The Embassy of Iran has announced new visa rules for Pakistani pilgrims planning to travel to Iran during the holy months of Muharram and Safarul Muzaffar.
Among the changes effective from July 8 until August 20, Pakistani pilgrims holding Iraqi visas can apply for double entry visas valid for 45 days from the date of issuance, permitting a stay of 15 days for each country, VisaGuide.World reports.
From first of Muharram (08/07/2024) to 15th of Safar (20/08/2024), all Pakistani pilgrims who have Iraqi visas, can apply for double entry Iranian visas with a validity of 45 days (from date of issuance) and stay period of 15 days on each entry.
The Embassy said that once the Iraqi government begins issuing ‘Special Arbaeen visas’ to pilgrims from Pakistan, visas will be issued free of cost to all those pilgrims who have valid Iraq “Arbaeen visas”.
Announcing the new changes, the embassy said that from August 25 onwards, the visa issuance for Pakistani nationals will be done based on the normal procedure. Pilgrims from Pakistan who plan to travel by land are required to use their own bus transport in order to reach Iran and Iraq.
The group leaders have to provide the details of their transport, Carnet De Passages, International license of drivers along with the complete list of passengers as the vehicle plate number will be mentioned on visas and their movement through the borders will be possible only by monitoring the list of names of pilgrims and matching them with the license plate number.
In a statement, the embassy said that the group leaders should manage the traffic of Pakistani pilgrims during the journey and also hold the needed guarantees in line with the regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Pakistani pilgrims are required to enter Iraq from the border of Chazabeh (Al-Shib- الشیب) until the 20th of Safar (24 August) while their travel from other borders is prohibited.
Sacred Month of Muharram Considered the Islamic New Year
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic New Year, thus it has significant importance for Muslims worldwide.
It is also known as Al Hijri or Arabic New Year, and it is celebrated on the first day of Muharram.
Muharram is considered a sacred month. There are four holy months in the Islamic calendar. It means that during this month’s fighting, it’s prohibited.
In addition to being considered a sacred month, Muharram is also considered the best month to fast Ramadan.