The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has issued a critical advisory for pilgrims (Zaireen) traveling to Iraq, outlining strict enforcement measures by the Iraqi government to curb visa misuse and illegal overstays. Under the new directives, any non-compliance with the visa conditions will result in immediate entry denial at the border and the complete forfeiture of visa fees, along with a permanent rejection of all future visa applications.
To ensure a legal and hassle-free journey, the ministry has introduced stringent travel conditions regarding documentation and demographics. Passports must now have a minimum validity of six months at the time of travel, and individual passports are now strictly mandatory for every family member, meaning children or relatives can no longer be bundled onto a single passport. Furthermore, all individuals traveling on a family group visa are legally required to travel and cross the borders together, while men under the age of 50 are strictly prohibited from entering Iraq if they are traveling alone.
The advisory also clarifies strict limitations regarding visa usage and the consequences of overstaying. The pilgrimage visa is valid for 30 days, and travelers must obtain separate visas for Ashura and Arbaeen rather than relying on a single entry permit for both occasions. Most critically, any pilgrim who overstays the permitted duration and remains in the country for more than 60 days will face a heavy financial penalty of 500,000 Iraqi Dinars. Beyond this hefty fine, violators will also risk immediate detention, deportation, and a permanent ban from re-entering Iraq.
