Exploring Visa-Free Travel Opportunities for Indian Citizens: Iran, Sri Lanka, and Beyond”

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Indian Citizens are now permitted to travel to Iran without the need for a visa, by fulfilling some specific conditions. Although the announcement regarding this was made in December of the previous year, the detailed conditions have been released recently, and the relief has come into force from February 4, 2024.

Who is eligible for visa-free travel to Iran?

Indian citizens with ordinary passports can travel to Iran without a visa, provided their visit is for tourism purposes and they enter the country via air travel. However, this exemption does not apply to individuals traveling for purposes such as work or study.

What is the duration of stay permitted in Iran?

Individuals entering Iran without a visa are allowed a maximum stay of 15 days and can re-enter the country after six months. However, for those seeking a longer stay, multiple entries within six months, or other types of visas, they must obtain the required visas through the appropriate representations of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India, as stated in an official release.

What prompted Iran to remove visa requirements?

In December 2023, Iran announced relaxation measures for India along with 32 other countries. The objective, as stated by Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts at the time, was to stimulate tourism and attract more visitors globally.

Zarghami emphasized that this decision aimed to demonstrate Iran’s dedication to international engagement. He noted that by taking such steps, Iran sought to counteract negative perceptions and dispel rumors while addressing the phenomenon of ‘Iranophobia’ perpetuated by global powers.

Among the 32 countries were Russia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Darussalam, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Belarus.

Previously, Iran had already lifted visa requirements for citizens of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Which countries permit visa-free travel for Indian passport holders?

Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam have recently implemented visa waivers for Indian citizens.

In December 2023, Thailand, another neighboring country heavily reliant on tourism, announced a visa exemption for Indian nationals from November 10 of that year until May 10, 2024.

In October 2023, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, initiated a pilot project lifting visa requirements for citizens of seven countries, including India, China, and Russia. This exemption was extended until March 31, 2024, as part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to revitalize tourism amidst economic challenges, with a target of 50 million visitors by 2026.

Currently, 27 countries offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens. These include Kenya, Indonesia, Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, Haiti, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.