New Requirements Introduced for Afghan Pilgrims Traveling to Iraq Through Iran for Arbaeen Pilgrimage

New Requirements Introduced for Afghan Pilgrims Traveling to Iraq Through Iran for Arbaeen Pilgrimage
———————————————
The Iranian Consulate in Kandahar has announced new requirements for Afghan pilgrims traveling through Iran to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), including a requirement for travel companies to provide a financial guarantee of €500 for each pilgrim.

According to Afghan media reports, Iranian consular officials informed representatives of travel companies that transit visas for pilgrims will only be issued after meeting a number of conditions. These include obtaining an Iraqi entry visa in advance, organizing travel through designated pilgrimage groups, and using licensed transportation services.

Under the new procedures, travel companies must submit a list of confirmed pilgrims and deposit a €500 guarantee for each person. The amount associated with any pilgrim who does not return after completing the journey may be confiscated, while companies that violate the regulations could face restrictions.

The measures have raised concerns among some Afghan travel companies and pilgrims, who fear that the high guarantee requirement could prevent some people from participating in the pilgrimage to Karbala, particularly given the visa and transit difficulties Afghan pilgrims have faced in previous years.

The Iranian Consulate, however, stated that the new procedures were introduced based on directives from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve the organization of pilgrimage groups, enhance coordination, and ensure the return of pilgrims after the completion of the Arbaeen ceremonies.

The consulate also confirmed that there is no limit on the number of Afghan pilgrims allowed to transit through Iran, adding that pilgrimage-related transit visas will be issued free of charge.