Iraq
Iraq visas: e-visa, visit, business, work and family entry
- 6 visa types
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for Iraq work
Entry to Iraq is controlled by the Ministry of Interior. Its Directorate of Residency Affairs, part of the Directorate of Civil Status, Passports and Residency, approves every visa, whether the application is made online or at an Iraqi embassy or consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the visa categories it issues: a visit or tourism visa, a normal (ordinary) visa, transit visas, multiple-entry visas for three months, six months or one year, an emergency visa that a residency officer can grant at the border, and political and service visas for official travel.
Most travellers now start at evisa.iq, the official electronic visa portal. The e-visa is valid for 30 days, can be issued for single or multiple entry and arrives by email, so no embassy visit is needed. Iraqi missions still process consular visas, invitation-based visas and cases that need approval from Baghdad, and each publishes its own fees: the Embassy in Washington, for example, charges USD 50 for single-entry, visit, transit and religious visas.
Business people and investors travel on a visit visa or the e-visa; for a consular business visa, missions ask for an official letter stating the purpose and length of the trip or an invitation from Iraqi authorities or the host company. Anyone who intends to work needs a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs before a visa or residence permit is issued.
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah) has its own regional government and residency authorities, and its entry arrangements can differ from those of the federal government. We could not verify the Region's current rules from its official websites, so this guide covers federal Iraqi visas; confirm Kurdistan Region requirements directly with the Kurdistan Regional Government before you travel there.
Which visa do I need?
Short trip for tourism, family visits or a pilgrimage, travelling alone: apply for the e-visa on evisa.iq (valid 30 days), or for a consular visit visa at the Iraqi mission for your place of residence (USD 50 in Washington).
Meetings, trade fairs or exploring the market for a company: visit visa or e-visa, or a consular business visa with a letter or invitation from the Iraqi host.
A job in Iraq: the employer first obtains a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs; only then is a visa or residence permit granted.
Married to an Iraqi citizen: the spouse route at an Iraqi mission, with the marriage certificate and the Iraqi spouse's documents. Crossing Iraq to another country: transit visa, which allows a stay of up to seven days.
Visa types for Iraq
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Visit or tourism visa (including religious visit visa)
Iraq's visit or tourism visa lets you enter once and stay for one month.
Maximum stay: One month per visit - Transit visa Transit visa and non-stop transit visa
Iraq issues two transit visas: a transit visa allowing one entry within three months and a stay of up to seven days, and a non-stop transit visa for crossing Iraqi territory once under official supervision.
Maximum stay: Up to 7 days
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Visit visa for investors and business people
Iraq has no separate business visa label: business people and investors travel on a visit visa, either as the 30-day e-visa from evisa.iq or as a consular visa from an Iraqi mission.
Maximum stay: 30 days on a visit visa; multiple-entry visas for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year
Work
- Work visa Visa and residence for foreign workers (with a Ministry of Labour work permit)
Foreigners may not work in Iraq without a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and the Directorate of Residency Affairs grants no visa or residence permit to foreign workers who lack one.
Validity: Entry visas for company staff: 30 days, or multiple entry for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Entry visa for foreign spouses and children of Iraqi citizens
Iraqi missions treat foreign wives and foreign husbands of Iraqi citizens differently: wives can receive a visa without a fee once they present the official marriage contract, while husbands get a visa only after the Directorate of Residency Affairs approves.
Processing time: The Embassy in Washington allows two weeks for wives of Iraqi citizens
Online travel permits
- e-Visa Iraqi electronic visa (e-visa, evisa.iq)
Iraq's Ministry of Interior issues electronic visas through evisa.iq, so most visitors no longer need to visit an embassy.
Validity: 30 days; single or multiple entry
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Almost all foreigners do. The search tool on evisa.iq shows, by country and passport type, which visa applies; most visitors can apply online for the 30-day e-visa. The Embassy in Washington states that US passport holders can also obtain a visa directly at Iraqi airports. Others apply online or at an Iraqi mission before departure.
How long is the Iraqi e-visa valid?
The Directorate of Residency Affairs states that the e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry. It is sent by email; print it and show it to the residency officer at the border.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Iraq?
Iraqi law provides for an emergency visa that the residency officer at a border post may grant to a foreigner who arrives without a visa, if the officer accepts the reasons why no visa was obtained in advance; it is discretionary. The Embassy in Washington states that US passport holders can obtain a visa directly at Iraqi airports without prior approval. Other travellers should apply online or at a mission before departure.
Does the Kurdistan Region of Iraq follow the same visa rules?
The Kurdistan Region has its own government and residency authorities, and arrangements at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah can differ from federal practice. Its official websites could not be checked for this guide, so confirm current rules with the Kurdistan Regional Government before travelling, especially if you plan to continue from the Region to other parts of Iraq.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also requires that the passport allows you to return to the issuing country or travel on to another one, and that you enter through an official border crossing.
Can an Iraqi visa be extended?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an expired visa cannot be extended; you need a new approval and pay new fees. When a border was closed, the border residency office may note this on the visa and admit the holder within seven days of the border reopening.
Are children subject to special health requirements?
Yes. For children under 15, Iraqi missions ask for a health certificate proving full vaccination against polio, meaning at least five doses of oral polio vaccine. Missions may ask some applicants, such as spouses of Iraqis and invited visitors, for further health documents.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.