Iraq Visa – Application, Validity, Types and Requirements
Iraq is not the most popular destination for tourists. There are many reasons for that. However, you can still visit the country for many purposes. And you must obtain an Iraq Visa to visit the country.
Iraq has been in constant conflict for the past ten years. And for this reason, many tourists decline to visit the country. However, the situation has calmed down. And many people are using the opportunity to go to the nation.
Most people visit Iraq for religious tours, and Iraq Kurdistan is where tourism takes place. Iraq Kurdistan is an autonomous region in Iraq. And it has its visa policies, different from Iraq.
But many wonder what the visa application process in Iraq and Iraq Kurdistan could be.
Find out in the following lines.
Iraq Visa policy
Iraq’s visa policy is more strict than most countries. Thus, almost all foreigners coming to the country must apply for an entry permit at an Iraqi embassy abroad. However, it still allows nationals of certain countries to get visa-on-arrival at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport.
Who can get Iraq Visa on arrival?
Nationals of most countries in the world need an entry permit to visit Iraq. However, citizens of the following nations can get a visa on arrival at either the Al Najaf International Airport or Basra International Airport. They include:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Exemptions from Iran Visa
Additionally, if you hold a diplomatic passport from any of the following countries, you don’t need a visa to enter Iraq. They include:
- China
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Serbia
- Turkey
Iraq Kurdistan visa policy
The visa policy in the Iraq Kurdistan region is more friendly. It allows more people, especially from Europe, to enter without a visa. However, you cannot cross over to Iraq on such a visit.
Iraq Kurdistan visa on arrival
Nationals of the following countries can visit Iraq Kurdistan without an entry permit. However, they will have to obtain it upon arrival in the region. They include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
The visa allows them to stay in the region for 30 days. But, they can extend it to 90 days.
To apply for an Iraq Kurdistan visa, you can visit any Kurdistan Regional Government in your country of origin.
Types of Iraq visa
The visa type you apply for while visiting Iraq depends on your purpose of going to the country. Thus, you can obtain any of the following entry permits to move to Iraq. They include:
- Iraq Tourist Visa
- Iraq Visit Visa
- Iraq Visa for investors, public figures or political figures
- Iraq Normal Visa
- Iraq Transit Visa
Tourist visa
Tourists visiting Iraq need a tourist visa. It allows them to stay in the country for 30 days. However, it has a validity period of three months. So, you can enter the country any time within this period.
Visit visa
It is for Muslims moving to Iraq for religious purposes. So, if you plan to visit Iraq to see a holy site or shrine, you will need an Iraq Visit Visa. Generally, it is valid for 30 days.
Visas for investors, public figures or political figures
It is valid for Thirty days and allows international investors, public and political figures to visit Iraq for business, official duties and political events.
Normal visa
An Iraq Normal Visa allows holders to remain in Iraq for three months. However, you must register at the Iraqi Directorate of Residence within ten days.
Meanwhile, you must know what to know when planning to visit Iraq. It will help you to stay safe while in the country.
Transit Visa
It allows foreigners using an international airport in the country to stay in Iraq for up to seven days.
Types of Iran Kurdistan visa
When visiting the region of Iraq Kurdistan, you may need to apply for any of the following visa types. They include:
- Tourism
- Visit
- Work
- Study
- Family Reunion
Visa for tourism
It allows holders to visit Kurdistan for tourist purposes. You can stay in the region for up to 30 days with your tourist visa.
Visit visa
Foreigners entering Iraq Kurdistan to visit a religious shrine or a holy site will need a Kurdistan Visit visa. It allows them to stay in the region for up to 30 days.
Work Visa
A work visa allows you to work in Kurdistan legally. Thus, without a Kurdistan Work Visa, you cannot visit the region as a foreign worker.
Study visa
International students who get admission to a Kurdistan university must apply for a Kurdistan Study visa to enter the country. It allows you to complete your program at the university.
Family reunion visa
If your family or relatives live in Iraq Kurdistan, you need a Family Reunion visa to visit them.
Requirements for Iraq visa
You will need the following requirements to apply for an Iraq visa. They include:
- A valid passport
- Completed application form for Iraq visa
- Two (2) photos of the same size and colour
- Proof of enough financial means while in Iraq
- Police criminal record
- Cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your visit
- Proof of accommodation in Iraq
- Receipt of payment for Iraq visa
- Medical report showing that you are fit
- Letter of acceptance from a university in Iraq
- Letter of invitation from your host in Iraq
- Offer letter from an Iraqi employer
- For a transit visa, you need the entry permit to the third country
- Letter of invitation form a company in Iraq
You will also need the above requirements for a visa to Iraq Kurdistan. However, you must contact the Kurdistan Regional Office in your country of origin for further enquiries.
How to apply for an Iraq visa
The visa application for an Iraq visa varies depending on your country of origin or residence. Therefore, you must contact the Iraqi embassy or consulate near you to know the steps to follow. However, you can begin by following the instructions below. They include:
Step 1. Contact the Iraqi embassy or consulate in your country of origin to find out the requirements and application process.
Step 2. Collect all the documents you need for your Iraq visa.
Step 3. Send your documents to the Iraqi embassy in your country for verification.
Step 4. Attend your visa interview if applicable.
Step 5. Wait for a reply from the Iraqi embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence.
Similarly, you must contact the Kurdishian regional Office close to you when applying for a visa to visit the region.
Also Read: What to take into account when planning to visit Iraq
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Iraq visa?
The cost of obtaining an entry permit in Iraq depends on the times you can use the visa to enter the country.
Thus, while a single-entry visa costs between USD 30 – USD 40, multiple-entry permits will be USD 100.
What is the processing time for an entry permit to Iraq?
Generally. it takes 15 days to process your Iraq entry permit. However, it can still take longer depending on the situation at hand. For instance, if there are many applications and a shortage of officials at the embassy. Or if your documents are not complete.
What is the validity period of Iraq entry permits?
The validity period of any visa in Iran depends on the type of visa. Therefore, you must check your permit to know how long it allows you to stay in Iraq. Tourist visas are valid for up[ to 30 days without an option to extend. However, you can travel to Iraq within three months.
Furthermore, there is no extension for any permit in Iraq. So, if you still need to stay in the country, you must apply for another visa from home.
Is Iraq a safe country to visit?
With many crises in the country, one can say that it is not safe to visit Iraq. For that reason, most governments, especially in the west, have warned their citizens of the danger of going to Iraq. There is a high chance of terrorism, armed conflict, detention, and kidnapping. All these can result in death. Therefore, you must be careful if you want to travel to Iraq this year.
However, you can still travel to Iraq Kurdistan, an autonomous part of Iraq. However, it is still part of Iraq. Life in this region is peaceful and free from the crises you see in other parts of Iraq.
Thus, it attracts many visitors who want to take advantage of its growing economy and diverse nature. Moreover, most tourist activities in Iraq take place in Kurdistan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, before visiting Iraq, you must consider the risk factors, especially as you stand the chance of living your life in the hands of terrorists and kidnappers.
However, you visit the Kurdistan region for your religious and tourist purposes. It has many places where you can go for tourism. Plus, it is safe for foreigners from all over the world.
