New Delhi, November 18, 2025 — Iran has withdrawn its visa-waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders after a surge in trafficking, kidnapping and extortion cases involving Indian nationals who were lured into the country on false promises of jobs or onward travel.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday issued a strong advisory revealing that multiple Indians had been trapped by organised criminal networks that exploited Iran’s visa-free entry. Agents allegedly targeted vulnerable job-seekers with fake offers, encouraging them to travel through Iran for easy access to other destinations.
According to the advisory, several Indians were kidnapped soon after landing in Iran, with families being asked to pay ransom. Officials believe these operations were run by coordinated syndicates that took advantage of the visa loophole.
The Iranian government has now officially suspended visa-free entry for Indian nationals starting November 22, 2025. From that date, all Indian travellers — including those transiting through Iran — must obtain a valid visa before arrival. The MEA clarified that the decision specifically aims to curb human trafficking and smuggling rackets.
Indian authorities have urged travellers to remain extremely cautious and avoid dealing with agents offering visa-free travel, overseas placements, or shortcut migration routes via Iran. Most recent victims had been misled by intermediaries promising quick foreign jobs without proper documentation.
The advisory further stresses that Indians travelling to Iran for work, tourism, or transit must secure the required visa in advance and stay alert to fraudulent recruitment schemes. The government is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Iranian officials to safeguard Indian nationals.
Iran Ends Visa-Free Entry for Indians After Trafficking Scams Expose Major Safety Threat
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