Iranian Govt cancels visa requirements for Indian tourists, along with 32 other nations

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• Dec 15, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran's minister of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts...

Digital Desk: To increase tourism and travel in Iran, the Iranian government has waived visa restrictions for travellers from 33 countries, including India.

Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran's minister of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts, told state-run news agency IRNA on Friday that the move was made to attract more people from around the world and increase the number of tourists visiting Iran.

"The Islamic Republic has shown its readiness to open doors to people worldwide and provide more facilities for them so that they can easily visit our country and benefit from its advantages," Zarghami said in a statement.

Earlier this year, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, both seeking to boost tourism and trade, included India in similar visa-exemption lists.

With the addition of 32 nations to the list of countries whose nationals do not require a visa, Iran's list of visa-exempt states now stands at 45. 

"(We) believe that an open-door policy will demonstrate Iran's willingness to engage with various countries around the world." "The government intends to open the country's doors to the rest of the world," claimed Iran's tourism ministry.

Visa requirements for Saudi tourists have also been relaxed, indicating that both countries are eager to strengthen connections following the restoration of diplomatic relations.

Iran has also lifted visa requirements for Bahrain, with whom it has not yet restored full diplomatic relations. Croatia is the list's sole European country. Tunisia, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, as well as several Central Asian, African, and "Muslim" nations, have been added to the list.

Iran previously had visa-free arrangements with Turkey, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.