Iran’s Tourism Minister, Ezzatollah Zarghami, announced on Monday that Iran has granted visa-free access to approximately half of the world’s population, totaling around four billion people. This move is part of the government’s efforts to boost the tourism sector and counter negative portrayals of the country in foreign media.
Zarghami stated that the government has abolished visas for citizens of 33 countries, with the initial proposal being to abolish visas for citizens of 60 countries. This significant step allows half of the world’s population to travel to Iran without the need for visas.
The visa-waiver program includes countries such as India, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Brazil, and many others. Additionally, tourist groups from Russia have been granted this privilege based on a mutual agreement between Tehran and Moscow.
The tourism ministry reported that more than six million foreign tourists visited Iran in the past Iranian calendar year, marking a substantial increase compared to the previous year. The Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, praised Iran’s decision for border easing and expressed optimism about the country’s future in tourism.
Iran boasts numerous tourist spots, including bazaars, museums, mosques, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, which are expected to attract even more visitors with the visa-free access initiative. The country aims to capitalize on its rich historical and cultural heritage to further boost its tourism industry.