Iran ends visa-free entry for Indians from November 22: What travellers need to know | Explained

People visit the historic bazaar of Tabriz, believed to be one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East, in northwestern Iran on September 17, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Iran has announced that it will end its one-way visa-free entry for Indian nationals with ordinary passports starting November 22, marking a major shift in its travel policy. From that date, Indian visitors will need to obtain a visa before travelling to the country or even transiting through its airports.

The decision reverses Tehran’s earlier policy that allowed Indians to enter Iran without a visa under certain conditions. That policy was introduced as part of Iran’s broader push to attract more tourists from Asia and deepen ties with regional countries, including India.

Under the new rules, all Indian travellers must now secure an approved Iranian visa before boarding their flights. The change also applies to passengers who are not entering the country but are only transiting through an Iranian airport, as visa-free transit will no longer be permitted. Airlines have been instructed to check passengers’ visa status before allowing boarding.

Iran has long been a popular destination among Indian travellers for its mix of history, culture, and spirituality. Cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran are known for their Persian architecture and heritage, while Mashhad and Qom attract pilgrims due to their religious significance. Many Indian tourists also visit Iran for its desert landscapes and ancient Silk Road connections.

Apart from tourism, Iran has also served as a convenient and affordable transit hub for Indian passengers travelling to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. With the new rule, travellers will need to plan well in advance and factor in visa processing time before booking flights with stopovers in Iran.

The Iranian government has not specified the exact reasons for ending the visa-free facility, though officials in Tehran are expected to issue further clarifications in the coming days. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is also monitoring the development and is expected to release updated travel guidance soon.

The policy shift is likely to affect a significant number of Indian tourists and transit passengers who had benefited from Iran’s earlier open-access policy, signalling a tighter immigration regime as Tehran reassesses its travel and border priorities.