Iran Introduces Visa-Free Policy for Indians, with Conditions Apply

In a notable gesture aimed at fostering cultural exchanges and bolstering tourism, the Islamic Republic of Iran has unveiled a visa-free policy for citizens of India, effective as of February 4, 2024.

This move, part of a larger initiative, extends visa exemptions to 33 countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and Mexico. The decision, approved by Iranian authorities in December, has been hailed by Ezzatollah Zarghami, the Iranian Culture Minister, who articulated that the primary goal is to stimulate tourism.

Under this new policy, Indian nationals arriving in Iran via air travel will be granted visa-free entry, exclusively for tourism purposes. Individuals holding ordinary passports can avail themselves of this benefit once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days per visit. It’s essential to note that this 15-day period is non-extendable.

For travelers intending to visit Iran for purposes other than tourism, such as business or study, the standard visa application process remains unchanged. Moreover, individuals seeking an extended stay, multiple entries within a six-month period, or different visa types must adhere to the conventional visa procedures through Iranian representations in India.

It’s pertinent to mention that the visa exemption applies solely to air travel, and individuals entering Iran via other modes of transportation may still be subject to visa requirements.

The implementation of this visa-free initiative is anticipated to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance tourism between Iran and India. Iran has witnessed a significant surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with a remarkable 315% increase in 2022 compared to the previous year, attracting approximately 4.1 million tourists.

According to Moslem Shojai, the head of the Iranian Tourism Ministry’s foreign tourism marketing and development office, there has been a notable rise in Indian tourists visiting Iran. In 2023 alone, around 31,000 Indians traveled to Iran in the initial six months of the year, marking a 25% upswing compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

The majority of foreign visitors to Iran engage in tourism, trade, medical treatment, and pilgrimage. Consequently, the visa-free initiative emerges as a strategic measure to streamline and encourage travel between the two nations.

As global travel resumes amidst evolving visa regulations, this announcement signifies a significant step towards facilitating smoother exchanges and fostering closer ties between Iran and India. It underscores the mutual commitment to promoting cultural understanding and enhancing tourism opportunities for citizens of both countries.