Arbaeen 2027: a complete guide for pilgrims
Dates, the walk from Najaf to Karbala, visa rules for your passport, when to book and what to pack, from our team in Karbala.
At a glance
- Expected date: around 24–25 July 2027 (20 Safar 1449 AH), confirmed by moon sighting.
- Ashura 2027: around 14–15 June 2027 (10 Muharram 1449 AH).
- The walk: Najaf to Karbala, 1,452 numbered poles (about 73 km), usually 3 to 4 days.
- Visa: there is no permanent Arbaeen visa. Rules are announced each season and differ by nationality.
- Book early: hotels in Karbala fill up months before Arbaeen.
What is Arbaeen?
Arbaeen, meaning "forty" in Arabic, marks forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his companions at Karbala on Ashura in 61 AH. Every year millions of pilgrims travel to Karbala to visit the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Abbas (a.s.), and many of them arrive on foot.
It is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world. In 2026, Iraq's Security Media Cell reported more than 1.8 million foreign visitors from 172 nationalities in the weeks before Arbaeen alone.
When is Arbaeen 2027?
Arbaeen falls on 20 Safar. In 2027 (1449 AH) that is expected around 24 or 25 July 2027, depending on the moon sighting in Iraq. Most pilgrims arrive 7 to 10 days earlier so they can visit Najaf, walk, and be in Karbala on the night and day of Arbaeen.
| Occasion | Hijri date | Expected in 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Muharram | 1 Muharram 1449 | around 5–6 June |
| Ashura | 10 Muharram 1449 | around 14–15 June |
| Arbaeen | 20 Safar 1449 | around 24–25 July |
Islamic dates can move by a day depending on the moon. Choose flights with some flexibility and confirm the date with your group leader.
The walk from Najaf to Karbala
The best-known route starts at the shrine of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Najaf and follows the road north to Karbala. The road is marked by 1,452 numbered poles (called amood), about 50 metres apart, which pilgrims use to measure progress and as meeting points.
Along the way, thousands of mawakib (volunteer service stations) offer free food, water, tea, first aid and places to rest. Their hospitality towards the visitors of Imam Hussain is one of the most moving parts of the journey.
Some pilgrims walk much further, for example from Basra, which takes around two weeks. Families with elderly members often walk one section and travel the rest by coach.
A typical walking plan
- Day 1: ziyarat in Najaf, then start before sunrise and walk to around pole 400. Rest through the afternoon heat.
- Day 2: continue to around pole 900, walking in the early morning and evening.
- Day 3: reach around pole 1,300.
- Day 4: the final stretch into Karbala and Bayn al-Haramayn.
Visa for Arbaeen 2027
Iraq has no permanent Arbaeen visa. Each season the government announces temporary arrangements, often only a few weeks before Muharram, and they differ by nationality. Plan around the normal entry routes and treat any Arbaeen concession as a bonus.
- Iran: citizens enter Iraq without a visa under the Iran–Iraq agreement. Iranian pilgrims also register on Iran's Samah platform before travel.
- Gulf states, Europe, the Americas, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and others: apply for Iraq's federal e-visa before you fly. Health insurance is now required with Iraqi entry visas.
- Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Africa and others: pilgrim visas usually go through licensed Iraqi tourism companies or an e-visa with a sponsor.
In June 2026, Iraq also tightened the rules for Pakistani pilgrims. Visas were valid for 30 days only, one visa could not cover both Ashura and Arbaeen, unmarried men under 50 were refused, and fees were not refunded if a visa was rejected. Expect similar conditions in 2027 and apply early.
Our team checks the current rule for your passport and prepares the application for you. Read our Iraq visa guide for the details of each route.
When to book
- 4 to 6 months before: choose your dates and make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- 3 months before: book hotels in Karbala and Najaf. Prices rise sharply as Arbaeen approaches.
- 6 to 8 weeks before: apply for the visa once the season's rules are announced.
- 2 weeks before: confirm flights, airport transfers and your group's meeting points.
Arbaeen packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in, plus slip-on sandals for the shrines
- Several pairs of cotton socks and blister plasters
- Light, loose clothing and a hat or umbrella for shade
- Electrolyte sachets (ORS) and a refillable water bottle
- Power bank, charger and an offline map on your phone
- A small backpack, leaving heavy luggage at the hotel
- Copies of your passport and visa, and your hotel address in Arabic
- US dollars and some Iraqi dinars in small notes
- Personal medicines, with a doctor's note if needed
- Prayer mat, turbah and a ziyarat book or app
Staying safe in the heat
Late July in Iraq is extremely hot, often above 45 °C. Walk in the early morning and the evening, drink water regularly, and rest at a mawkib during the afternoon. Agree on a meeting pole with your group and keep the name of your hotel with you at all times.
If someone feels dizzy or confused, or stops sweating, move them into the shade and take them to the nearest medical tent straight away.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Arbaeen?
Most pilgrims plan 9 to 12 days: 2 to 3 days in Najaf, 3 to 4 days walking, 2 to 3 days in Karbala, and if possible a visit to Kadhimiya and Samarra.
Can elderly people and children come?
Yes. Many families walk only part of the route and use coaches for the rest. Our packages can include transport and hotel nights so nobody has to walk the full distance.
Where do pilgrims sleep during the walk?
Mawakib along the road offer free sleeping space, but it is basic and crowded. Many groups return to a hotel at night or book rooms in Karbala in advance.
Plan your Arbaeen 2027 with Tatheer
Tell us your nationality and group size. We arrange the visa, hotels near the shrines, transfers and a scholar-guide.