid visa, and authorities are cracking down on fake agents who misled people into traveling to Iran.

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