Iran allows visa-free entry to more than 30 countries: Here’s the list

TEHRAN – Iran has made a significant move by allowing citizens from more than 30 nations to enter the country without the need for a visa, marking a substantial shift for global travelers.

Ezzatollah Zarghami, the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, confirmed the cabinet’s approval of the decision, aiming to waive visa requirements for numerous countries. This decision, suggested by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, aligns with the government’s ambition to foster international connections and open Iran’s doors to the world.

The list of countries benefiting from this visa exemption is extensive, encompassing nations like India, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Brazil, and many others. Additionally, the Iranian government has agreed to eliminate visa requirements for organized tourist groups from Russia. While Iran previously had visa exemptions for specific countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, this updated list is more comprehensive.

The countries to benefit from the fresh move are:

India, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles

The decision comes amidst a push by Iran’s tourism ministry, which sought visa-free entry for passport holders from 68 countries. Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Zarghami’s deputy for tourism, expects a substantial surge in tourist arrivals, estimating the number to reach six million by the end of March 2024.

Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is situated in Western Asia and shares borders with multiple nations, including Armenia, Iraq, and Turkey. With a population surpassing 83 million, Iran stands as one of the most populous countries in the Middle East. The nation boasts a wealth of historical sites, including the ancient city of Persepolis, the architectural beauty of Isfahan, and the vibrant cultural scene of Tehran.

It bears mentioning that while Iran is opening up to the world, the citizens of Iran are also being welcomed. For instance, Iranians were allowed to perform Umrah by Saudi Arabia after a gap of 8 years and the first batch in this regard would depart on December 19th.