In a significant policy change, Iran has suspended its visa-free travel agreement with India, which had been in effect since February 2024. From November 22, 2025, Indian citizens will require a visa to enter Iran. This abrupt halt is attributed to a surge in criminal activities, including elaborate job scams and the dangerous practice of kidnapping for ransom that preyed on unsuspecting Indian travelers.
Iranian officials confirmed the termination of the one-way visa waiver for ordinary Indian passport holders. The Indian government had previously alerted Iran about cases where citizens were misled by agents offering fake job prospects or passage to third countries. Upon landing in Iran, these individuals were reportedly abducted and their families pressured for substantial ransoms. The government’s intervention was crucial in the rescue of a group of Punjabi men who fell victim to such a scheme. This suspension serves as a critical safeguard against further exploitation. Indian nationals are urged to exercise the utmost caution and to avoid unofficial travel facilitators.