Govt approves signing of pact with Iran on visas

New Delhi: The government today approved signing of an agreement with Iran providing for easier issuance of visas for diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders.

As per provisions of the pact, upon presentation of an official note by Foreign Ministry of either country, the resident diplomatic missions in the host country would issue gratis visa for 90 days to holders of diplomatic, official and service passports who are on long-term assignments.

Appropriate gratis visas of three months’ validity for visiting close family members and visas for other close relatives of the assignees would also be issued.

As per the provisions, non-extendable gratis entry visa will be issued within three working days, with a validity of up to 15 days, to political authorities and officials travelling for specific bilateral purposes or to participate in a conference or seminar.

A multiple-entry gratis visa of three months’ validity, for stays up to 20 days during each visit, for the audit/ financial and IT/computer officials who travel on official business to their respective diplomatic missions and consulates general will be issued within 15 working days, said a government release.