Iran suspends visa waiver for Indian nationals after trafficking incidents, Indian embassy issues advisory

Iran has suspended its visa waiver facility for Indian nationals following multiple incidents in which Indians were allegedly lured to the country with false promises of jobs or onward travel and were later kidnapped for ransom. The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a formal advisory on Monday, alerting travellers about the suspension and urging caution.

According to the embassy, criminal networks had been exploiting the visa-free entry option for ordinary Indian passport holders to traffic individuals into Iran. Many unsuspecting travellers, misled by agents claiming to offer employment opportunities or transit routes to other countries, were abducted upon arrival.

The embassy statement said the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility with effect from 22 November, 2025. From this date, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports must obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.

The advisory cautioned Indians against falling prey to fraudulent agents promising visa-free travel or onward passage through Iran. “All Indian nationals intending to visit Iran are strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward transit to third countries via Iran,” the statement said.

Authorities in both India and Iran are monitoring the situation as investigations into trafficking and kidnapping networks continue.