Free Arbaeen Visas in Afghanistan Sold on Black Market, Hindering Pilgrims’ Access

Local sources report that the ‘Arbaeen pilgrimage’ visas, which were supposed to be provided for free to pilgrims, are now being sold on the black market for prices ranging between $350 and $450. This issue has caused difficulties for many applicants seeking access.

According to these sources, 15,000 visas were allocated for this year; however, it is alleged that part of this quota has been distributed by some tourism and pilgrimage companies in western Kabul, in cooperation with Iranian and Iraqi nationals, to individuals other than Shia pilgrims.

This comes despite earlier announcements stating that the mentioned visas would be completely free for pilgrims. According to a notice from the Iranian Embassy in Afghanistan, applicants are only required to pay five euros for accident insurance, with all other visa costs being free of charge.