Passenger Commute to Iraq Requires Negative Covid Test Document

The entry of passengers from Iran into neighboring Iraq, except Parvizkhan and Bashmaq checkpoints, has been banned for a fortnight, to keep the transmission of Covid-19 virus in check, but trade can continue as usual, as per the decision of Iraqi Cabinet, the spokesperson of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration said.
“The passenger travel ban started from Dec. 4. Trade, however, can still continue via transshipment. All health protocols will be observed throughout the export procedures,” Rouhollah Latifi was also quoted as saying by ILNA.
The official noted that trade with the Iraqi Kurdistan region will also continue as usual from all border crossings, yet passenger commute from these checkpoints was banned from Dec. 5 till Jan. 15, 2021 (a total of 22 days).
However, on Saturday, Latifi said that one day after the announcement of the travel ban to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, passenger commute from Parvizkhan checkpoint in Iran’s western Kermanshah Province was allowed on condition that travelers carry negative Covid-19 test documents.
Director General of Bashmaq border crossing with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Farid Haqpanah also said on Saturday that negotiations were held by Iran’s Consulate with Iraq’s Interior Ministry officials and it was decided that Bashmaq checkpoint be excluded from this new regulation.
“After obtaining negative coronavirus test results, passengers from both countries can receive visas and travel through this border crossing,” he said. 
Bashmaq border crossing is located in Marivan County in Iran’s western province of Kurdestan.
Latifi noted that with 20.83 million tons worth $5.92 billion, Iraq was Iran’s second biggest export destination after China during the first nine months of the current Iranian year (March 20-Dec. 20).