Iran Lifts Visa Requirements for 33 Countries Including Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran has lifted visa requirements for visitors from 33 countries, including Indonesia, in an attempt to boost tourism. Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami, said the cancellation of the visa requirements was approved in a government meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

In total, the visa rules were lifted for 17 Asian countries, 6 African countries, 5 European, and 5 Latin American states, according to Iranian news agencies.

The Asian countries on the list include India, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. European countries include Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Belarus. The Latin American countries on the list are Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela.

African countries mentioned are Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Iran, during the first six months of this year, around 3,354,185 individuals traveled to Iran. The figure includes citizens from neighboring countries such as Afghanistan making visits for non-tourism reasons.

Despite boasting a rich cultural and historical legacy and captivating natural landscapes, in recent years Iran has encountered difficulties in drawing foreign tourists. This challenge has been compounded by reports of the detention of foreigners and dual nationals, contributing to a decline in tourism interest. Visitors must also contend with stringent dress codes for women and limitations on alcohol and nightlife following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

IRAN INTERNATIONAL

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