There had been an important change in Iraq’s visa policy; the country had officially removed its visa on arrival feature for the travelers from 37 nations that include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom as well as a few others from each of several European countries. As of March 1, 2025, all travelers from these countries must get the e-Visa before they come to Iraq.
This step symbolizes a digitalized approach to entry processes, an intensified border control, and a traveler-friendly visa system.
The complete guide in this article covers the visa policy background, the e-Visa application process, eligibility criteria, charges, and how Visas Abroad Services LLP, India’s top immigration consulting company, can be a support system to you to cope with the new requirements set for Iraq.

What is an e-Visa?

e-Visa is an electronic permission for transit purposes that can be used for Iraq. The applicants can be either single or multiple entry visas which have a validity of 30 days. The entire procedure is conducted online, providing a time-saving alternative to the old procedures.
Upon obtaining the e-Visa, the Traveller will be sent the e-Visa directly via email. The Traveller needs to print the e-Visa and on reaching the Iraq border control, show it to the authorities.

Changes in Visa Policy

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the termination of the Visa-On-Arrival service for 37 countries as part of a large, digitalization effort of the nation’s entry procedures.

The latest action is the continuation of the initial move by Iraq to introduce Visa-On-Arrival services for selective nationalities four years ago.

Countries Affected

The visa requirement for the following countries has now become stricter and an e-Visa must be applied for prior to entering Iraq:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
• Americas & Oceania: Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand.
• Asia: China, Japan, South Korea. The citizens of these countries are now obliged to complete the e-Visa application before boarding their flight to Iraq in order to prevent any travel disruptions.

Travel Advisory

The government of Iraq urges travelers to apply for an e-Visa and get it approved before the travel date. Last-minute applications and boarding without an e-Visa may lead to a delay in the approval process or a possible entry refusal.

How to Apply for e-Visa to Iraq

Iraq e-Visa application is a straightforward process that can be completed completely online. The e-Visa application is done exclusively through evisa.iq which is Iraq’s official e-Visa portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Official e-Visa Portal

• Go to the Iraqi e-Visa application website.

2. Complete the Application Form

• Input your personal information details such as your first name, last name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information in the application form.

3. Provide Travel Information

• Write down your travel details, including the place where you will stay in Iraq.

4. Upload Documents

• Upload a copy of your passport (ensure the passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date).
• Upload a passport-sized photograph.

5. Pay the Visa Fee

• The application fee is paid online via the secure payment gateway available on the portal.

6. Health Insurance

• Fee Apart from the visa fee, travelers are also required to pay a compulsory health insurance fee which is 206,000 IQD (approximately $158 USD / €145). This fee has to be presented at Iraq’s entry point as one of the e-Visa requirements.

7. Submit and Wait for Processing

• Once you complete the payment and submit the application, your e-Visa will be reviewed and then approved. The e-Visa processing period is usually 24 to 48 hours.

8. Receive Your e-Visa

• Provided your visa application has been accepted, you will be issued the e-Visa which will be sent to your email. Print the e-Visa and take it with you when you arrive in Iraq.

e-Visa Processing Time

• On the good side, the processing time for Iraq’s e-Visa is on average 24 to 48 hours.

However, applying in advance would be beneficial to save time. One should apply at least 2-3 days ahead of the travel date to have a buffer time and avoid any entry problems.

Visa Rules for Iraqi Kurdistan

The newcomers for the Iraqi Kurdistan area can select to get the visa upon arrival or opt for the e-Visa. As regards more comprehensive visa information about Kurdistan, tourists are recommended to visit the Kurdistan Regional Government’s official website: gov.krd.

Required Documents Checklist for Iraq e-Visa

To apply for an Iraq e-Visa, you must have the following documents:

• A valid passport (with at least six months left until expiring from your entrance to date).
• A passport-sized digital photo
• Information about your travel plans (including lodging details).
• Secure online payment (for visa and health insurance fees).

Fees for Iraq e-Visa

• e-Visa fee the fee for the e-Visa is varying depending on the type of visa you are applying for, so from $50 to $150, the final figure will most probably fall in this interval.

• Mandatory health insurance fee amounting to 206,000 IQD ($158 USD / €145).

Proof of Funds

Although, officially, Iraq does not require you to submit a bank statement or an equivalent document to prove that you have enough funds to finance your stay, it is generally a good idea to carry some cash. The amount of $500 USD will be enough in most cases. It is recommended to have a credit card available for emergencies, too.

How Visas Abroad Services Can Help

The new e-Visa application process for Iraq may be complicated, but no worry, Visas Abroad Services LLP, India’s leading immigration consulting company is there to help you out in obtaining an Iraq e-Visa without stress. Our experienced team ensures that your online application form and supporting documents are properly filled out and submitted, giving you a personalized service

Here’s how we can help:

• Visa Eligibility Assessment: Our analysts will evaluate your suitability for the e-Visa from Iraq based on your nationality and the purpose of your travel.

• Document Verification: We ensure that you have all the required documents and have them checked for any inadequacies before submission so that the application process proceeds very smooth.

• Visa Application Submission: We comprehensively assist in the completion and submission of the e-Visa application form in a secure manner.

• Post-Visa Services: Besides receiving your e-Visa, we are happy to share the information on travel tips, health insurance requirements, and any other important details you should consider.

Being situated in Gaur City Mall, Noida, Visas Abroad Services LLP has been the porting ship to numerous visa-application boats that have successfully reached their destination, worldwide. The consultancy service guarantees professional, transparent, and straightforward processing.

Final Thoughts

The requirement of an e-Visa application for 37 countries by Iraq is both a breakthrough in making the immigration procedure a more effective as well as a secure and a leap of the country towards a more technologically advanced nation.

The travelers should note that they need to get their e-Visa in place before heading to Iraq, since the visa on arrival option is now invalid for these nationalities.