Iran, Iraq ziyarat advisory: confirm flights and carry extra money, pilgrims told
The advisory covers flights between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf. Group organisers are told not to rely on unconfirmed bookings inside Iran and to plan a fallback.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a travel advisory for pilgrims flying to Iran and Iraq, telling them to confirm every flight booking well before they leave and to carry extra money in case flights are cancelled, Business Recorder reported on Friday, citing a ministry spokesperson.
The advisory names air travel between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf. It comes as the US and Israel are reported to be planning new strikes on Iran and oil prices have climbed above $111 a barrel (our story), although the ministry did not give a reason beyond safer journeys and fewer disruptions.
What the ministry is asking pilgrims to do
- Confirm your bookings before departure. Do not set off on the strength of a booking that the airline or your organiser has not confirmed.
- Have a second plan. Know how you would travel if a flight is cancelled, including by road.
- Carry extra funds. Keep enough to pay for another flight, land transport or extra nights in a hotel.
What group organisers must do
Registered ziyarat group organisers have been told:
- not to rely on unconfirmed flights inside Iran, for example on the Tehran to Mashhad leg;
- to tell every member of the group about the advisory;
- to make sure pilgrims understand they need to check bookings and be ready for disruption.
Before you go: a quick checklist
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Flight confirmation for every leg, in writing | The advisory warns against unconfirmed bookings |
| Your organiser's registration with the ministry | The advisory's instructions are addressed to registered organisers |
| Extra cash in dollars or local currency | For a replacement ticket, road travel or hotel |
| Passport validity | Check the expiry date before booking; existing MRPs stay valid, and new passports are now e-passports only |
| Embassy contacts in Tehran, Mashhad and Baghdad | For help if you are stranded |
To work out how much extra cash to carry in rupees, use our currency converter or check today's dollar rate.
The ministry has not said how long the advisory will stay in force. We will update this page if it issues further instructions.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the travel advisory for Iran and Iraq pilgrims say?
- The Ministry of Religious Affairs tells pilgrims to confirm flight bookings well before departure, plan alternative travel and carry extra money in case flights between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf are cancelled.
Sources
- Pakistan issues travel advisory for pilgrims flying to Iran, Iraq: Business Recorder
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