Why India is Cautioning Citizens Against Travel to Iran Amid Protests

Travel Advisory Issued for Iran

New Delhi: On Monday, the Indian government advised its citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to Iran due to ongoing protests linked to inflation and currency depreciation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indian nationals currently in Iran to exercise caution and steer clear of areas where protests are occurring.

The advisory states, "In light of recent events, Indian nationals are recommended to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice."

Furthermore, it emphasizes that Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should remain vigilant, avoid protest zones, and stay updated through news and the Indian embassy's social media channels in Tehran.

Travel Advisory for Iran

https://t.co/O92nERv37c pic.twitter.com/kSmSpDqbOj

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 5, 2026

The MEA also recommended that Indian nationals residing in Iran on resident visas register with the embassy if they have not done so already.

Protests against deteriorating economic conditions began in Tehran approximately nine days ago.

Currently, around 25 out of 31 provinces have experienced protests, resulting in over 10 fatalities.

These demonstrations were sparked by a significant decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar.

Last week, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran regarding its treatment of protesters.

"We are locked and loaded and ready to go," he stated in a social media post without providing further details.

Trump also mentioned that Iran would face severe consequences if more protesters were killed, saying, "We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States."

In June of the previous year, the US conducted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.