Iraq's visa policy underwent a radical transformation in 2025. If you're planning to visit Iraq, the most important thing you need to know is that the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) system has been suspended for most nationalities as of March 1, 2025.
Most Important Update (December 2025): If you're planning to enter both Iraqi Kurdistan and Federal Iraq, you must submit two separate visa applications to avoid paying an additional 103,000 Iraqi Dinars (USD $78) at the border. Best option: Enter through Baghdad first!
Introduction
Iraqi visa policy has undergone a dramatic transformation in 2025, with significant updates in November 2025. If you're planning to visit Iraq, the most important thing to know is that the Visa on Arrival (VOA) system has been discontinued for most nationalities as of March 1, 2025.
Now, travelers from 37 countries (including EU nations, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others) must apply online in advance through the official portal at evisa.iq.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa to Iraq in 2025, with the latest information from December 2025 and real traveler experiences.
Decision Guide: Federal Iraq vs. Kurdistan Visa (Updated December 2025)
Choose the scenario that applies to you:
Scenario 1: Entering Federal Iraq (Baghdad, Najaf, Basra)
Plan: Apply for Federal Iraq e-visa only
- Advantage: You can cross into Kurdistan without paying additional fees
- Document: You'll receive a colored PDF with stamp "Issuing Authority: Directorate of Residence and Travel"
- Cost: USD $164 (217,000 Iraqi Dinars)
- Validity: 60 days
Scenario 2: Entering Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah)
Plan: If you're planning to visit Kurdistan only
- Application: Kurdistan e-visa only
- Cost: USD $80
- Validity: 30 days (extendable up to 60 additional days)
- Website: visit.gov.krd
If you plan to travel to Federal Iraq later:
- Apply for a separate federal visa independently
- Recommended border crossing: Duhok to Mosul (avoid Kirkuk - officials there are stricter)
Scenario 3: Entering Kurdistan with Federal Iraq visa only ⚠️ Common Mistake!
Problem: You'll be charged an additional fee at the border!
- Additional fee: 103,000 Iraqi Dinars (USD $78)
- Best solution: Enter through Baghdad instead to avoid these extra charges
Scenario 4: The Perfect Iraq Tour
Plan: Enter from Baghdad, then travel to Kurdistan
- Visa: Federal only (USD $164)
- Freedom: You can move between Federal Iraq and Kurdistan without additional costs
- Duration: Full 60 days
Federal Iraq E-Visa: The New System
Shift from Visa on Arrival to E-Visa
On March 1, 2025, Federal Iraq discontinued the Visa on Arrival system for 37 countries. According to Rudaw News, these countries include:
- European Union (all member states)
- United States and Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia and New Zealand
- Japan and South Korea
- China and Russia
- And several other nations
What are the available alternatives now?
- Federal E-Visa - via evisa.iq
- Iraqi Kurdistan Region Visa (completely separate) - via visit.gov.krd
Very important: The Federal visa is valid for all of Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala, and Kurdistan Region). However, the Kurdistan Region visa is not valid for entering Federal areas.
Steps to Apply for Federal Iraq E-Visa
Basic Requirements
Before starting your application, ensure you have:
1. Valid Passport
- Valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
- Contains at least one blank page
2. Digital Photograph
- White or light gray background (per official requirements)
- Neutral facial expression without smile, looking directly at camera
- Crystal clear - any blurriness will result in application rejection
- No headwear (except for religious reasons)
3. Travel Documents
- Hotel booking (especially your first night - considered your implicit guarantor)
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Proof of financial capability (bank statement)
4. Health Insurance
- Included in visa fee - no need to purchase separately!
- Coverage is built into the online application (evisairaq.com/faq)
Online Application: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
- Go to evisa.iq only
- Warning: There are fraudulent websites imitating the official portal. Verify the correct URL
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Personal information (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Passport details
- Travel itinerary and hotel information
- Contact information (email is critical - approval notifications are sent here)
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Passport page (photo should be colored, clear in entirety with all four corners visible)
- Photograph (white/light gray background, neutral expression)
- Hotel booking
- Flight ticket
Step 4: Online Payment
- Fees:
- Ordinary visa: USD $164 (217,000 Iraqi Dinars)
- Tourist visa: USD $114 (151,000 Iraqi Dinars) - Recommended choice
- Payment methods: Credit or debit card
- Important tip: Revolut cards have the highest success rate; debit cards work better than credit cards
- If payment fails: Wait 24 hours before retrying and verify online payment is enabled with your bank
Step 5: Security Clearance
- The longest phase of the process
- For Western nationalities: Usually just a formality
- For some nationalities: May take longer
Step 6: Receive Approval
- Processing time varies by nationality:
- Group A: Usually 6 to 72 hours
- Group B: Usually 8 to 18 business days (evisairaq.com/faq)
- Important tip: Apply at least 14 days before travel
- Check your Spam folder in email
Arriving at the Airport: What Actually Happens
Before Boarding Your Flight
Print these documents (do not rely on digital copies):
- E-visa approval (PDF) using a color printer (very important!)
- Important detail: The visa contains a colored bar that changes color:
- Red = Visa approved ✓
- Green = Visa still pending ⏳
- Airport and airline staff prefer color copies for faster processing
- Important detail: The visa contains a colored bar that changes color:
- Health insurance is embedded in visa - no need to print separate certificate
- Hotel booking
- Flight ticket
Carry US currency:
- Fresh, clean US dollar bills
- You may need to pay additional fees at the airport
- Do not rely on credit cards at the airport
Upon Arrival (Baghdad, Najaf, Basra)
1. Queue in the "E-Visa/Foreign Visitors" line
2. Present Your Documents
- Show your printed e-visa approval
- Passport
- Health insurance is embedded - no need to show separate certificate
3. Fingerprinting and Photography
- Your fingerprints and photo will be taken
4. Receive Your Stamp
- Important: Verify your authorized stay duration (usually 60 days)
- Keep your stamp when leaving - overstaying results in fines or deportation
Expected time: 30 minutes to several hours (depends on congestion)
Tips from Real Traveler Experiences
Most Common Mistakes:
- Unclear photographs - the #1 reason for application rejection
- Not printing documents - the online portal is not your final visa
- Unknown hotels - book a reputable hotel for your first night (such as Babylon Rotana or Al-Mansour in Baghdad)
Golden tip:
- Officials may call your hotel to verify your booking
- Patience is essential - the system is bureaucratic but officials are professional
Iraqi Kurdistan Region Visa: The Other Option
Who Can Get a Kurdistan Visa on Arrival?
53 nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at airports in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok (according to Kurdistan24).
Fees: Approximately USD $72
Validity: 30 days (extendable up to 60 additional days)
The Critical Difference Between Kurdistan and Federal Visas
| Federal Visa | Kurdistan Region Visa |
|---|---|
| Valid for entire Iraq | Kurdistan only |
| Via evisa.iq | Via visit.gov.krd |
| USD $164 | USD $72 |
| 60 days | 30 days (extendable) |
Golden rule: If you plan to visit Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala, or Basra, you must obtain the Federal visa before travel. You cannot enter these cities with only a Kurdistan visa.
Frequently Asked Questions from Traveler Experiences (December 2025)
Do I need to specify my point of entry in the visa application?
Answer: No, you don't need to specify your point of entry in the application. When asked for details:
- They don't ask about your entry method (land or air)
- Required information: Province (such as Baghdad) and hotel name
- You have flexibility: If you decide to enter by land instead of flying (or vice versa), there's no problem
How long does it take to receive the visa?
Answer from travelers:
- Faster than expected: Applied 2:30 PM, received approval at 9:30 PM (just 7 hours!)
- Minimum: 12 hours
- Maximum: 72 hours for Group A
What's the best strategy for visiting both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan?
Advice from a recent traveler (October 2025):
"I just returned from both Iraq and Kurdistan together. You must go to Federal Iraq first and then move to Kurdistan. This is the best way."
Benefit: Save 103,000 Iraqi Dinars (USD $78) in additional fees
What's the difference between Kurdistan and Federal visas?
Quick comparison:
| Criteria | Federal Visa | Kurdistan Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 60 days | 30 days (extendable) |
| Cost | USD $164 (217,000 Dinars) | USD $80 |
| Geographic Coverage | Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, Karbala, and Kurdistan | Kurdistan only |
| Website | evisa.iq | visit.gov.krd |
Can I enter Baghdad with a Kurdistan visa?
Definitive answer: No, absolutely not. Kurdistan visa is valid only for Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Using Unofficial Websites
Problem: Fraudulent websites mimicking the official portal Solution: Use only evisa.iq or visit.gov.krd
2. Unclear Photos and Documents
Problem: The #1 reason for application rejection Solution:
- Use a high-quality scanner
- Ensure all details are clear
- For scanner: All four corners of the passport page must be visible
- For photograph: White or light gray background, neutral face without smile
3. Poor Hotel Choice
Problem: Unknown hotels may raise questions Solution: Book a reputable hotel for at least your first night
4. Submitting Late
Problem: Security clearance can take time Solution: Submit at least two weeks before travel
5. Traveling with Wrong Visa
Problem: Attempting to enter Baghdad with a Kurdistan visa Solution: If visiting Federal cities, obtain the Federal visa
Special Tips for Different Travelers
For Solo Female Travelers
- Wear modest clothing
- Head covering is mandatory at sacred sites
- Carry detailed itinerary and confirmed bookings
- Tip: Hire a local guide for the first few days to ease entry
For Families
- Same process for everyone (including children)
- Ensure all documents are available for each person
For Business Travelers
- Do not enter on a tourist visa for business purposes - this can lead to serious legal problems
- Commercial visa requires a separate process and an Iraqi sponsoring company
Recent Updates (2024-2025)
Important Changes to Visa Policy
February 20, 2024: Kurdistan Region announced visa on arrival for 53 countries (Rudaw News)
March 1, 2025: Federal Iraq discontinued visa on arrival for 37 countries (Rudaw News)
September 30, 2025: Iraqi Cabinet approved:
- Unified e-visa platform including Kurdistan Region
- Mandatory health insurance for all applicants (Rudaw News)
Official Resources and Contact Information
Official Online Portals
- Federal Visa: evisa.iq
- Kurdistan Region Visa: visit.gov.krd
Iraqi Embassy in the United States
Address: 1801 P St NW, Washington DC 20036 Phone: +1-202-742-1600
Consular Section (Visas): Address: 3421 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20007 Phone: +1-202-483-7500
(Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website)
Official Travel Resources
- UK Foreign Office: Travel advice for Iraq
- US Department of State: Travel information to Iraq
Final Checklist: Before You Travel
Before departing, make sure you:
✅ Applied for e-visa at least 14 days before travel ✅ Received approval and printed it (health insurance is included) ✅ Your passport is valid for at least 6 months ✅ Booked a reputable hotel for your first night ✅ Carry fresh US dollar bills in cash ✅ Printed all documents (do not rely on digital copies) ✅ Checked your spam folder for the approval email
Remember: The new system is easier and faster than before, but it requires advance planning. You cannot get a visa on arrival anymore. Apply early, carry printed documents, and be patient upon arrival.
Iraq awaits you with its ancient history and legendary hospitality. The new e-visa system is a step toward making travel more organized and secure. Prepare well, and enjoy your journey to the cradle of civilizations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last Updated: December 2025 - Added new information from November 2025 regarding optimal strategies for visiting both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan, payment tips, color printing details, and recent traveler experiences.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the content above
No. Health insurance is included in the visa fee when applying through evisa.iq. No need to purchase separately or print a separate certificate.
Group A usually takes 6 to 72 hours (may be much faster based on recent experiences). Group B usually takes 8 to 18 business days. Your group is determined when you apply. Tip: Apply at least 14 days before travel to be safe.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and contain at least one blank page.
Use a white or light gray background, neutral facial expression without smile, looking directly at camera. No headwear except for religious reasons.
No. Travel dates on your visa cannot be changed. You'll need to submit a new application if you need different dates.
If your application is rejected by authorities, you are not eligible for a refund. Check the official FAQ page for more details.
Yes. Print one copy and carry it with you during travel. Digital copies will not be sufficient. Use a color printer for best results.
No. Kurdistan Region visa is valid only for Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok). To travel to Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, or Karbala, you need the Federal visa.
If you exceed your Iraq visa duration, you must visit the Residence Office to avoid arrest or deportation.
No. Health insurance is embedded in your visa and no separate documents need to be shown at the airport.
