Travel advisory for Iran issued
Days after issuing a travel advisory for Venezuela, India on Monday cautioned its nationals against non-essential travel to Iran, citing the country’s ongoing internal conflict and security concerns.In an advisory dated January 5, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian citizens are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice. The warning comes amid reports of internal unrest and protests in parts of the country, raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals.
“Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran,” the MEA said.The ministry also advised Indian nationals residing in Iran on long-term or resident visas to register with the Indian Embassy in Tehran if they have not already done so. The registration, officials said, would help the embassy remain in contact with the Indian community and provide timely assistance in case the security situation deteriorates further.
India has a small but significant presence in Iran, including students, professionals, and businesspersons, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and trade. The MEA said the embassy is closely monitoring developments on the ground and remains available to support Indian nationals.The advisory follows a similar caution issued recently for Venezuela after dramatic political and security developments there. Together, the back-to-back advisories underline India’s heightened focus on the safety of its citizens abroad amid rising geopolitical instability in several regions.
The MEA reiterated that the situation in Iran is under constant review and that further updates would be issued as necessary. Indian nationals have been urged to remain vigilant, limit their movements, and stay in regular touch with the Indian Embassy until the situation stabilises.A wave of protests sparked by Iran’s failing economy has entered its ninth day, as President Donald Trump renewed his threat of US intervention.On Sunday, videos published online showed demonstrations in Tehran, as well as Fars, Ilam, North Khorasan and Semnan provinces.
Human rights activists said protests had taken place in 26 of the country’s 31 provinces since last week, and that at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces had been killed.US President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning overnight, saying Iranian authorities would be “hit very hard” if further protesters were killed, as nationwide demonstrations driven by Iran’s worsening economic crisis entered their ninth day.Protests continued on Sunday, with videos circulating on social media showing demonstrations in Tehran and several provinces, including Fars, Ilam, North Khorasan and Semnan. Human rights activists said unrest has now spread to 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces since last week.
The toll from the crackdown has continued to rise. Activist groups reported that at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces have been killed so far. In a further escalation, human rights organisations said at least three children were among those killed, while more than 40 minors have been arrested during eight days of protests. The groups accused Iran’s security forces of “indiscriminate targeting of civilians”.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), the nationwide uprising-sparked by the collapse of Iran’s currency and soaring living costs-has spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations. Demonstrators in several areas have reportedly called for an end to the regime, reflecting growing anger over economic hardship and governance.Trump’s warning added to international pressure on Tehran, as concern mounted over the handling of the protests and the rising number of casualties, particularly among children and young people.
