'Remain vigilant...': India issues advisory as Iran halts visa-free entry
What's the story
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to Iran. The advisory comes after Tehran decided to suspend visa-free entry for Indian passport holders from November 22. The decision was taken in light of increasing trafficking cases where Indians were lured with fake job offers and later kidnapped for ransom.
Scam alert
MEA warns against fake job scams in Iran
In its advisory, the MEA said, "Attention...has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries." The ministry added that these individuals were kidnapped upon arrival, and their families were asked for ransom. "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," it said.
Past advisories
MEA's previous warnings about risks in Iran
The MEA had earlier also cautioned Indian citizens about the risks of traveling to Iran for work. In September, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had highlighted cases of Indians being duped and kidnapped on fake employment promises. He said, "There have been a number of recent cases involving Indian citizens who have been lured to travel to Iran on false promises of employment... Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs."
Rules
New restrictions
Under the new restrictions, Indians must now apply for an Iranian visa in advance and obtain it before boarding their flights. Furthermore, travelers who are not visiting the nation but passing through it on their way to another Central Asian country must have a valid Iranian visa. All airlines are now advised to check the visa status of passengers who fly with them.
Entry restrictions
Visa-free entry to Iran strictly for tourism
Earlier, Iran's visa-free entry was extended to Indians only for tourism purposes, valid for 15 days every six months. It doesn't include employment. Iran is a popular tourist destination for Indians due to its heritage cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz, pilgrimage sites like Qom and Mashhad, desert landscapes, and ancient Silk Road routes.