The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) announced that Iran has tightened its visa regulations for Russian citizens, now requiring them to apply through accredited Iranian travel agencies for hotel bookings and visa issuance—replacing the previous system that allowed independent applications.
According to ATOR, citing the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, the decision has officially come into effect and aims to prevent the entry of “undesirable individuals” amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Two years ago, Russia and Iran signed an agreement to waive visa requirements to facilitate mutual travel. However, the new arrangements eliminate the possibility of individual applications, with Russian tour operators now required to coordinate with their Iranian counterparts to complete the process.
The decision comes at a time when estimates suggest that over one million Israelis of Russian origin hold dual Russian-Israeli citizenship.