MEA Advises Indians to Leave Iran, Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel as Protests Persist

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a fresh warning on January 14, 2026, urging Indian nationals not to travel to Iran, as large protests and unrest continue there. The advisory followed reports of a harsh security response to demonstrations over soaring inflation, and growing concern about safety risks for foreign citizens, including Indians residing, working or studying in the country.

The MEA statement said, In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice, underscoring that the instruction applies to all categories of travellers. The announcement came on a day when images circulated of protests backing Iranian demonstrators, including a rally outside the Town Hall in Sydney, Australia.

India issues updated Iran travel advisory for citizens abroad

Alongside the MEA note, the Indian Embassy in Iran released an updated Iran travel advisory directed at Indians already present there. The embassy said, In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights, urging timely departure where possible.

The embassy further stressed personal safety measures for those unable to depart at once. Its advisory stated, It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments, highlighting that regular contact and awareness of local updates remain crucial under current conditions.

Contact channels and registration in the Iran travel advisory

Officials in Tehran also reminded Indian nationals to keep documents accessible. The embassy message read, All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard, signalling readiness to support those needing help with travel or consular issues.

Emergency contact points for Indians in Iran were shared in the Iran travel advisory for quick access during any crisis. The embassy listed mobile numbers and an email address for consular support, as shown below.

Registration of residents and visitors with the embassy remained a key point in the Iran travel advisory. The MEA notice said, All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the do SO on the Indian Embassy, are to requested link (https://www.meaers.com/request/home). The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so, asking relatives to assist when online access is limited.

The January 14, 2026 guidance builds on instructions first issued on January 5. At that time, the Ministry had said, Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran. The earlier note also emphasised the need to track verified updates from official channels.

For longer-term residents, the earlier Iran travel advisory added another requirement. It stated, Indian nationals living in Iran on resident visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so, aiming to ensure authorities in Tehran hold an updated database of Indians, which can be critical during emergencies, evacuations or communication disruptions.

On January 14, the head of Iran’s judiciary signalled that rapid trials and executions could follow for people arrested in the nationwide protests, despite a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. Activists had already cautioned that executions of detainees might happen soon.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,571 people have been killed in the crackdown on demonstrations. The death toll far exceeds that of any protest wave in Iran for decades and has drawn comparisons with the turmoil around the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Against this backdrop, Indian authorities are urging citizens to avoid travel and, where possible, exit Iran promptly.