What is the difference between an Iraq visa and a Kurdistan visa?

Question

Accepted Answer

An Iraq federal visa and a Kurdistan Region visa are separate legal entry permits issued by different authorities with distinct geographical validity. An Iraq federal visa covers the entire country, including Baghdad, the southern provinces, and the Kurdistan Region. A Kurdistan Region visa is valid solely within the three northern governorates of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, and does not permit travel into federal Iraq.

### Authority and geographic validity

1. Federal Iraq visa. The federal Ministry of Interior issues federal visas through the official [Iraqi Electronic Visa Portal](https://evisa.iq/en) and diplomatic missions such as the [Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, D.C.](https://www.iraqiembassy.us/page/visas-to-iraq). This visa authorizes travel across all Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala, Basra, and the northern Kurdistan Region.
2. Kurdistan Region visa. The Kurdistan Regional Government issues regional visas online and on arrival at regional entry points. As confirmed by the [UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq/entry-requirements), visas issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government are valid for travel in the Kurdistan Region only.

### Movement between regions in both directions

1. Moving from Kurdistan to Federal Iraq. You cannot enter federal territory using only a Kurdistan visa. Internal road checkpoints between the Kurdistan Region and federal Iraq inspect travel documents and turn back travellers who lack a federal entry permit. Attempting to enter federal Iraq without an approved federal visa is an immigration offence.
2. Moving from Federal Iraq to Kurdistan. Travellers who enter federal Iraq on an approved federal visa can travel north into the Kurdistan Region by road or domestic flight. Kurdish regional checkpoints check passports and federal visas before granting passage.

### Entry points and airports

1. Federal entry points. Baghdad International Airport, Basra International Airport, Najaf International Airport, and southern or western land crossings operate under federal authority. These ports require a federal Iraq visa and reject Kurdistan regional visas.
2. Kurdistan entry points. Erbil International Airport, Sulaymaniyah International Airport, and the northern Ibrahim Khalil land crossing operate under regional border administration. They accept Kurdistan visas for visits limited to the northern governorates. Travellers arriving at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah who plan to travel south into federal Iraq must hold an approved federal entry document.

If your itinerary includes any destinations outside Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, or Duhok, apply for a federal Iraq visa. Never assume a regional permit allows travel across the rest of the country.

Checked on 2026-10-08.