Visitor & short-stay visas
Iraqi Iraq Pilgrimage Visa
For pilgrims travelling to Iraq's holy shrine cities, such as Najaf and Karbala, to visit their sacred sites.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The MOFA visa page does not list a separately named 'pilgrimage visa'. Pilgrimage falls under the visit/tourism visa, which explicitly covers religious events (USD 30, single entry, 3-month validity, 1-month stay). Confirm the correct category for organised pilgrimage groups with the Iraqi embassy or consulate.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Iraq government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Route type
- Pilgrimage visa
- Maximum stay
- 1 month
- Issued under the visit/tourism (religious visit) visa per MOFA
- Validity
- 3 months from date of grant
- Per MOFA visa page
- Number of entries
- Single entry
- Cost
- USD 30
- MOFA fee for the tourist / religious visit visa
- Where to apply
- Iraqi embassy or consulate, or the e-Visa portal (evisa.iq)
Who can apply
- Pilgrims travelling to Iraq's holy shrine cities
- Travellers visiting Najaf, Karbala and other shrine cities
What you can do
- Travel to Iraq for pilgrimage to the holy shrine cities
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form with two photographs
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the cost of the stay
- No criminal convictions
- A full residential address in Iraq
- Report your arrival to the Directorate of Residence within 10 days of entering Iraq
How to apply
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues pilgrimage travel under the visit/tourism visa, which covers tourist, relic and religious events
- Apply at an Iraqi embassy or consulate, or online through the official e-Visa portal at evisa.iq
- Submit the application form, passport and photographs and pay the fee
- After arrival, report to the Directorate of Residence within 10 days
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Two passport photographs (or a white-background digital photo for the e-Visa)
- Completed visa application form
- Evidence of financial means for the stay
- Details of your accommodation or residential address in Iraq
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Iraqi visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISTE-VISAIraq Tourist VisaFor travellers visiting Iraq for leisure or cultural travel. Many nationalities apply through the official Iraq e-Visa portal before they arrive.View visa details
- BUSINESSEMBASSYIraq Business VisaFor travellers visiting Iraq for business purposes. Requirements vary, and some applicants apply through an Iraqi embassy rather than online.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITIraq Transit VisaFor travellers passing through Iraq on the way to another destination, allowing a brief stop en route.View visa details
- SHORT STAYE-VISAAPPLY ONLINEIraq e-Visa (Tourist / Visit)The federal electronic visa for tourism, pilgrimage and short visits to Iraq, applied for online before travel rather than on arrival.View visa details
