Iran has lifted visa requirements for visitors from 33 countries, including Russia, in an attempt to boost tourism.

Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami, said the cancellation of the visa requirements was approved in a government meeting on Wednesday.

The countries benefiting from the measures include Russia, whose citizens have experienced increasing difficulties travelling abroad since the invasion of Ukraine last year.

In total the states concerned comprise 17 Asian countries, 6 African countries, 5 European, and 5 Latin American states, according to Iranian news agencies.

The Asian countries on the list encompass India, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. European countries include Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Belarus. The Latin American countries in the list are Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela.

African countries mentioned are Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Iran, during the first six months of the current Iranian year, 3,354,185 individuals traveled to Iran. The figure includes citizens from neighboring countries such as Afghanistan making visits for non-tourism reasons.

Despite boasting a rich cultural and historical legacy and captivating natural landscapes, in recent years Iran has encountered difficulties in drawing foreign tourists. This challenge has been compounded by reports of the detention of foreigners and dual-nationals, contributing to a decline in tourism interest. Visitors must also contend with stringent dress codes for women and limitations on alcohol and nightlife following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.