Iran Lifts Visa Requirements To Combat The Phenomenon Of ‘Iranophobia’

In a major step towards “opening the doors of the country to the world”, Iran has announced the lifting of visa requirements for 33 countries, including 17 in Asia, six in Africa, five in Europe and five in Latin America. The facility was initiated unilaterally by Iran in accordance with priorities set by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.

The countries on the list include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, India, Russia, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Belarus.

Omani passport holders already enjoy visa-free facility to enter Iran. The new measures are expected to substantially boost tourism figures. In addition, the regime also seeks to counter negative perceptions and rumours, and combat the phenomenon of “Iranophobia perpetuated by the global arrogance system,” said Ezzatollah Zarghami.

Iranians Can Now Travel For Umrah In Saudi Arabia

The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts emphasised that the new measures demonstrate Iran’s readiness to lure in visitors from across the globe and offer them enhanced facilities for a convenient and enjoyable experience, noting that the latest decision is a message to the international community.

The minister further highlighted that his ministry had proposed the lifting of visa needs for 60 countries, but the government chose to approve the measure for 33 of them. Moreover, starting from December 19, Iranian citizens can travel for Umrah in Saudi Arabia through regular flights, according to Iranian media.

The development marks a significant improvement in relations between the two countries as it would be the first time in eight years that Iranians can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that the first flights will depart from 10 airports across Iran to transport pilgrims to Mecca, amid the first group scheduled to travel on the 19th of this month.