Iran ends visa-free entry for Indians amid kidnapping fears

Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders amid rising reports of Indian nationals being lured to the country on false job promises or assurances of onward transit to other nations. The decision, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs, will take effect from November 22, 2025. The MEA noted a series of incidents where individuals were duped into traveling on the visa-free arrangement and were subsequently kidnapped for ransom upon their arrival in Iran.

From the specified date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The government emphasized that the move aims to curb the misuse of the visa waiver facility by criminal entities and to safeguard travelers from being exploited. An advisory accompanied the announcement, urging Indian travelers to exercise vigilance and to avoid agents who offer visa-free travel or guarantee jobs in Iran.

This measure follows prior cautions issued by the MEA earlier in the year, which highlighted multiple cases of fake job offers targeting Indians in Iran. Officials stressed the importance of relying on official channels for visa processing and urged travelers to verify information through Indian missions and the MEA’s advisories before planning any trip.

The decision highlights the broader risk landscape for international travel amid scams that combine false employment promises with illegal transit schemes. Travelers are being urged to check current visa requirements in advance, prepare for potential delays, and maintain contact with official channels for updates. As the situation evolves, authorities said they will coordinate with Iranian authorities to ensure safety for Indian nationals who are already abroad or planning to travel.

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