Iran announces visa-free travel for Indian tourists

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The Iranian government has approved a visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This policy will be only valid for tourism purposes. With this exemption, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter Iran without a visa once every six months for a maximum stay of 15 days. If Indian citizens wish to stay for a longer period or make multiple entries within a six-month period or require other types of visas, it is mandatory to get necessary visas through the respective representations of Iran in India.

Announcing the latest development, Iranian embassy said, “The visa-free entry has been rolled out for Indian citizens from February 4 subject to four conditions” Individuals holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter the country without a visa once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days, the statement from the ministry said. “It is important to note that the 15 days cannot be extended. The visa abolition only applies to individuals entering the Islamic Republic of Iran territory for tourism purposes,” it said. Hence, Indians wanting to stay longer, make multiple entries within six months, or require other types of visas must obtain necessary visas from Iranian missions in India. “The visa abolition outlined in this approval specifically applies to Indian nationals who enter the country just through the air border,” it said.

In December, Iran approved a new visa-free programme for India and 32 other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Currently, 27 countries provide visa-free entry to Indian citizens. These countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and others.