Iraq Visa Policy

You can realize a planned trip to Iraq by getting an Iraq visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Iraq short-term visas for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, religious, and other short-term). If you want to stay in Iraq longer for any reason (such as education, work, etc.), you can also extend the visa or apply for Iraq Residence Permit.

Iraq Short-term Visa

You can apply for an Iraq Short-term visa for realizing your temporary travel to Iraq. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, short-term work, religious, and many other non-permanent nuances. Short-term visas can be both single-entry and multiple-entry.

The expired visa may not be extended, but it may be necessary to obtain a new approval with new fees, but in exceptional cases, such as the border closure, the center of the Passports, and the border residence, it will explain the situation of the Visa and allow them to enter without an extension or to apply for a new approval, but this should not exceed seven days from the reopening of the border.

General notes on the granting of visas:

• If the presence of a ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Iraq is a cause of public health, national security, morality, or national economy, the Iraqi authorities may consult their opinion on the matter.
• When a Visa was granted for children under the age of 15, it required a health certificate to prove that the polio vaccine had been fully vaccinated for at least 5 doses of oral polio vaccine.
• Exception for Arabs who have married Iraqis from Arab Nationals prevents entry into Iraqi law after proof of marriage (Letter of the Consular Department No. 03/08/28/40618 of 23 January 2006)
• Allowing only Arab and foreign nationals who have resided lawfully in Iraq.
• An urgent visa is issued, according to the authorities, to a resident officer who works at the border center if he is convinced of the reasons that prevented him from obtaining a visa ((includes persons who are subject to the visa granting authority of the mission)
• Correspondence related to the entry of foreign diplomats (visa grant) to Iraq addressed to the Protocol Department and a copy to the Consular Department for information.
• When a visa is granted, the number and date of the letter from the Residency Directorate should be indicated for the possibility of its conformity with the approval sent to the residence and border.
• The expired Visa may not be extended, but it may be necessary to obtain a new approval with new fees, but in exceptional cases, such as the border closure, the center of the Passports, and the border residence, it will explain the situation of the Visa and allow them to enter without an extension or to apply for a new approval, but this should not exceed seven days from the reopening of the border.

On the basis of a letter from the Residency Directorate, Section A of Foreigners. C/Visa/1822/2011/29559 of 6 July 2011 containing (not to grant visas or residence permits to foreign workers unless they obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs) exempt the following categories:

A – Employed by International Organizations, Diplomatic Missions and Consulates accredited to Iraq.

B – Foreigners who are allowed to operate under international laws, conventions, and treaties to which the Government is a party.

C – Foreigners who work for the Iraqi government, but must provide the Directorate residence with a letter in supports of the contract between the foreigners and Ministries, government departments to fill out a visa application in Arabic language in order to take.

D – Foreign workers in the reconstruction of holy sanctuaries in Iraq.

Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa

Tourist Visa allows the holder to enter Iraq once within three months of the grant date and stay there for a period of one month for the purpose of visiting tourist and relic sites. A Visa visit allows the holder to enter Iraq once within one month from the date of the grant and stay for one month, whether for the purpose of religious events or to visit holy sites.

Visa also grants the public and political figures, businessmen and investors, and the people whom the Ambassadors and the chargé d'affaires are interested in visiting Iraq, according to their judgment, for a period of 30 days.

In the case of tourist groups, requests are made through tourism companies in the Mission's work area in coordination with one of Iraq's officially licensed tourism companies.

Required Documents for Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) The full address of the place where it will be located in the Republic of Iraq.

8. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

10. There is No Objection to His Entry into the Territory of the Republic of Iraq With Regard to the Public Health, Security, Morals, or the National Economy

11. A Convincing Reasons for Visit Depending on the Visa Type

12. The Individuals Who Make a Request Who are Not Charged or Convicted of a Crime Outside Iraq May be Extradited for

13. There is No Order to Deport Him from the Republic of Iraq and to Achieve This Must Check the History of Arrest from Iraq to Comply with the Attached Form

14. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa

The average processing time for an Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa Fee

Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa fee is 30-100 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa?

You will apply for an Iraq Visit or Tourism Visa in Iraq visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Iraq Normal Visa

Normal Visa allows the owner to enter Iraq once, within three months from the date of grant and residence in Iraq, for a period not exceeding three months, to visit the Direction of Residence to inform him of his arrival within ten days of his arrival and to enter Iraqi territory.

Required Documents for Iraq Normal Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) Full address in the place, which he will stay in the Republic of Iraq.

8. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

10. There is No Objection to His Entry into the Territory of the Republic of Iraq With Regard to the Public Health, Security, Morals, or the National Economy

11. A Convincing Reasons for Visit Depending on the Visa Type

12. The Individuals Who Make a Request Who are Not Charged or Convicted of a Crime Outside Iraq May be Extradited for

13. There is No Order to Deport Him from the Republic of Iraq and to Achieve This Must Check the History of Arrest from Iraq in Order to Comply with the Attached Form

14. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Iraq Normal Visa

The average processing time for an Iraq Normal Visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Iraq Normal Visa Fee

Iraq Normal Visa fee are 30-100 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Iraq Normal Visa?

You will apply for an Iraq Normal Visa in Iraq visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Iraq Transit Visa

There are two types of transit visa:

Transit Visa: – Transit visa allows the owner to enter Iraq once for a period of three months from the date of issue and to stay for a period of not more than seven days.

Non-stop Transit Visa: – This visa enables the holder to transit through the territory of Iraq under the supervision of the competent authorities without stopping and on a one-off basis within three months from the date of grant.

Required Documents for Iraq Transit Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Copy of visa for the final destination (if any)

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (onward ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) Full address in the place, which he will stay in the Republic of Iraq.

8. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

10. There is No Objection to His Entry into the Territory of the Republic of Iraq With Regard to the Public Health, Security, Morals, or the National Economy

11. A Convincing Reasons for Visit Depending on the Visa Type

12. The Individuals Who Make a Request Who are Not Charged or Convicted of a Crime Outside Iraq May be Extradited for

13. There is No Order to Deport Him from the Republic of Iraq and to Achieve This Must Check the History of Arrest from Iraq in Order to Comply with the Attached Form

14. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Iraq Transit Visa

The average processing time for an Iraq Transit Visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Iraq Transit Visa Fee

Iraq Transit Visa fee is 30-100 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Iraq Transit Visa?

You will apply for an Iraq Transit Visa in Iraq visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Iraq Political Visa

Political visas are granted to officials in other countries who are visiting Iraq on official missions, as well as to diplomatic, international, regional, and Arab missions in the Republic of Iraq with their families, in accordance with an official memo and with a special residence permit.

Required Documents for Iraq Political Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Copy of visa for the final destination (if any)

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) Full address in the place, which he will stay in the Republic of Iraq.

8. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

10. There is No Objection to His Entry into the Territory of the Republic of Iraq With Regard to the Public Health, Security, Morals, or the National Economy

11. A Convincing Reasons for Visit Depending on the Visa Type

12. The Individuals Who Make a Request Who are Not Charged or Convicted of a Crime Outside Iraq May be Extradited for

13. There is No Order to Deport Him from the Republic of Iraq and to Achieve This Must Check the History of Arrest from Iraq in Order to Comply with the Attached Form

14. Diplomatic Invitation Letter

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Iraq Political Visa

The average processing time for an Iraq Political Visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Iraq Political Visa Fee

Iraq Political Visa fee is 30-100 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Iraq Political Visa?

You will apply for an Iraq Political Visa in Iraq visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Iraq Multi-Visa: – granted for a period of three months, six months, or one year after receiving the legal conditions.

Required Documents for Iraq Multi-Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3.5x4.5 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Copy of visa for the final destination (if any)

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) Full address in the place, which he will stay in the Republic of Iraq.

8. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Death certificate of spouse

10. There is No Objection to His Entry into the Territory of the Republic of Iraq With Regard to the Public Health, Security, Morals, or the National Economy

11. A Convincing Reasons for Visit Depending on the Visa Type

12. The Individuals Who Make a Request Who are Not Charged or Convicted of a Crime Outside Iraq May be Extradited for

13. There is No Order to Deport Him from the Republic of Iraq and to Achieve This Must Check the History of Arrest from Iraq in Order to Comply with the Attached Form

14. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Iraq Multi-Visa

The average processing time for an Iraq Multi-Visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Iraq Multi-Visa Visa Fee

Iraq Multi-Visa Visa fee is 100 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Iraq Multi-Visa?

You will apply for an Iraq Multi-Visa in Iraq visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

If you intend to stay in Iraq for a long period, you can extend your visa or apply for a residence permit in Iraq in most cases. Any foreigner wishing to stay in Iraq for more than the period of time specified in his visa must obtain, before the expiry of that period, a residence permit from the Residence Officer for a period not exceeding one year and may, one month before the expiry date, apply for an extension from that Residence Officer for a further year, a procedure which may be repeated several times.

The Director may refuse to grant or extend a document of residence to a foreigner in special circumstances, and the foreigner may, within 15 days from notification of such refusal, object to such a decision of refusal by the Minister whose decision is final.

Any person whose residence is refused and whose decision of refusal has reached the final stage and who has not left the territory of the Republic of Iraq may be notified of the deportation by the Director.

A foreigner must deliver the Residence Certificate to the Residence Officer before leaving Iraq. The Residence Officer in the Governorate Centres, each in accordance with his or her jurisdiction, undertakes to provide the foreigner who departs with what he or she confirms.

However, it is advisable to contact the nearest Iraq embassies/consulates for the exact information for Iraq Residence Permit. In some cases, they can issue a Residence Permit for you or they can issue a short-term visa for you, so you can enter Iraq with that visa and apply for an extension or residence permit in Iraq.

Eligible nationals to this visa type can obtain Iraq visa in two different ways:

1. Applying for a visa in Iraq embassies/consulates (free of charge)
2. Getting Iraq visa on arrival

You can get an Iraq visa on arrival at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport. 

The following countries can obtain a visa upon arrival:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Required Documents for Iraq Visa on Arrival

1. Application Form

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Iraq.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Travel Itinerary

• Flight tickets (Return ticket)
• Accommodation confirmation/reservation (hotel booking, house contract, apartment reservation, etc.)
• Or Invitation letter by your host

4. The Ability to Cover the Cost of Living During His Stay in Iraq for Ordinary Passport Holders

• Bank statement with sufficient funds covering the travel and stay in Iraq

*Additional documents can be required by the border control.

Processing Time for Iraq Visa on Arrival

The average processing time for Iraq Visa on Arrival is a few minutes.

Iraq Visa on Arrival Fee

Iraq Visa on Arrival fee is 30-100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Where to Apply for Iraq Visa on Arrival?

You will apply for Iraq Visa on Arrival at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport.