Indian embassy in Tehran warns nationals against crossing borders: ‘May land in serious immigration difficulties’

THE Indian embassy in Tehran, the capital of Iran, has issued an advisory for all Indian nationals staying in the conflict-torn country amid relentless strikes from the United States and Israel since 28 February.

Amid airspace closures and anticipating desperation to leave Iran, the Indian embassy has asked Indian nationals not to cross any land border for onward travel without coordinating with the embassy.

In a warning to Indians stuck in Iran, the Indian embassy has said those nationals who try to cross any of the land borders of the conflict-hit country may encounter “serious logistical and immigration difficulties”.

It has also warned those who try to cross the land border. “Embassy will not be in a position to provide assistance once individuals move outside Iranian territory without prior coordination,” it said.

Indian embassy's full statement 

1. In continuation/reiteration of our advisory of March 9, all Indian nationals currently in Iran are strictly advised not to approach or attempt to cross any land border of Iran for onward travel without prior and explicit coordination with the Embassy of India, Tehran.

2. The Embassy is in regular contact with members of the Indian community, and coordinated arrangements are being undertaken wherever necessary. Uncoordinated movement toward land borders is strongly discouraged.

3. Indian nationals who attempt to leave Iran via land borders without the knowledge and guidance of the Embassy are highly likely to encounter serious logistical and immigration difficulties. Please note that the Embassy will not be in a position to assist once individuals move outside Iranian territory without prior coordination.

4. All Indian nationals in Iran are therefore urged to strictly follow Embassy advisories and remain in touch with official channels before undertaking any travel.

Indian embassy issues helpline numbers:

To help Indians who are stuck in the country amid the West Asia conflict, the embassy has released helpline numbers for all travel-related queries or emergencies:

+98 912 810 9115

+98 912 810 9102

+98 9128109109

+98 993 217 9359

The embassy has also released an email ID “[email protected]” for all travel-related assistance.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has informed that as many as 90 nationals in Iran have crossed into Azerbaijan through the land border, and 550 are in Armenia.

“We also have had approximately 90 of our nationals from Iran cross over into Azerbaijan through the land border. These movements were facilitated by our embassy in Tehran. They helped them with visas, as well as with immigration formalities that were required,” the MEA spokesperson said.

He added: “In this group of 550 people that I mentioned, who have crossed from Iran into Armenia, we also have 284 people who had gone to Iran on pilgrimage. These people are there right now in both these countries. Some of them have already returned, and others will be returning in the next few days or so.”