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Recent cancellation of entry visas between Iraq, Iran is for air travel: ambassador

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi (L) and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on September 12, 2021. (Twitter/@IraqiPMO)
AM:10:55:13/09/2021

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SULAIMANI — Iranian Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi said on Monday (September 13) that the recent reciprocal cancellation of entry visas for ordinary passport holders between Iran and Iraq is currently limited to air travel.

The decision was made during a meeting held between Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday.

Masjedi told the official Iranian news agency IRNA that the decision may include land transport when coronavirus situationis brought under control.

He said that it will take place after the completion of the "Arbaʽeen” pilgrimage which marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Islam's Prophet.

The decision would cover the Kurdistan Region as well.

Thousands of Iranian pilgrims travel to shrines in Iraq each year for religious festivals.

In recent years, Iran and Iraq loosened visa rules for travel between the two countries, but had not gone fully visa-free.

(NRT Digital Media)