Iraq has a specific visa policy that governs entry for foreign nationals. Depending on their nationality and purpose of visit, travelers may be required to apply for a visa in advance, or they may be eligible for a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (e-Visa). The Iraqi government has introduced visa-on-arrival schemes and recently launched an e-Visa system to facilitate easier access for tourists and business travelers.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Iraq?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Iraq. However, there are specific exemptions, and some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival at select entry points or apply for an e-Visa. Below is a breakdown of Iraq’s visa policies:
- Visa Exemption:
- Iran: Citizens of Iran can enter Iraq for 30 days without a visa, but only for air travel. All other means of entry require a pre-arranged visa.
- Turkey: Citizens of Turkey under the age of 15 and over 50 can enter Iraq without a visa for 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival: Iraq offers a visa on arrival to citizens from several countries. This visa is available at any entry point, including land, sea, and air borders, making it more accessible for eligible travelers.
Visa on Arrival
As of March 2021, citizens of 37 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at any approved Iraqi entry point, including major airports like Baghdad International Airport. This visa is typically valid for 30 days. Eligible countries include:
- European Union (All member states)
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Russia
- Japan
- South Korea
For visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, visas on arrival are available at Al Najaf International Airport or Basra International Airport.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Iraq introduced an electronic visa system in April 2024 to simplify the visa application process for tourists and business visitors. The e-Visa allows travelers to apply online for a visa to enter Iraq, and it is available for citizens of numerous countries, including:
- European Union (All member states)
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- Russia
- Canada
- China
- Australia
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be used for tourism or business purposes. Travelers must apply through the official government portal and provide required documentation, such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
Iraqi Kurdistan
Since March 1, 2023, all travelers visiting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are required to have a visa. Similar to the rest of Iraq, certain nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa.
- Visa on Arrival or e-Visa: Citizens from countries such as the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa for the Kurdistan Region.
- Guarantor Requirement for Other Countries: Citizens from countries in List B (excluding a few countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt) must have a guarantor (a local sponsor) apply for an e-Visa on their behalf. This sponsor could be a registered company, such as a law firm or manpower agency, which will manage the visa application process.
Entry Restrictions
Certain nationalities face entry restrictions or bans when it comes to entering Iraq. The key restrictions include:
- Israel: Nationals of Israel are strictly prohibited from entering or transiting through Iraq. Even if travelers do not leave the aircraft, entry and transit are not allowed.
- Bangladesh: Since 2019, the Bangladeshi government has barred its citizens from traveling to Iraq. However, Bangladeshi citizens are permitted to transit through Iraq.
Non-Ordinary Passports
Holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports from several countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Iraq. These countries include:
- China, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Serbia, and Turkey: Diplomatic and service passport holders can enter Iraq visa-free for varying durations (typically between 30 days and 90 days).
- In 2024, Iraq signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and service passports with Indonesia.
Visa Application Process
For travelers requiring a visa, the application process is relatively straightforward:
- Visa on Arrival: Travelers eligible for a visa on arrival need to present a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity), a return ticket, and proof of accommodation or travel plans in Iraq.
- e-Visa Application: Travelers eligible for the e-Visa can apply online via the Iraqi e-Visa portal, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee. Approval is typically granted within a few business days, and the visa is emailed to the applicant.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Iraq? Yes, citizens from 37 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Canada, can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraqi entry points for 30 days.
- What is the Iraqi e-Visa? The e-Visa is an electronic visa system introduced in April 2024 that allows travelers from eligible countries to apply online for a visa before traveling to Iraq.
- Do I need a visa to visit Iraqi Kurdistan? Yes, all visitors require a visa to enter Iraqi Kurdistan. Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa, while others may need a guarantor to apply on their behalf.
- Are there entry restrictions for Israel nationals? Yes, nationals of Israel are not allowed to enter or transit through Iraq.
- What documents are needed for an Iraqi visa? Travelers typically need a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and other supporting documents depending on the type of visa being applied for.
- Are there special permits needed for Iraqi Kurdistan? Travelers to Iraqi Kurdistan require a visa and may need a local sponsor (guarantor) if they are from countries not eligible for a visa on arrival or e-Visa.
Visa Policy of Iraqi Kurdistan
The Iraqi Kurdistan Region has its own distinct visa policy, separate from the rest of Iraq, aimed at facilitating tourism and business travel to the autonomous region. Visitors to Iraqi Kurdistan can obtain a visa on arrival, which allows entry for up to 30 days, depending on their nationality. Below is a detailed breakdown of visa requirements and conditions for entry into Iraqi Kurdistan.
Visa on Arrival for Iraqi Kurdistan
Citizens of several countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival when visiting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This visa is typically issued for 30 days and can be used for tourism or business purposes.
List of Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Lebanon
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Visitors from these countries can enter Iraqi Kurdistan and stay for 30 days without needing to arrange a visa in advance.
Visa Validity and Extensions
- Initial Validity: The standard Kurdistan visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
- Extension: The visa can be extended twice, allowing a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Passport Requirements: Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Travel Restrictions and Important Notes
- Regional Limitations:
- The visa issued for Iraqi Kurdistan is only valid within the autonomous region, which includes the governorates of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja.
- Visitors cannot use the Iraqi Kurdistan visa to travel to other parts of Iraq, such as Baghdad or Basra. Attempting to do so may result in fines, deportation, or even imprisonment.
- You can, however, enter Iraqi Kurdistan with a visa or entry stamp obtained in Baghdad, but not the other way around.
- Israeli Citizens:
- While nationals of Israel are prohibited from entering Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan makes an exception, allowing Israeli citizens to visit. This is a notable distinction between Iraqi Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq.
Visa Application Process
For travelers eligible for a visa on arrival, the process is straightforward. Upon arrival at Erbil International Airport or other entry points in Iraqi Kurdistan, travelers must present:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).
- A return ticket or onward travel details.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking.
- Health insurance (recommended but may not always be enforced).
The visa will be issued at the airport for 30 days and can be extended as needed.
Additional Information
- Business Travel: Iraqi Kurdistan is increasingly popular for business opportunities due to its semi-autonomous status and stability compared to the rest of Iraq. The visa on arrival can be used for both tourism and short-term business trips.
- Crossing into Iraq: If you plan to visit other parts of Iraq outside of Kurdistan, you will need to apply for a separate visa through the Iraqi government or obtain it upon arrival in Baghdad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I travel to Iraqi Kurdistan without a visa? Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days, without the need for a pre-arranged visa.
- Can I extend my Iraqi Kurdistan visa? Yes, the initial 30-day visa can be extended twice, with the total stay not exceeding 90 days.
- Is my Kurdistan visa valid for the rest of Iraq? No, the Iraqi Kurdistan visa is only valid within the region. You cannot use it to travel to other parts of Iraq.
- Can Israeli citizens visit Iraqi Kurdistan? Yes, while Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering the rest of Iraq, they are permitted to visit Iraqi Kurdistan.
- What happens if I leave Iraqi Kurdistan and enter another city in Iraq with my Kurdistan visa? Exiting the Kurdistan region to another part of Iraq with a Kurdistan-only visa can result in fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
- What are the passport requirements for visiting Iraqi Kurdistan? Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
