Iran has simplified travel for Indian tourists by removing the visa requirement for Indian citizens starting February 4, 2024. This decision comes with certain conditions. Nonetheless, arranging a flight from an Indian city to an Iranian city may pose some challenges, which we’ll discuss shortly.
Iran Visa-Free for Indians
Iran’s government recently announced relaxed visa rules for Indian travelers. Now, Indians can visit Iran without a visa if they travel by air, with a stay limited to 15 days. This change is part of Iran’s broader effort to attract tourists and counter negative perceptions about the country.
In December, Iran introduced a visa-waiver program for 33 countries, including India, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and Mexico. The goal is to encourage tourism and combat “Iranophobia.”
As per the Iranian embassy, Indian citizens can enter Iran visa-free under four conditions starting from February 4. They can visit once every six months, staying no more than 15 days per visit without extension. However, this privilege is exclusive to Indians traveling by air and for tourism purposes.
Conditions of Iran Visa-Free Entry for Indians
If you’re an Indian passport holder planning to visit Iran, here are the conditions for Visa-Free traveling:
- You can visit Iran visa-free once every six months, but you can only stay for up to 15 days each time. Remember, you can’t extend this stay period.
- This visa waiver is only for tourists visiting Iran.
- If you want to stay longer, make multiple visits within six months, or need a different type of visa, you’ll have to get it through the Iranian Embassy or consulate in India.
- This visa exemption is specifically for Indians entering Iran by air.
Why Iran Announces Visa-Free Entry for Indians?
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iran held the title of the most sanctioned country globally due to its foreign policy and nuclear activities. These sanctions have significant impacts, such as Indian travel websites being unable to display Iranian airports for online booking.
Numerous Iranian airports aren’t visible for online booking attempts. Nevertheless, MakeMyTrip can arrange offline bookings for flights from India to Iran upon request.
In essence, individuals cannot directly book flights from India to Iran online through any Indian ticket-booking platforms. Similarly, Havana, the capital of Cuba, also faces challenges as it’s not included in the MakeMyTrip airport dropdown list due to US sanctions.
How to Book Flight for Iran?
Booking a flight to Tehran, Iran’s capital, or other Iranian cities is easiest through the airline’s website. Alternatively, you can call ticket-booking platforms to arrange your flight.
Many international airlines offer flights from Indian cities to Iran with layovers in the Middle East. Airlines such as Emirates, FlyDubai, Oman Air, Air Arabia, and Qatar Airways provide connecting flights to Tehran.
For those preferring Iranian carriers like Iran Air or Mahan Air, the most convenient method is to contact the airline directly and book your flight with them.
Air India’s Flight Plans to Iran
In 2016, there were reports that Air India planned to resume flights to Iran after a twenty-year break. Specifically, Air India Express, the airline’s budget arm, aimed to operate three weekly flights from New Delhi to Tehran.
Prior to these plans, Air India had briefly resumed flights to Tehran on March 16, 1991, only to halt them soon after due to instability in the Middle East.
The decision to restart flights in 2017 came shortly after major world powers lifted sanctions on Iran, part of a deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program.
However, Air India faced hurdles with the US EXIM bank, which had financed much of its international fleet, including the Boeing 737s used by Air India Express. With the lifting of sanctions, Air India could potentially fly these aircraft to Iran.
Unfortunately, in May 2018, former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, leading to renewed sanctions on Iran. This decision impacted Air India’s plans, with flights to Tehran never materializing.
Throughout these developments, Air India also underwent ownership changes, transitioning from government control to Tata ownership.
Iran Visa-Free for Indians FAQs
Q.1. Can Indian citizens visit Iran without a visa?
Ans. Yes, Indian citizens can visit Iran without a visa if they travel by air, with a stay limited to 15 days.
Q.2. What are the conditions for Indians traveling visa-free to Iran?
Ans. Indian passport holders can visit Iran visa-free once every six months, staying up to 15 days per visit without extension, exclusively for tourism purposes.
Q.3. How can I book a flight to Iran from India?
Ans. You can book flights to Iran through airline websites or by contacting ticket-booking platforms. Many international airlines offer connecting flights from Indian cities to Iran.
Q.4. What happened to Air India’s plans to fly to Iran?
Ans. Air India’s plans to resume flights to Iran in 2017 were impacted by sanctions and geopolitical changes, including the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
Q.5. What challenges do Indian travelers face due to US sanctions on Iran?
Ans. Indian travelers may face difficulties booking flights directly to Iran online due to restrictions imposed by US sanctions on Iranian airports, necessitating alternative booking methods.
