The Iranian embassy has announced the visa policy for Pakistani pilgrims travelling during Muharram and Safar, making key changes for religious travellers to the central Asian country including double entry visas for Iraqi visa holders.

From Muharram 1 (July 8) to Safar 15 (August 20, the embassy said Pakistani pilgrims with Iraqi visas can apply for double entry visas valid for 45 days from the date of issuance, allowing a stay of 15 days for each entry.

It added that once the Iraqi government starts issuing ‘Special Arbaeen visas’ to Pakistani pilgrims, those with valid Iraqi ‘Arbaeen visas’ will receive free double entry pilgrimage visas and normal visa procedures. From August 25, visa issuance for Pakistani nationals will return to the regular process.

Pakistani pilgrims travelling by land “must use their own buses to enter Iran and Iraq and group leaders must provide details of their transport, Carnet De Passages, international driver’s licenses, and a complete list of passengers.” Vehicle plate numbers will be mentioned on the visas, and border crossing will be monitored by matching the list of pilgrims with the license plate numbers.

The group leaders must manage the flow of Pakistani pilgrims and ensure compliance with Iran’s regulations, it said.

According to the embassy, Pakistani pilgrims must enter Iraq through the Chazabeh border until August 20 and entry from other borders is prohibited. “These measures are designed to ensure an orderly journey for Pakistani pilgrims during this significant religious period.”