Iran Visa Free Entry for 45 Nations; Travel Got Easier!

Introduction 

Travel to Iran is much easier and cheaper for 45 countries by Iran visa free! In a groundbreaking move, the government opened its arms wider to the world, introducing Iran visa free entry for citizens of 33 nations. This transformative decision, spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism, is the first phase of a visionary plan aimed at extending this privilege to citizens of 60 countries.

This decision helps tourists explore the rich culture and nature of this ancient land without the need for a visa.

Unlocking Doors: A New Chapter in Travel Iran & Tourism without Visa

Travel to Iran has long been attractive, because of its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Amidst the rich tapestry of Iran’s cultural heritage, citizens of select countries can now explore this enchanting land without the hassle of obtaining an Iran visa.

This strategic initiative goes beyond facilitating travel; it aims to counter Iranphobia and showcase the nation’s true essence — a haven of history, natural wonders, ecotourism, warm hospitality, and health tourism.

Travelers will have the opportunity to unlock the treasures of Iran, from the bustling markets of Tehran to the ancient wonders of Persepolis. Whether it’s the vibrant nature of high mountains and ski tours or the serene landscapes of mysterious deserts, this visa-free entry opens a gateway to a diverse range of experiences.

Iran Visa Free; Citizens of which countries can travel to Iran without a visa?

With the unilateral cancellation of Iran’s visas with 33 countries, the number of countries whose nationals can travel to Iran without a visa has reached 45 countries.

On December 13, 2023, Ezzatullah Zarghami – Minister of Cultural Heritage, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tourism, and Handicrafts announced the government’s decision to cancel visas with 33 countries.

Before this decision, Iran had previously canceled bilaterally with five countries: Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Syria, and Kazakhstan.

For the citizens of Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Oman, Egypt, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Malaysia, this visa cancellation was unilateral and they could collect their visas at the airport upon arrival. Of course, citizens of these countries could travel to Iran for a certain period of time.

Now, Iran’s visas have been unilaterally canceled for the nationals of about 30 other countries, and the three countries Lebanon, Venezuela, and Malaysia, whose nationals could travel to Iran with an airport visa before, have found the possibility of traveling to Iran without a visa with the new government decree.

Accordingly, Iran’s visas for 33 other countries have been canceled unilaterally.

These 33 countries, according to the announcement of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, include:

The Persian Gulf Countries and the Middle East

• Saudi Arabia,
• Qatar,
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE),
• Bahrain,
• Kuwait,
• Lebanon

The Countries of the Neighbor and Civilization Area of the Caucasus

• Russia (only as a group entry),
• Uzbekistan,
• Kyrgyzstan,
• Tajikistan

NOTE:
In 2023, Iran also implemented the cancellation of group visas with Russia in a bilateral agreement. It was for group tours where 5 to 50 people with a travel agency could travel to each other’s countries without visas.
But now, with the recent approval of the government, Russia has been added to the list of countries with which Iran has unilaterally canceled visas.

In this way, Russian citizens can be exempted from receiving visas in case of a group trip to Iran.

African and Muslim Countries

• Tunisia,
• Tanzania,
• Mauritania,
• Zimbabwe,
• Mauritius,
• Seychelles

East Asian Countries

• Japan,
• Indonesia,
• Malaysia,
• Singapore,
• Vietnam,
• Cambodia,
• Brunei

The Americas

• Brazil,
• Mexico,
• Peru,
• Venezuela,
• Cuba

Eastern European Countries

• Croatia,
• Serbia,
• Bosnia and Herzegovina and
• Belarus

Countries with a Cultural Commonality and a Member of the BRICS Organization

• India

Travel Iran Visa Free at the Airport

Generally, all the above countries can travel to Iran visa-free. The citizens of these countries can enter all Iran airports and no need to apply for an Iran visa or worry about airport visas.

Since 2014, Iran has been issuing visas at airports and some entry points for citizens of all countries, except the United States, Canada, England, Jordan, Somalia, Colombia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Also, Since 2018, with the decision and plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for E-Visa, the visa stickers and entry and exit stamps are not registered in the passport of foreign nationals. So the visa is printed on a separate paper and the passports will still be clean of any stamps.

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts believes that with the open door policy through the facilitation of visas for citizens and businessmen of other countries, Iran seriously decided to interact with different countries of the world.

An Interview of Iran Visa-Free with the Minister of Tourism

In an exclusive interview, Minister Ezzatullah Zarghami shed light on this groundbreaking decision. Highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting tourism, he stated, “For years, the world has seen integrations like the Schengen visa in the European Union. This move is a testament to our commitment to tourism as a universal right.”

Zarghami said: I emphasize on tourism because our view is that tourism is the right of all people in the world and Iran is one of the most scenic countries in terms of history, nature, ecotourism, hospitality, and health tourism.

The initial proposal aimed at visa cancellation for 60 countries, with the recent approval covering new 33 nations. Zarghami highlighted that this action not only serves to showcase Iran’s breathtaking landscapes but also stands as a response to unwarranted prejudices.”

This decision comes at a time when Iran is poised to redefine its image in the global tourism landscape. As the government finalizes details and works towards extending this progressive visa policy to additional nations, the world eagerly awaits the opportunity to explore the wonders of Iran.

Conclusion

With this bold step, Iran invites travelers from 45 nations on a journey of discovery freely. As the barriers of entry are lifted, a new era in global tourism begins, and Iran stands ready to welcome visitors with open arms.