Iran’s tourism sector has expanded visa-free access to citizens of 33 countries, enabling approximately half of the global population—around four billion people—to travel to the country without a visa, according to Iranian Tourism Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami. The minister made the announcement during a meeting with members of the cultural faction of the Iranian parliament at the National Museum of Iran.

Initially, the government had proposed abolishing visas for citizens of 60 nations, but ultimately approved the measure for 33 countries. This visa waiver program includes countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Among the listed countries are India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Serbia, Tunisia, and Tanzania. Certain nations such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria already benefit from various forms of visa exemptions, which include unilateral, bilateral, group cancellations, or on-arrival visas. Additionally, Russian tourist groups receive visa privileges based on a reciprocal agreement with Moscow.

The tourism ministry’s data indicate a marked recovery in inbound tourism, with over six million foreign visitors arriving by air, road, and sea during the Iranian calendar year ending March 19. This figure represents significant growth compared to the approximately 4.23 million tourists recorded in the previous year.

Zarghami also highlighted challenges faced by Iran in attracting international visitors, attributing ongoing difficulties to what he described as “Iranophobia,” a term used to describe negative portrayals of the country in foreign media. He suggested that the visa waiver policy is part of a broader government effort to counteract misconceptions and promote tourism as a way to foster cultural understanding and economic development.

While the visa waiver covers a wide range of countries, some analysts note that political considerations and diplomatic relations continue to influence Iran’s visa policies. The initial proposal covering 60 countries was pared down to 33, reflecting possible geopolitical and security concerns amid ongoing regional tensions and international scrutiny.

Overall, Iran’s visa reforms represent a significant step toward opening the country to international travel, with officials expressing optimism that easing entry requirements will stimulate growth in the tourism sector and contribute positively to the national economy.