Image Credits : AFP
Iran announced on Thursday, 14th December the lifting of visa requirements for citizens of 33 countries, marking a notable shift in its foreign policy. Among the countries benefiting from this decision are Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with whom Iran has had strained relations in the past.
The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Thursday that the Iranian Ministry of Tourism sees this initiative as a demonstration of Iran’s commitment to engaging with nations worldwide. The decision expands the list of countries whose citizens can visit Iran without a visa to a total of 45, reflecting Iran’s desire for increased international collaboration.
This move is particularly significant in the context of the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The two Gulf nations, which severed diplomatic ties in 2016, agreed to restore full diplomatic relations in March through a Chinese-mediated agreement. The lifting of visa requirements for Saudi Arabian citizens is seen as another positive step towards normalizing relations and fostering greater cooperation between the two countries.
Notably, the decision also extends to nationals of the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, further indicating a broader regional diplomatic thaw. While full ties with Bahrain have yet to be re-established, the inclusion of its citizens in the visa waiver highlights Iran’s willingness to mend relations.
The list of countries benefiting from this visa exemption is diverse, encompassing Lebanon, Tunisia, India, several Central Asian and African nations, and various Muslim-majority countries. Croatia, a Western-allied European nation and a member of both the European Union and NATO, stands as the sole representative from the Western world on the list.
It is important to note that Russians can only take advantage of this visa exemption when travelling in groups, according to ISNA. This provision suggests a strategic approach by Iran to manage tourism flows and promote organized group visits.
Oman, which had previously enjoyed visa-free travel to Iran, remains a beneficiary of this policy, maintaining the longstanding positive bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a related development, Iranian pilgrims are set to resume regular travel to Saudi Arabia from December 19, marking the first time in eight years. This development underscores the improving diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, with both nations taking steps to restore normalcy in their relations.
As Iran opens its doors to an increasing number of nations, the global community watches closely, anticipating the potential positive impact on diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties in the region. The visa-free entry initiative reflects Iran’s proactive approach to reshaping its international image and fostering collaboration with countries that were once considered diplomatic adversaries.