TEHRAN - Iran is set to introduce electronic registration for the entry and exit of foreign tourists, eliminating the need for physical stamps on their passports.

The initiative was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between Iran’s deputy tourism minister, Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, and Omid Nodehi, the commander of the Iranian Immigration & Passport Police Office.

Shalbafian announced that the electronic registration system is in line with broader efforts to streamline the arrival process for international visitors. Foreign tourists will no longer need to have their entry and exit physically stamped on their passports, Shalbafian stated, emphasizing that this step is designed to enhance the overall tourism experience in Iran.

During the meeting, which was held to commemorate National Police Week and to acknowledge the contributions of the Immigration & Passport Police, Shalbafian highlighted the significant role various agencies, particularly the police, play in supporting Iran’s tourism sector.

The official noted that the police are often the first point of contact for tourists entering the country and their professionalism has a lasting impact on visitors' perceptions of Iran.

Shalbafian also lauded the ongoing cooperation between the tourism ministry and the police in facilitating the entry of tourists, including the introduction of international vehicle license plates, and the easing of travel for Iraqi pilgrims as well as Armenian citizens with private cars, to name a few.

He further mentioned that electronic registration is part of a series of efforts to simplify the process for foreign visitors, alongside the unilateral visa waiver agreements that have already led to a 30% increase in tourism from countries with visa exemptions.

Nodehi, for his part, echoed Shalbafian’s remarks, stating that the police are committed to further supporting the growth of Iran's tourism sector.

The commander highlighted their efforts to improve the training and cultural awareness of officers to ensure a smooth experience for incoming tourists.

The new electronic registration system is expected to boost Iran’s appeal as a tourist destination, particularly for visitors who prefer to avoid having physical entry or exit stamps on their passports.

Iran has unilaterally waived visas for citizens of approximately 30 countries including India, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

In addition, the Islamic Republic has previously introduced some visa simplifications with a selection of countries like Turkey, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria, in various forms of unilateral, bilateral, and group visa cancelations. Moreover, such a privilege has been granted to tourist groups from Russia based on a mutual agreement inked between Tehran and Moscow.

According to available data compiled by the tourism ministry, more than six million foreign tourists arrived by air, road, and sea in the country during the past Iranian calendar year, which came to an end on March 19. The figure marks a substantial year-on-year increase compared to a year earlier (1401) in which approximately 4.23 million tourists visited the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 28 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

AM