Iran, a country with a rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has made a significant announcement that will make it easier for Indian travellers to visit. Effective from February 4, 2024, Indian citizens can now travel to Iran without the need for a visa.
This new visa-free policy isn’t just limited to India. Iran has extended this privilege to citizens from 33 countries, including major nations like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. The decision was made in December as part of a larger initiative to promote tourism. Ezzatollah Zarghami, the Iranian Culture Minister, expressed that the primary goal is to attract more visitors to Iran.
So, what does this mean for Indians planning to explore Iran? If you’re going for a holiday, you can now fly into Iran and stay for up to 15 days without the hassle of obtaining a visa. However, it’s important to note that this exemption is applicable only for air travel. If your purpose of visit is for work, study, or other reasons, you’ll still need to go through the regular visa application process. Additionally, if you plan to stay longer than 15 days, make multiple visits within six months, or require a different type of visa, you’ll have to follow the standard visa application procedure through the Iranian embassy in India.
However, there’s a condition attached to this visa waiver: it’s only applicable to travellers arriving in Iran by air. Those entering the country through other means of transportation will still need to obtain a visa.
Iran hopes that this new policy will not only attract more Indian tourists but also strengthen the bilateral relationship between Iran and India. The country has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with 4.1 million visitors in 2022, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in Indian tourists, with 31,000 Indians visiting Iran in the first six months of 2023, representing a 25% rise compared to the same period in 2022.
The majority of visitors to Iran engage in various activities such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or religious pilgrimage. By simplifying the visa process for Indian travellers, Iran aims to boost tourism and enhance the ties between the two nations.
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Minister Zarghami emphasized that this initiative goes beyond just tourism; it aims to alter perceptions of Iran and create a more welcoming environment for visitors.
Similar steps have been taken by other countries recently, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, which have waived visa requirements for Indian visitors. By joining this trend, Iran seeks to attract more tourists and showcase its natural beauty and historical sites to the world.
This new visa-free policy is part of Iran’s broader strategy to promote tourism and cultural exchange. The country has witnessed a nearly 50% increase in tourist arrivals in the past year alone.
By eliminating visa requirements and facilitating travel, Iran is opening its doors to the world and fostering greater understanding and friendship among nations.
Disclaimer: The above information is a result of research and Axpert Media is not responsible for errors in the same.
