Iran opens borders to 33 countries, including Gulf neighbors
Iran announced on Thursday the abolition of visa requirements for 33 countries, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, as reported by the semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) news agency.
The Iranian Ministry of Tourism believes that an open-door policy will showcase Iran’s determination to engage with different countries around the world, according to ISNA.
This decision will raise the count of countries or territories whose citizens can travel to Iran without a visa to 45, as per the statement.
This action signifies a further progression in easing the strained relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, especially considering the years of discord between these two oil-rich Gulf adversaries.
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore full diplomatic relations, severed in 2016, under a Chinese-mediated agreement in March.
The decision to eliminate visa requirements includes citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Additionally, it applies to Bahrain, despite the fact that Tehran has not yet fully restored its relations with them.
Lebanon, Tunisia, India, and various Central Asian, African, and “Muslim” nations are exempt from visa requirements. Croatia, a small EU and NATO member, is the only Western-allied European country on the list.
“Russians will only profit from this visa exemption if they are visiting the country in groups,” ISNA added.
For the first time in eight years, Iranian pilgrims will commence regular journeys to Saudi Arabia starting on December 19, as reported by Iranian media on Wednesday.
