Iranian pilgrims to Iraq have to make their religious journey without any officially provided cash in foreign currency for the time being until the authorized banks manage to offer Iraqi dinar banknotes, a senior official with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization said.
As per the new forex regulations, pilgrims to Iraq can receive up to 250,000 Iraqi dinars from Tejarat and Parsian Banks by presenting HPO-approved documents, ISNA reported.
However, the two banks do not yet have the infrastructure for the distribution of Iraqi dinar (IQD). Therefore, no foreign currency is given to pilgrims for now, according to Morteza Aqaei, director for shrines at the HPO.
The official explained that since offering foreign currency to pilgrims at border points or airports was not feasible due to their large number, the two banks were tasked to provide the service.
"We have had several sessions with the banks' authorities to make the necessary arrangements," he said, adding that his office is pursuing to accelerate the process of supplying Iraqi dinar.
No Urgent Need
The official noted that Iranians can still make their religious journeys since pilgrimage to Iraq does not require foreign cash except probably for the purchase of souvenirs.
"HPO is responsible for all services to passengers in Iraq and it receives the costs in rial, so travelers will only need money to buy souvenirs," he said.
Based on a traditional custom, Iranians bring gifts for their family and friends upon their return from a trip.
Aqaei suggested that people buy their gifts in Iran, or if they are insistent on presenting a souvenir from Iraq, they choose items with spiritual value that would not require much cash.
Money for Travel
After revisions in forex regulations, the Central Bank of Iran announced the conditions and procedures to provide money for travel, YJC reported.
Under new directives, air travelers to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman, the UAE and Cyprus can receive up to €500 or its equivalent in other currencies.
Those heading for other countries (except Iraq), can get €1,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
Melli, Mellat, Saman, Tejarat and Parsian banks are certified to offer the cash.
Money for pilgrims to Iraq, either by air or road, will soon be given in Iraqi dinars by the two latter banks.
Foreign cash will be supplied only once a year for Iranian nationals of over 12 years of age.
Applicants should buy drafts at the banks and submit them at their airport branches to finally receive the foreign currency in cash.
