India Issues Fresh Advisory Urging Citizens to Avoid Travel to Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued a renewed and strongly worded advisory asking Indian nationals to defer all travel to Iran, citing a rapidly worsening security environment and continuing unrest across the country.

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals are once again advised to avoid travel to the country until further notice,” the MEA said in a statement. The latest warning follows an earlier advisory issued on January 5, as concerns over public order and safety continue to intensify.

In a separate communication, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged Indians currently in Iran to leave at the earliest possible opportunity. In a post on X, the Embassy advised students, pilgrims, business travellers and tourists to make use of all available transport options, including commercial flights, to exit the country.

The Embassy said the instruction was issued in light of the changing security situation and reiterated that those still in Iran should exercise extreme caution. Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) have been asked to stay away from protest sites and large gatherings, remain in constant contact with the Embassy, and closely follow local news updates. It also advised travellers to keep passports and other identification documents readily accessible.

For emergency assistance, the Embassy has shared multiple helpline numbers — +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359 — and an email contact, [email protected].

Indian nationals in Iran who have not yet registered with the Embassy have been requested to do so through the MEA’s registration portal. Acknowledging internet disruptions in parts of Iran, the Embassy said family members in India may complete the registration process on behalf of those unable to access online services.

The advisories come against the backdrop of continuing unrest in Iran, where protests have now entered their third week. What initially began as demonstrations over record inflation and the sharp depreciation of the national currency has since spread across the country, with reports of agitation in more than 280 locations. 

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