Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility available to Indian passport holders from Saturday amid several incidents of Indian nationals being “lured” into the country on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries, New Delhi said on Monday.

In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the suspension is intended to “prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements”.

Tehran had introduced a visa waiver for Indians in February 2024, which was valid once every six months for a non-extendable stay of 15 days solely for tourism. Starting Saturday, Indians holding ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran.

The ministry, in its press release, said that several Indians

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