Bahrain has announced regulatory procedures governing travel to Iraq for the Arba’een pilgrimage in light of the current regional situation and growing security concerns.
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Jaafari Affairs at the Islamic Endowments Council, said the measures were introduced to ensure the safety and security of Bahraini pilgrims amid the unstable security situation in Iraq and the hostile acts by Iraqi militias linked to Iran, targeting border crossings and civilian sites in neighbouring countries.
Under the procedures, travel will only be permitted through licensed travel and tourism agencies authorised to organise Arba’een pilgrimages.
Pilgrims must travel on approved flights departing from Bahrain International Airport, with land travel to Iraq not permitted.
The authority also stipulated that only Bahraini citizens aged 50 and above will be eligible to travel through the licensed agencies, provided they return to the kingdom before August 15.
The BTEA said licensed travel agencies would bear full responsibility for all aspects of the pilgrimage, including ensuring compliance with regulatory and security requirements and all instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Agencies are required to submit the names of pilgrims and all necessary documents to the competent authorities well in advance of departure, in addition to obtaining all required permits and official approvals before travel.
The authority said the procedures were introduced to facilitate the pilgrimage in an organised manner while ensuring the highest standards of safety and co-ordination throughout the journey.
The Arba’een pilgrimage commemorates the anniversary of the 40th day after the death of Imam Hussain. It is marked on Monday night and Tuesday.
The announcement comes amid continued regional tensions and heightened security concerns, prompting Bahrain to adopt additional regulatory measures for this year’s pilgrimage.
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