TEHRAN, Oct. 01 (MNA) � Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Affairs Hassan Ghashghavi announced that the nationals seeking to participate in Arbaeen mourning ceremony in Iraq are required to have visas.


Speaking among reporters on Saturday, Ghashghavi said the Iranian side has always stressed the abolition of visas for Arbaeen, which was discussed also following the recent visit of Iran's Foreign Ministry officials to Iraq, however, the Iraqi side did not agree with the abolition of visas.

Stating that organizing pilgrimage of Iranian nationals to the holy city of Karbala on Arbaeen by visa or without it poses no problem for the Iranian side, Ghashghavi added two million Iranian pilgrims would travel to Karbala this year paying $40 for their visa.

Avoiding cancelling of the visas is not in favor of one side or to the detriment of the other side, he noted.

Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hossein (AS). Each year, pilgrims travel long routes on foot to Karbala, where the holy shrine is located.

By Mehr News Agency