Iraq visas
Whether you need a visa for Iraq depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit, and on whether you are travelling to federal Iraq or to the Kurdistan Region, which operates its own separate entry system. Most visitors now obtain an electronic visa online before travel rather than a paper visa or visa on arrival. Entry and residence are administered by the Directorate of Residency Affairs within the Ministry of Interior, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles visas issued through Iraqi embassies and consulates abroad.
Iraqi visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Iraq — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.6 visas
- Work visasComing to Iraq to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Iraq — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Iraq.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Iraq as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Iraq long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Iraqi visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Iraq — key facts
- Visa authority
- Directorate of Residency Affairs, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Iraq (with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visas issued at embassies abroad)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Iraqi dinar (IQD)
- Time zone
- Arabia Standard Time (AST, UTC+3)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.