Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the security in Iraq has been under constant progress in the last few years, where different cause for the security breaches have been eliminated or severely constrained. The Iraqi government, and the society are determined not to allow any security breach and especially in the holy sites. Some examples over these security measurements are, no cars are allowed to come near to any of the holy sites, and therefore eliminating the threat of car bombs to the holy sites, and vast areas around it. Nobody can enter the holy cities without being thoroughly checked several time and the way to the cities (in the form of checkpoints), and to enter the perimeter of the holy sites one would also be checked. You are requested to respect those checkpoints and co operate with them. Though annoying and time consuming the checkpoints are very important in maintaining Security in the Holy places.

You will travel by Air Conditioned Deluxe Coaches (Bus).

The package includes all Airfares inclusive of Luggage upto 30Kgs on International flights and 23 Kgs on domestic flights Your entry visas and other formalities for Saudi, Iraq, Syria and Iran.

Daily meals. The type of food will vary as per city. Mostly meals will be buffet, serving Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. You will be provided bottled water.

Your Hotel Accommodation as per schedule.
Travel to Historical Holy sites.

There will be at least 1 guided Ziarat to each of The holy shrines. Our accompanying Aalim will also guide you to the recommended Ziarats and Duas in the respective holy shrines.
If you are fluent in reading Arabic you will find book of Ziarats in the respective Holy Shrines.

As we all know that the Duas are one of the most important Aamals on Ziarat hence we would recommend you to take your book of Duas along with you, for example Mafatihul Jinan
Sahifa e Kaamelah
Call on Me, I answer You.
And any other religious book you wish to carry.

Mobile phone facility is available in all the countries. For Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iran you will require to present a photocopy of your passport to purchase a SIM card from an authorized dealer. You can buy the SIM over the counter in Iraq. Please carry an Unlocked GSM handset to use the SIM cards. Also please leave your contact number in each country with your Group leader and in turn write down his contact number.

Wi fi Internet network is available in your hotel in Saudi Arabia, Najaf and Qom only. Otherwise you will have to use Paid Internet Kiosks which are available.

You would be provided with bottled water while you are in your hotels. You are requested to take your provision of bottled water from the hotel for your use while you are out for ziarat etc.

The food is included in the price, and generally would be in the form of open buffet. Proper care should be taken for food and water. It is recommended to eat the food provided by the management. You may carry light snacks for self use.

When we reserve hotel rooms, in the holy cities, we are searching for the best hotels, as regards their Quality and proximity to the Holy Shrines. Hence we will try our best that the rooms would include Western style WC and bath. But we cannot guarantee you to always provide a Western style WC. The old and the infirm will be given priority. In case of dire need we shall try and provide converter commode chairs. Also please note the fact that especially in Iraq the Bathroom and toilets are not of a very high standard and sometimes little bit of foul smell emanates even in the best of hotels. If you face these difficulties please inform the hotel reception and most likely they will help you out, if not please contact your Group leader for further assistance. In some circumstances you may have to manage with a foul smelling toilet in your room. You have to make yourself mentally ready for it now please try to be patient, co-operative & forbearing. We are here to serve you, but there are limitations to the amount of comfort we can offer. Remember you are there for Ziarat of Masoomeen (A.S).

Whenever you reach a hotel in a city please ask for a Business card of the Hotel and always keep it with you. Every person would be provided with an "ID-card" that would contain, all important information about your group. And we would do our best to prevent people from getting lost, and if it happens then we also would do our best to find you.

Yes, exchange bureaus are everywhere in the holy cities. Please consult your group leader to get further guidance.
US dollar is the currency to be used in Iraq for foreign exchange.
You can use either Australian dollar or US dollar in Saudi Arabia, Syria or Iran to obtain foreign exchange.

Though the Schedule of Ziarat will be very hectic, you will be provided time for shopping in all the cities. You can consult the group leader for guidance.

Your food, accommodation, travel etc is part of the Ziarat & Umrah package. Hence only take the amount of money you would require for Shopping, Charity, Paying your Khums and Donations etc.
But in any case Please do not keep or carry valuables such as, jewelry, driving license, credit cards or any other important documents etc. On your person while you are out for Ziarat or in the Shrines. Store your money in presence of the Group Leader at the Reception for Safe Keeping (at your own risk)

Always keep the business card of the hotel you are staying in, a passport copy, a photograph & the identity card with you. Carry equivalent in local currency to $20US approximately. Please do not go anywhere far without the permission of Group Leader.

The answer is simple; modest dressing is the way to go. Men are required to wear clothes that are full sleeves and long pants, long trousers or long pyjamas. Hijab is Wajib for Ladies in every part of the world. Especially when entering the Holy Shrines, the Ladies are requested to wear proper hijab which has a head covering scarf & Chador to cover the entire body, and socks for your feet and hands

Please make sure you do not keep any money or valuables in your checked in Luggage. Always carry one pair of clothes, your book of duas, all your important medication and any other important or valuable items in your hand luggage, and always make sure you know where your hand luggage is placed.

According to circumstances, we may check in individually or We will do group check in to make the check in process easy. Please ask your group leader for instructions before check in. Zaireen are requested to check in their baggage (please limit it to 25 kgs) and obtain the baggage tags. It is also advisable to put large (visible) name tags on your baggage. If your weight is above the maximum weight allowance you will have to pay or share the surcharge.

Carry only essential things. Light baggage is recommended. Your luggage is your responsibility; always make sure you know where your luggage is.

Photography and videography in all the Holy Shrines is prohibited.

In Saudi Arabia you can take your mobile phone and camera inside the shrines for the men, but in the ladies section they may not allow camera phones or cameras.

In Mashhad, the only electronic device allowed is a mobile phone, everything else is prohibited. Due to security reasons, all entrants to the Holy shrine are frisked at the entry gate, even the books are checked.

In Iraq, mobiles, camera, iPods or any sort of electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside any of the Holy locations. If you carry them, you will be asked to deposit them at the Safe Keeping Station and can get it back on the way out. Due to Security reasons, all entrants to all the Holy shrines are frisked at the entry gate, even the books are checked.

Please co operate and be courteous to the Security staff as their purpose is to protect the Holy Shrines.