Visit World - US Citizens Traveling to Iraq: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Beginning December 1, 2022, travelers no longer need COVID-19 vaccination certificates to visit Iraq.

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Visa is a mandatory requirement for entry into Iraq for all foreigners except Iranian citizens. Anyone traveling to Iraq must apply for a visa at the Iraqi Embassy/Consulate. Only nationals of these countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport.

All tourists must take out an insurance policy for the entire period of their stay in the country. The minimum coverage should be 30,000 euros.

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In order to be able to enter Iraq, foreigners must obtain one of the following visas:

Tourist visa. This visa will allow its holder to stay in Iraq for up to 30 days. It can be used within three months after its issuance.
Religious visa for visiting Iraq. This visa is issued to those who want to go to religious events or visit holy places. Allows a 30-day stay in the country.

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Obtaining a visa upon arrival

Upon arrival at the airport, approach the visa section near the immigration counter. Fill out a simple form in which you will need to indicate basic personal information and the reason for your visit. Present your passport or another travel document along with the form. Don't forget to have a printed copy of your hotel reservation. Although not a stated requirement, the airline and the immigration officer processing the visa on arrival may request a copy.

After approximately 20-60 minutes, the officer will return with the passport and visa in hand. You then have to pay a fee of $75-80 in cash. And that is it, you have an Iraqi visa on arrival stamped in your passport.

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Obtaining a tourist visa at the embassy/consulate

To apply for a visa to Iraq at a mission of the country, you must submit the following documents:

Your passport;
Visa application form;
Two passport size photos;
A color copy of the birth certificate;
Color copy of driver's license (for religious visa requests);
You may need to submit a criminal record certificate. You must not be a threat to the "public health, safety, morals or national economy of Iraq";
Confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds, i.e. bank statements or cash;
Documents confirming the purpose of the trip;
You must provide the address where you will be staying in Iraq;
Confirmation of fee payment.

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How to apply for a visa to Iraq?

You must apply for a visa to Iraq at one of its embassies or consulates. You need to contact your nearest office to find out about the application process, as it may vary depending on your country of residence.

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Tourist visa processing time

The average processing time for a tourist visa is 2-3 weeks. It depends on the country of the visa application.

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Is it possible to extend the Iraqi visa?

Unfortunately, visas to Iraq are not extended.

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Is it safe to travel to Iraq?

No, unfortunately, visiting Iraq is dangerous. Most Western countries have issued warnings against travel to Iraq due to the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, detention, and kidnapping, which could lead to serious injury or death.

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Visa policy of Iraqi Kurdistan

Iraqi Kurdistan is an autonomous region in northern Iraq inhabited by Kurds. It is relatively safe to visit, unlike the rest of Iraq, because despite technically being the same country, Iraqi Kurdistan is largely independent, with its own parliament, borders, airport and the military.

The visa policy for Iraqi Kurdistan is more flexible. Citizens of many Western countries are allowed visa-free entry, but this does not mean they are allowed to enter Iraq.

Citizens of these countries can get an Iraqi Kurdistan visa upon arrival for a period of up to 30 days. A regular visa can be extended up to 90 days and even converted to a work visa after entering the country.

Anyone who is not eligible for a visa upon arrival can apply for a visa at Iraqi Kurdistan missions abroad. The list of documents is simple - you need to fill out a visa form, add copies of your passport and photo and pay the visa fee, the cost of which is 70 euros.

If you are transiting through Iraq, you may need a transit visa.

There are two types of transit visas:

Ordinary transit visa - allows the holder to enter Iraq once within three months from the date of issue and stay in the country for no more than seven days;
Non-Stop Transit Visa - This visa allows its holder to transit through the territory of Iraq under the supervision of the competent authorities without stopping and on a one-time basis for three months from the date of issue.

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Documents required for issuing a transit visa to Iraq:

1. Application form;

Completed in English, signed and dated by the applicant (signed by both parents in the case of minors under 18 years of age).

2. Passport;

3. Two photos;

4. Copy of the identification card;

5. Copy of residence permit/visa (if your country of residence and citizenship are different);

6. Photocopies:

- A copy of the main page of your passport;

- Copies of previous visas;

A copy of the visa to the final destination (if applicable).

7. Travel route:

- Air ticket reservation (advance ticket);

- Valid hotel/accommodation reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, reservation number).

8. Bank statement with sufficient funds for travel and stay in Iraq;

9. Confirmation of marital status (if any):

- Marriage certificate;

- Birth Certificate;

- Death certificate of the spouse.

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Processing time for a transit visa to Iraq

The average time for issuing a transit visa to Iraq is 2-3 weeks. It depends on the country of the visa application.

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Fee for a transit visa to Iraq

The cost of a transit visa to Iraq is 30-100 USD (may vary depending on your country and nationality). In addition, you may also need to pay other administrative fees, such as visa center fees, courier fees, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents.

To bring pets into Iraq, all pets must have:

1. Microchip for pets;

Your pet must be identified with a microchip to enter Iraq.

2. Vaccinations;

Your pet must be accompanied by proof of a current rabies vaccination that was given no less than 30 days and no more than 11 months before entering Iraq.

3. Health certificate;

A licensed veterinarian must complete a veterinary medical certificate within 10-14 days of traveling to Iraq.

4. Treatment from parasites;

Internal and external parasite treatment should be administered within 5 days of entering Iraq.

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Pets must enter through Baghdad International Airport.

For a complete list of requirements for entering Iraq with a pet, please visit site.

104 - police, 115 - fire service, 112 - emergency assistance

For information and advice on Iraqi customs regulations, visit the website.

To drive in Iraq, you need an international driver's license. Road transportation in Iraq remains extremely dangerous. Driving standards are low. Traffic accidents happen often and end in death. Fake roadblocks were used to carry out terrorist attacks. There is also a risk of car theft and robbery. The minimum age for renting a car is 18 years.

Iraqi Embassies in different countries can be find here: https://www.embassy-worldwide.com/country/iraq/.

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