Visa requirements

Iraq

General visa requirements for travelling to Iraq. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Tourist e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
60 days
Processing time
24-48 hours
Fee
$160 USD
Validity
60 days from approval
Entry
Single entry

Since March 1, 2025, visa on arrival to Federal Iraq has been suspended for these 37 countries, and the e-visa system is now mandatory. The fee includes mandatory health insurance. Once approved, the e-visa must be used within 60 days from the date of approval.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of 37 countries including EU members, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, Switzerland, Norway, and United Kingdom

    Eligible countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America

  • Purpose of visit

    Valid for tourism and short-term visits

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • family visits
    • general sightseeing
  • Health

    All foreign nationals applying for an Iraqi visa are required to obtain Iraqi health insurance, which is included in the visa fee

    Required vaccinations: No specific vaccinations required, but health insurance mandatory

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white or light gray background, taken within last 6 months, head covering 30-36mm (70-80% of photo height), no glasses unless prescription required with no glare

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Iraq e-Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.iq/en

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the online e-Visa application form with personal information (full name, date of birth, email, telephone), passport details, and travel information (accommodation name and address in Iraq)

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare digital copies of passport information page and passport-style photo meeting specifications

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the e-visa fee online using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing and approval

  5. Visa collection

    Receive approved e-Visa by email. Print it or present it on your phone when arriving at any port of entry in Iraq

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (GCC Nationals Single Entry Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
60 days
Processing time
On arrival
Fee
$75 USD
Validity
60 days from issuance
Entry
Single entry

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country nationals are eligible for two visit visa options for tourism and some business activities. This is the single-entry visa-on-arrival option. Previously limited to 30 days, now expanded to 60 days.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of GCC member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates

    Eligible countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

  • Purpose of visit

    For tourism and some business activities

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • business meetings

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months

  2. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee upon arrival at Iraqi port of entry

  3. Visa collection

    Receive visa on arrival stamp

Sign in to apply

Business visa (GCC Nationals Multiple Entry Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
72 hours
Fee
$150 USD
Validity
1 year
Entry
Multiple entry

Gulf Cooperation Council country nationals can obtain a multiple-entry visa issued at an Iraqi consular post that allows stays of up to one year. Suitable for frequent business travelers.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to nationals of GCC member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates

    Eligible countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

  • Purpose of visit

    For frequent business visits and tourism

    Includes
    • Multiple business trips
    • tourism

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white background

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport and photos

  2. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Iraqi consulate

  3. Document submission

    Submit application at Iraqi consular post

  4. Fee payment

    Pay multiple entry visa fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect multiple entry visa

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Kurdistan Region Tourist Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
On arrival or 2-3 days if applied online
Fee
$72.26 USD
Validity
90 days from issuance to enter
Entry
Single entry

Unlike the rest of Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan still offers visa-on-arrival option for travelers from many countries including EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others. Citizens can obtain e-Visa through the portal or upon arrival at Erbil International Airport or Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Note: A visa issued for Iraqi Kurdistan does not grant access to the rest of Iraq, and vice versa.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to EU member states, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UK, and USA

    Eligible countries: Albania, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America

  • Purpose of visit

    For tourism in Kurdistan Region of Iraq only

    Includes
    • Tourism within Kurdistan region

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry

  2. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee upon arrival or online if pre-applying

  3. Visa collection

    Receive visa stamp on arrival at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Kurdistan Region e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
2-3 business days
Fee
$75 USD
Validity
90 days from issuance to enter, extendable to 90 days total stay
Entry
Single entry

Recommended to get e-visa for Kurdistan in advance since March 2025. Can extend stay beyond 30 days up to 90 days total. Valid only for Kurdistan Region, not for rest of Iraq.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to EU, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UK, and USA

    Eligible countries: Albania, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital passport photo

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Kurdistan Region e-Visa Application; Form url: https://visit.gov.krd/

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete Kurdistan e-Visa application online

  2. Document gathering

    Upload digital passport copy and photo

  3. Fee payment

    Pay Kurdistan e-visa fee online

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for e-visa approval

  5. Visa collection

    Receive Kurdistan e-Visa by email and present at entry

Sign in to apply

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Official Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
1-2 weeks if visa required
Fee
$0 USD
Validity
1-6 months depending on passport type
Entry
Multiple entry

Holders of diplomatic or service passports of certain countries may enter Iraq without a visa for 1-6 months (diplomatic passports) or 3 months (service passports). Diplomatic and official passport holders are waived visa fees. An official diplomatic letter from the Department of State is required for US diplomats.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must hold diplomatic or official/service passport and be traveling on official government business

    Required status: Diplomatic or official government status

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official diplomatic letter from Department of State or Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifying applicant's name, position, passport type and date, and purpose of travel

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain diplomatic note from sending country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Department of State

  2. Document submission

    Submit diplomatic note to Iraqi embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for diplomatic clearance (if visa required)

  4. Visa collection

    Collect diplomatic visa if required, or proceed with visa-free entry

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa (Embassy Application))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
$0 USD
Validity
As approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Entry
Single entry

Journalists and NGO workers are not eligible for the e-Visa and must obtain a visa through an Iraqi embassy or consulate. Applications can be submitted through Iraq's missions abroad, through the newspaper/news agency/satellite TV office in Baghdad with a letter to the Press Department at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or through the journalist's embassy in Baghdad.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must be accredited journalist, filmmaker, or media researcher with valid press credentials

    Required status: Employed by recognized media organization

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white background

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from news organization or media outlet explaining purpose of visit and assignment details, directed to Press Department at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain letter from media organization directed to Press Department at Ministry of Foreign Affairs explaining assignment

  2. Appointment booking

    Contact Iraqi embassy or submit through media outlet's Baghdad office

  3. Document submission

    Submit journalist visa application with media credentials and assignment letter

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval

  5. Visa collection

    Collect approved media visa

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa (Embassy Application))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1 days
Processing time
3-5 business days
Fee
$77 USD
Validity
3 months from date of grant
Entry
Single entry

Non-stop transit visa allows the holder to transit through Iraqi territory under the supervision of competent authorities without stopping, one-time within three months from the date of grant. Available at Basra International Airport and Al Najaf International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Only for travelers transiting through Iraq to another destination without leaving the airport or stopping

    Includes
    • Airport transit only

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white background

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare passport and confirmed onward flight tickets showing transit through Iraq

  2. Document submission

    Submit transit visa application to Iraqi embassy

  3. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for transit visa approval

  5. Visa collection

    Collect transit visa from embassy

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student Visa (Embassy Application))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
4-6 weeks
Fee
$190 USD
Validity
Duration of academic program
Entry
Single entry

Student visa must be issued in the applicant's native country before coming to Iraq. All academic documents must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the student's country and the Iraqi embassy or cultural attaché in that country. Full-time enrollment required; combining studies with work is not permitted.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be enrolled full-time at a recognized Iraqi educational institution. Certificate or school document for middle school or high school must be recognized in Iraq and approved by Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs

    Includes
    • Full-time study at Iraqi universities or technical institutes
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate financial capacity for tuition fees and living expenses or provide letter of guarantee from sponsor

    Minimum funds: Sufficient for duration of studies

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white background

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor guarantee letter; Minimum amount: Sufficient for tuition and living expenses

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain admission letter from Iraqi university, certified academic transcripts, and financial proof

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Iraqi embassy/consulate in home country

  3. Document submission

    Submit admission letter, certified academic documents, and financial proof to Iraqi embassy

  4. Fee payment

    Pay student visa fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect approved student visa

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Embassy Application))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
$190 USD
Validity
Long-term employment duration
Entry
Multiple entry

Work visa requires employer sponsorship. Iraq is reopening its job market to foreign workers in 2026 with high demand in construction, oil & gas, healthcare, and education sectors. Temporary work visas available for short-term projects.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have a formal employment contract with Iraqi employer and completed health and security clearances

    Required status: Formal employment contract with Iraqi company required

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white background, recent

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: Health and security clearances required; Validity months: 3

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Valid Iraqi business license from sponsoring employer

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract, employer business license, health clearance, and security clearance

  2. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Iraqi embassy or consulate in home country

  3. Document submission

    Submit all required documents to Iraqi embassy/consulate

  4. Fee payment

    Pay work visa processing fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for work permit and visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect approved work visa from embassy/consulate

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
60 days
Processing time
4-20 business days
Fee
$160 USD
Validity
Single or multiple entry, validity determined by consulate
Entry
Multiple entry

Business visa requires local company sponsorship. Available in single entry or multiple entry formats. The invitation letter from the Iraqi host company must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and communicated to the Iraqi embassy before visa application submission.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For business meetings, conferences, and other non-employment commercial activities

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • trade activities (non-employment)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 35mm, white or light gray background, taken within last 6 months

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter of invitation from host company in Iraq, approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and communicated to Iraqi embassy before application

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Iraq Business e-Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.iq/en

  • Hotel booking

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from Iraqi host company approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotel reservations, and employment proof

  2. Online application

    Complete online business e-Visa application with company and travel details

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee online

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for application processing and approval from consulate

  5. Visa collection

    Receive approved business e-Visa by email

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.