Many travelers wonder if a Kurdistan visa is "the same as an Iraq visa". It isn't—and choosing the wrong one can limit your route or cost you extra at checkpoints.
Federal Iraq Visa vs Kurdistan Visa: Which one do you need?
Many travelers wonder if a Kurdistan visa is "the same as an Iraq visa". It isn't—and choosing the wrong one can limit your route or cost you extra at checkpoints.
Introduction
Iraq has two commonly confused visitor visa routes: the Federal Iraq visa (for Federal Iraq cities like Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, and Karbala) and the Kurdistan Region visa (for the Kurdistan Region cities like Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok). The difference is not just a label—it affects where you can travel, how you apply, how long you can stay, and sometimes what you pay at the border.
This guide explains the difference between the Iraq visa and the Kurdistan visa in plain language and helps you decide: which one do you need based on your route, and what's the safest (and usually cheapest) strategy if you plan to visit both regions.
To get the exact requirements for your nationality, use the visa checker:
The core difference between the two visas
The simplest way to understand this is "coverage":
- Federal Iraq visa: valid for all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region (Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, Karbala, plus Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok).
- Kurdistan Region visa: valid for the Kurdistan Region only (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok). It is not valid for entering Baghdad or other Federal Iraq areas.
One critical update: Federal Iraq no longer offers visa on arrival for tourists (VOA was suspended as of March 1, 2025). In practice, most tourists who need Federal entry must apply online in advance.
Quick comparison table
| Criteria | Federal Iraq visa | Kurdistan Region visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | All of Iraq (including Kurdistan) | Kurdistan Region only |
| Valid for Baghdad? | Yes | No |
| How to apply | E-visa only via evisa.iq | Visa on arrival for 53 nationalities (plus other options depending on nationality) |
| Typical cost | USD $164 (tourist) or $114 | Around USD $72–80 |
| Validity | 60 days | 30 days (extendable by up to 60 more days) |
| Processing time | 6–72 hours (Group A) or 8–18 days (Group B) | Varies by nationality and entry method |
Want a decision based on your passport?
Use the visa checker (free): Check visa requirements
When you need the Federal Iraq visa
You should get the Federal Iraq visa if any of the following are true:
- You plan to visit Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala, Basra, or any Federal Iraq destination outside the Kurdistan Region.
- You plan to visit both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and want smoother travel (and fewer surprises at borders/checkpoints).
- You enter Iraq through a Federal airport or border—for many travelers, starting with the Federal visa is the cleanest strategy because it covers everything.
How to apply (short version)
- Apply online through the official portal
evisa.iq(Federal Iraq e-visa only). - Requirements vary by nationality, but typically include a valid passport, a photo, and basic trip details.
- Processing time depends on your "group": 6–72 hours (Group A) or 8–18 days (Group B).
For the full step-by-step application guide:
See: Full visa guide
Not sure which group you are in or whether you qualify?
When the Kurdistan visa is enough
The Kurdistan Region visa can be enough if your itinerary stays entirely inside the Kurdistan Region:
- You are visiting only Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and/or Duhok.
- Your nationality is among the 53 nationalities eligible for visa on arrival in the Kurdistan Region.
- Your stay fits the usual 30-day period (with the possibility to extend by up to 60 additional days, depending on local procedures).
Important warning
A Kurdistan Region visa does not allow entry to Baghdad or Federal Iraq. If you decide later that you want Baghdad (or Najaf/Karbala/Basra), you will need a separate Federal Iraq visa.
Common scenarios (quick answers)
- Enter Baghdad first, then visit Kurdistan: get the Federal Iraq visa only (covers both).
- Visit Kurdistan only (Erbil/Sulaymaniyah/Duhok): the Kurdistan visa is usually enough.
- Enter Kurdistan but want to visit Baghdad later: you'll need a Federal Iraq visa later; in some routes/travel setups, travelers may face an additional fee of about 103,000 IQD (~$78) at the border/entry process—planning ahead helps avoid surprises.
- Full Iraq trip (multiple cities): the Federal Iraq visa is usually the best option.
Conclusion
If you remember one thing: the Federal Iraq visa covers all of Iraq (including Kurdistan), while the Kurdistan visa is limited to the Kurdistan Region only. If your trip includes Baghdad or you want maximum flexibility, start with the Federal visa. If you are staying only in Erbil/Sulaymaniyah/Duhok, the Kurdistan visa may be sufficient.
Check visa requirements now
Not sure which visa you need? Use our free visa checker to get accurate requirements for your nationality.
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Tags: Iraq visa, Kurdistan visa, Iraq travel, tourist visa
