Iraq Eases Visa Procedures for Arbaeen Pilgrims, Grants Iranians Visa-Free Entry

Iraq Eases Visa Procedures for Arbaeen Pilgrims, Grants Iranians Visa-Free Entry
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The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Monday major facilitations for issuing entry visas to pilgrims participating in the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), including visa-free entry for Iranian visitors.

Brigadier General Muqdad Miri, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry, stated that the Iraqi government has introduced measures to ease the entry process for pilgrims taking part in the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage.

He noted that, under a memorandum of understanding with Iran, Iranian pilgrims are permitted to enter Iraq directly without the need to obtain a visa in advance. Their entry will simply be stamped at the border crossing points. For pilgrims from other countries, obtaining an electronic visa is still required. “The e-visa is issued within 72 hours of application,” Miri explained.

He also pointed out that the visa fee has been reduced to $55 and stressed that pilgrims must apply for the e-visa in advance. Iraq’s border crossings are witnessing the arrival of millions of foreign pilgrims ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage in the holy city of Karbala, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.