Citizens from the Republic of Serbia have been exempt from visa requirements to enter Iran.
This decision was announced during the fourth meeting of the Joint Consular Commission between Iran and Serbia, where it was announced that the new plans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran have already entered into force, VisaGuide.World reports.
During the meeting, consular issues were further discussed, including visas, ensuring and expanding scientific and educational cooperation, legal and judicial support, as well as solving the issues faced by the citizens of these two countries.
Following the current facilitation of visas for Serbian tourists by the government of Iran, the director general for consular affairs of the Iranian Foreign Ministry also called for the facilitation and acceleration of visas for Iranian businessmen and students and the resolution of their problems.
Moreover, in February of this year, Iran authorities announced a new visa-free policy for nationals from 28 countries, including Serbia, who intend to explore Iran as tourists.
List of Countries That Benefit From Iran’s Visa Waiver Scheme
In this regard, destinations that could enjoy this decision are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia, Tanzania, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, and India.
In addition, the visa waiver applies especially to those arriving in Iran by air, with no provision for those entering the country through land border crossings. The policy adjustment aligns with Iran’s broader strategy to facilitate tourism and improve international relations.
Iran approved a similar move in December last year by lifting visa requirements for citizens from 33 nations, marking a shift in international relations, particularly with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia. Except for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain citizens will also enjoy the privilege of visa exemption.
At that time, among other potential additions, were also destinations as follows:
- Argentina
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Estonia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Ecuador
- Algeria
- The UAE
- Bahrain
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Belarus
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Tanzania
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
According to the VisaGuide Passport Index, the Iranian passport ranks 177th worldwide as of July 2024. This means that Iranian citizens can travel visa-free to 18 countries. However, to enter the remaining countries, Iranian passport holders must apply for a visa beforehand.