Iran Expands Visa-Free Entry for 33 New Nationalities
Iran has officially announced a visa exemption for travelers from 33 new countries, aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchanges as part of its global outreach.
Just two months after announcing plans to exempt 68 countries from visa requirements, Iran has confirmed the first wave of visa exemptions for citizens of 33 countries.
This decision is designed to stimulate tourism and strengthen cultural exchanges between Iran and these nations. The move underscores Iran’s commitment to opening up globally and challenging persistent misconceptions about the country as an underserved travel destination.
The 33 visa-exempt countries
In a press conference, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami confirmed that travelers from 33 countries will now benefit from unilateral visa exemptions. They include:
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
This measure aims to foster tourism and cultural links between Iran and the listed countries.
Iran’s push to engage the world
Beyond the visa policy, Ezzatollah Zarghami emphasized that Iran is seeking greater global integration by making it easier for international visitors to explore the country. The initiative targets travelers who may still hold outdated perceptions, encouraging them to experience Iran’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and visitor-ready infrastructure first-hand.
According to the minister, tourism has been growing rapidly: foreign visitor numbers reached 4.4 million in the first eight months of the Iranian year, a 50 percent increase over the same period last year.
Entry rules for travelers from Europe and beyond
Tourists from many countries, including Europe, can obtain a visa on arrival. To prepare, travelers must register on the official Iranian e-Visa portal at least 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, they must present the pre-registration confirmation at the airport visa counter.
The on-arrival visa fee for European citizens is set at 75 US dollars (€65). Citizens may also opt to secure a visa in advance through an Iranian embassy; consular authorities will collect fingerprints as part of the process.
The French government currently advises against all travel to Iran, citing a heightened terrorism-risk alert and warning of the possibility of arbitrary arrest, detention, or unfair trial even for dual nationals.
