Introduction

The recent announcement of visa-free travel to Iran for Indian passport holders has garnered significant attention, marking a significant milestone in bilateral travel facilitation.

Iran’s Visa-Free Regime for India

Tourism Purposes: Indian citizens holding ordinary passports can avail of the visa-free travel privilege but must intend to visit Iran solely for tourism purposes.
Mode of Entry: The relaxation applies exclusively to travelers entering Iran via air routes.
Maximum Duration: Travelers under this scheme can stay in Iran for a maximum of 15 days during each visit.
Re-entry Provisions: Re-entry into Iran is permissible after a gap of six months from the previous departure.
Extended Stay or Multiple Entries: Individuals desiring prolonged stays, frequent visits within six months, or seeking alternative visa categories must obtain requisite visas from the Iranian diplomatic missions in India.

Current Visa-Free Countries: 27 countries now offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens, with recent additions including Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Global Outreach: Beyond immediate neighbors, countries like Barbados, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, and Nepal offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens, reflecting evolving global travel dynamics.
Popular Destinations for Indian Citizens: The top five travel destinations are the UAE, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Thailand, with many visiting as part of the diaspora.