Central Idea

Iran has announced the removal of visa requirements for Indian citizens and nationals from 32 other countries.
The decision is aimed at increasing tourism and improving global perceptions of Iran.

Iran’s Visa-Free Travel Initiative

Countries Included: The list includes Russia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, several Central Asian and African countries, Japan, Singapore, Southeast Asian nations, and select countries in Latin America and Europe.
Previous Visa Exemptions: Iran had earlier lifted visa requirements for Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.
Tourist Influx Statistics: Iran witnessed a 48.5% increase in tourist numbers, reaching 4.4 million in the first eight months of the current Iranian year.

Ministry’s Initial Proposal: The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts proposed visa-free travel for 60 countries, though it wasn’t fully approved.
Umrah Flights to Saudi Arabia: Starting December 19, Iranians can travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, marking the first such opportunity in eight years.

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.
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.