Iran recently announced a significant move, eliminating visa requirements for visitors from 33 countries, including India. The decision, declared by Iran’s Cabinet, aims to bolster tourism and attract a surge of global visitors. Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, highlighted the initiative’s objective to enhance tourism while countering negative perceptions through a strategy aimed at “neutralizing Iranophobia campaigns.”
The newly waived visa requirements encompass a diverse range of nations, comprising Russia (for group visits), United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Cuba, and several others. Earlier initiatives by Iran had already granted visa-free entry to travellers from Turkey, China, Oman, and other select countries.
The tourism landscape in Iran has witnessed a notable uptick, with foreign arrivals surging to 4.4 million within the initial eight months of the current Iranian year, marking a striking 48.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, as per IRNA reports.
For Indian travellers, this announcement further expands the list of countries offering visa-free entry. Presently, 27 countries extend this privilege to Indian passport holders. Recent additions to this list include Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, joining the ranks of visa-exempt countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and others.
This visa waiver serves as a testament to Iran’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector and fostering closer global ties. With this strategic move, the country aims to encourage cultural exchange and boost visitor influx, aligning with its broader vision to position itself as an attractive tourist destination on the global map.
Sources By Agencies
