Overview
- Ordinary Indian passport holders must secure Iranian visas in advance for entry and for airport transit starting November 22, 2025.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the suspension and said it is intended to prevent further misuse of the waiver by traffickers and smugglers.
- Airlines operating routes touching Iran have been instructed to verify passengers’ visa status before boarding.
- The MEA urged Indians to avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward routes via Iran after multiple reported abductions for ransom.
- Iran had allowed limited visa-free tourist visits since early 2024, a scheme now paused that is expected to affect budget transit to Central Asia and Europe.