New Delhi: In a jolt to globe-trotting Indians, Iran has abruptly scrapped visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, effective after November 22, mandating visas for all entries and transits.
The one-sided move, announced on November 17, aims to curb the criminal exploitation of the old regime, where fraudsters lured hapless Indians with sham job offers or promises of onwards travel only to hold them hostage for ransom.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly issued a stark advisory, flagging multiple such abductions. “We have received reports of Indian nationals being enticed to Iran under visa-free pretexts and then kidnapped,” the MEA cautioned, urging citizens to shun dubious travel agents peddling “free visa” deals or quick routes to third countries.
This alert echoes a similar warning mere months ago, spotlighting a rising scourge of employment ruses turning into nightmares.
The policy reversal presents challenges for Indian tourists, businessmen, students, and pilgrims who had previously visited Iran’s captivating bazaars and minarets without the burden of paperwork. Iconic spots like Isfahan’s azure domes, Shiraz’s poetic gardens, and Tehran’s bustling streets — once a visa-free haven — now demand consular legwork.
Religious hubs like Mashhad and Qom, which draw devout Shia travellers, face added barriers too, with Iran’s unilateral tourist visa exemption also axed.
As bilateral ties simmer amid regional tensions, experts fear the change could chill people-to-people exchanges. The MEA stresses verifying all travel via official channels: “Exercise utmost caution; your safety first.” For many Indians eyeing Persian adventures, the message is clear — dreams of visa-free wanderlust just got a rude reality check.