Iran, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, is experiencing a tourism boom. The country has introduced a visa-free policy for tourists from 33 countries, making travel easier and more attractive. This initiative aims to attract visitors seeking to explore Iran’s stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Halal tourism in Iran is also on the rise, drawing in Muslim travelers seeking destinations that respect their religious and cultural practices. Iran’s vast historical sites, diverse scenery, and rich Islamic heritage offer a unique and enriching experience for halal-conscious tourists. The country provides numerous halal-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and facilities, ensuring that Muslim travelers can comfortably observe their dietary and religious practices.
Iran’s dedication to enhancing halal tourism is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and services, making it a prime destination for those seeking a culturally rich and spiritually satisfying travel experience.
The impact of these initiatives is evident in the significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals. In the first quarter of 2024, Iran saw 1,398,000 visitors, compared to 872,000 during the same period in 2023. This trend continued throughout the year, with Iran welcoming 5.9 million foreign tourists in 2023, up from 4.1 million in 2022 and 880,000 in 2021. This surge in tourism propelled Iran’s global ranking from 40th in 2022 to 34th in 2023.
In February 2024, Iran introduced a 15-day visa-free policy for Indian tourists, allowing Indian citizens with ordinary passports to enter Iran by air for tourism purposes once every six months. The maximum stay of 15 days cannot be extended, and longer stays or multiple entries require visas obtained through Iranian representations in India.
Domestic air passenger traffic also saw significant growth in the last financial year (March 2022-23), increasing by 14% to 32.04 million passengers flown internally by Iranian airlines. Mehrabad Airport in Tehran remains the busiest airport, followed by Mashhad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to data from Iran Airports Company, Mehrabad accounted for 12.34 million of the total 32.04 million domestic passengers, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
Iran’s economic growth is also reflected in its GDP, which stood at $401.5 billion in 2023 according to the World Bank. The GDP grew by 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 4.03% from 1963 to 2023. However, the growth rate in 2023 showed a slowdown compared to previous years.
Iran’s new visa-waiver program includes the following countries: [List of countries here]
