The Government of India has issued an advisory after multiple reports emerged of Indian nationals being deceived into travelling to Iran under false pretences. Several individuals were lured with promises of employment or onward transit to third countries and were encouraged to travel using the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders. Upon arrival in Iran, many of these unsuspecting travellers were kidnapped for ransom by criminal networks exploiting the system.
In response to these alarming incidents, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders, effective November 22, 2025. With this suspension, Indian nationals will now be required to obtain a visa prior to entering or transiting through Iran. The measure aims to curb the misuse of the visa-free entry provision and protect travellers from falling prey to fraudulent activities.
The Government has strongly advised all Indian nationals planning to visit Iran to exercise extreme caution. Travellers are urged to avoid agents or intermediaries promising visa-free travel or onward transit via Iran, as such offers are often linked to human trafficking, fraud, or other criminal activity.