Baghdad (Lord Media): Iraq has introduced new, stringent visa requirements for Pakistani pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior and Iraqi authorities have instructed pilgrims and pilgrimage group organizers to strictly adhere to the new regulations.
The Iraqi government has clarified that individuals traveling alone on a family visa will not be permitted entry into Iraq. Additionally, men under the age of 50 traveling alone are completely barred from entering the country.
Under the new policy, a single visa cannot be used for both Ashura and Arbaeen pilgrimages. The Iraqi visa issued for pilgrimages will only be valid for 30 days. In case of visa rejection or denied entry at the airport, the visa fee will not be refunded.
Passports of pilgrims arriving from Pakistan will be held by Iraqi immigration authorities upon arrival. The Iraqi government has warned that overstaying the visa duration will result in heavy fines, deportation, and a lifetime ban on entering Iraq.
