Pakistani male pilgrims below the age of 50 will not be allowed to enter Iraq if they travel alone, according to new instructions shared by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The ministry disclosed the restriction in a circular dated June 22, 2026. It directed registered Ziarat Group Organizers to ensure strict compliance with Iraqi visa conditions before pilgrims depart from Pakistan.
The circular said the Iraqi government had raised serious concerns over the misuse of pilgrimage visas. Iraqi authorities observed cases in which people obtained visas as members of family groups but later arrived at immigration checkpoints without their accompanying relatives.
Authorities suspect that some travelers may be using pilgrimage or visit visas for purposes other than those mentioned in their applications. These may include seeking employment or carrying out other unauthorized activities.
Under the instructions, people who receive visas through the family-group category must travel with the same family members listed in their applications.
A person cannot obtain a family visa and then travel separately.
Ziarat organizers must also ensure that all information submitted in visa applications is accurate, complete and verifiable.
Moreover, every traveler must follow the purpose and conditions stated in the visa application. Pilgrimage and visit visas cannot be used to search for employment in Iraq.
The circular said Iraqi immigration authorities will retain the passports of Pakistani pilgrims when they enter the country.
Officials introduced the measure to prevent visa overstays and unauthorized employment. However, holders of diplomatic and official passports will remain exempt.
Every pilgrim must carry a passport that remains valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
In addition, every accompanying family member must hold a separate valid passport. This condition also applies to newborn children.
Iraqi pilgrimage visas will remain valid for only 30 days.
Pilgrims will not be able to use one visa for both Ashura and Arbaeen. Those returning to Iraq for Arbaeen after completing an Ashura visit will need to obtain a fresh visa.
The government advised pilgrims and organisers to plan their visits carefully and avoid breaching the permitted duration of stay.
Pilgrims who overstay for up to 60 days will face a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars.
Those who remain in Iraq for more than 60 days will face the same fine, along with detention, deportation and a lifetime ban on re-entering the country.
If a traveler fails to pay the prescribed fine, detention will continue until the full amount is paid.
Iraqi authorities may also deny entry to anyone found violating visa conditions. In such cases, visa fees will not be refunded and may be forfeited.
The circular added that Iraq would not consider requests from embassies or other authorities seeking the admission of travelers after immigration officials have refused their entry.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed all registered Ziarat Group Organizers to share the instructions with prospective pilgrims.
Violations may result in refused entry, deportation, loss of visa fees and other penalties under Iraqi laws.
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