Iran-Iraq to launch visa waiver gradually
Minister of Interior of Iraq, Othman al-Ghanmi, said here on Tuesday that Tehran and Baghdad have signed two security and pilgrimage MoUs and will gradually cancel visa requirements for travelers of their respective citizens between the two neighboring countries.
After his meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi on Tuesday, Othman al-Ghanmi told reporters that the issue of security of the two countries' common borders, illegal border crossings, drug trafficking and human trafficking and many other issues were discussed in today's meeting with his Iranian counterpart.
Al-Ghanimi added that COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on travelers between the two countries, and nowadays see passenger flights between the two countries and the visa waiver for passengers entering by flight is effective, that is to say, Iranian passengers who enter Iraq by air do not need a visa.
He continued: "Yesterday, before visit to Tehran, I received an agreement from the Iraqi government and the Prime Minister that 2,000 pilgrims can enter Iraq through crossing borders by visa waiver program.
Iran-Iraq to launch visa waiver gradually
Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, for his part, referring to the meeting with Iraqi counterpart, said that we talked about broadening of bilateral ties, border issues, and ease of visa restrictions for Iranian and Iraqi travelers.
He continued: the both sides signed two MoUs related to Arbaeen pilgrims.