TEHRAN, Dec 13: In a significant move towards fostering international tourism, Iran has unilaterally decided to cancel visas for 33 countries, a decision that includes prominent nations such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. Ezzatollah Zarghami, the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, made the official announcement, expressing that the government has taken the bold step to "open the country's doors to the world," with the decision receiving approval from the highest echelons of the government.

The cancellation of visas applies to a diverse array of countries, and the Ministry's proposal for this initiative was greenlit by the government. The list encompasses nations from various continents, reflecting Iran's commitment to enhancing global connectivity and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

Here is the comprehensive list of countries for which Iran has revoked visa requirements:

1. India
2. The Russian Federation
3. UAE
4. Bahrain
5. Saudi Arabia
6. Qatar
7. Kuwait
8. Lebanon
9. Uzbekistan
10. Kyrgyzstan
11. Tajikistan
12. Tunisia
13. Mauritania
14. Tanzania
15. Zimbabwe
16. Mauritius
17. Seychelles
18. Indonesia
19. Brunei Darussalam
20. Japan
21. Singapore
22. Cambodia
23. Malaysia
24. Vietnam
25. Brazil
26. Peru
27. Cuba,
28. Mexico
29. Venezuela
30. Bosnia and Herzegovina
31. Serbia
32. Croatia and
33. Belarus

This move is expected to stimulate tourism, facilitating greater cultural exchange and economic growth, while also showcasing Iran's commitment to being an inviting destination for global visitors. The cancellation of visas aligns with the government's efforts to position Iran as an attractive and accessible hub for international travelers.