The US dollar has been replaced by Iranian rial for getting a visa to Iraq as of Oct. 22, the director of the Passport and Visa Office at the Foreign Ministry said.
“The plan became operational after an agreement was reached between Iranian and Iraqi officials,” Mojtaba Karimi was also quoted as saying by ISNA.
The move was made to protect pilgrims from the fluctuating exchange rates of the US dollar.
Travelers to Iraq were previously charged $40 for the visa but from now on, they will pay 1.9 million rials ($49.8), which would also include travel insurance, tour and emergency services.
A lot of Iranians set off on a pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the occasion of Arbaeen, the 40th day anniversary after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH).
Last year, more than 2.4 million Iranians traveled to Iraq on Arbaeen. This year’s Arbaeen coincides with Nov. 9 and officials predict that the number of Iranian visitors would hit three million.
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