Travel & Visa Information
We are excited to welcome you to Karbala, Iraq for IMI’s 12th International Conference. Below are essential travel guidelines, package options, and visa assistance details to help you plan your visit with confidence.
Conference PLUS IMI Ziyarat/Sightseeing Full Package Travel (Recommended Dates)
For those joining us for the full experience, we recommend arriving on Monday, December 22 and departing on Wednesday, December 31 after the Day Trip to Samara, Balad and Kazmain. Or depart January 1 if you would like to include the option Add-on trip to Babylon.
Conference-Only Travel (Recommended Dates)
If you are attending the conference only, we recommend arriving on Wednesday, December 24 or Thursday, December 25 and departing on Monday, December 29 after the conclusion of conference sessions Sunday evening.
What’s Included with IMI Ziyarat & Sightseeing Full Package
Attendees who select the IMI Ziyarat & Sightseeing Full Package + Conference Registration will receive a complete support experience, including:
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Conference Registration with full access
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E-Visas & visa facilitation (invitation letters & group processing support)
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Airport transfers to/from Najaf or Baghdad
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Hotel accommodations:
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3 nights in Najaf (Dec 22–24)
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6 nights in Karbala (Dec 25–30)
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Optional 7th night in Karbala if participating in the Babylon Add-On (Dec 31)
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Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at group-designated venues
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Transportation to all conference events, ziyarat, and sightseeing locations
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Local team support and bilingual guides (Arabic & English)
Airport Options
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Najaf International Airport (NJF) – closest to Karbala, recommended
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Baghdad International Airport (BGW) – also available, slightly longer drive
Optional Add-On: Babylon Tour
An optional full-day tour of Babylon is available on Wednesday, December 31. Participants who choose this add-on will receive one additional night stay in Karbala (included in the ground package).
If You Choose Conference Registration Only
Delegates selecting only Conference Registration (without the ground package) will be responsible for:
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Booking and arranging their own flights
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Managing airport transfers to/from hotel
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Arranging their own lodging and meals
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Obtaining an Iraq visa independently (IMI can provide invitation letters)
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Local transportation to/from the conference venue and any self-planned excursions
Visa Requirements & Assistance
Visa rules vary by country. For those not joining the Karbala Conference Ziyarat & Sightseeing Full package, please review the Iraqi E-Visa Portal for the appropriate process. Please note:
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E-visas are required for citizens of: USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, India, Pakistan, GCC countries, Australia, New Zealand.
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Visas on arrival are no longer available for most countries.
IMI will assist all registered participants by issuing official invitation letters if needed.
Required Documents for Visa Support:
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Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from travel date)
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Passport scan + passport-size photo
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Completed IMI form (sent upon registration)
Submit visa info no later than October 31, 2025
If you have any questions about travel logistics or visa requirements, please review our FAQs or contact us at conferences@imamiamedics.com.