Iraq Travel Guide

Iraq — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
British	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport valid for at least six months from date of issue of visa required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Although visas for both tourism and religious tourism purposes are now being issued, all applications must be approved by authorities in Baghdad. Regulations are liable to change so nationals are advised to contact the relevant embassy for further information.

Entry visas are currently being issued to the following:

(a) Personnel and their families working in diplomatic missions in Iraq as well as Arab, regional and International organizations accredited to Iraq. (b) All official delegations from various countries visiting Iraq.
(c) Businessmen provided that they have official invitations from Iraqi authorities or being introduced as such by their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs and are supplied with letters from the Chambers of Commerce.
(d) Students pursuing their studies in Iraq after presenting documents indicating that they are still following their studies.
(e) Truck drivers after presenting proofs that they are carrying materials and equipment for companies working in the re-construction of Iraq.
(f) Iraqi husbands and Iraqi wives after presenting legal documents supporting their claims.
(g) Journalists and public media personnel after submitting applications for Visa either through Iraq's missions abroad stating the name of which Iraqi mission they want to receive their Visa or through the office of their respective newspaper, news agency or Satellite TV in Baghdad with a letter directed to the Press Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) indicating the name of the Iraqi mission abroad through which they want to receive their Visas, or through the journalist's Embassy in Baghdad with a note to the Press Department/MFA requesting the Visa and indicating the name of the Iraqi Embassy from which the journalist would like to receive his/her Entry Visa.
(h) Entry Visas are granted to members of NGOs on condition that the official Iraqi authority presents a letter to MFA approving its relation with the respective organization.
(i) Nationals of Coalition countries and countries participating in the multi-national forces (USA, UK, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Holland, Poland, South Korea and Japan) and any country participating with more than 50 troops in the MN force.

Visa Note

A current HIV and hepatitis test certificate is required for all residency visa applications. For a fully comprehensive list of those allowed entry visas and other requirements, consult the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the UK. Passport and visa requirements are subject to change at short notice. Check with your nearest embassy for the most recent information.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist visa: US$30. Visit visa: US$40 (single-entry); US$100 (multiple-entry).

Validity

Tourist visas is valid for a maximum stay of 15 days. Visit visas are valid for 30 days; extensions are available but not above 90 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Note: Iraqi missions in the following countries are currently authorized to issue Entry Visas: Bahrain, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and USA.

Travel Warnings

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK advises against all travel to Baghdad and its surrounding area, the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Al Anbar, Salah Ad Din, Diyala, Wasit, Babil, Ninawa and At-Tamim (At-Tamim is often referred to as "Kirkuk Province"). We also advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Al Qadisiyah, Muthanna, Najaf, Karbala, and Dhi Qar.

Although there has been a decrease in the level of violence throughout Iraq, the situation remains highly dangerous with a continuing high threat of terrorism throughout the country (except in the Kurdish Region). This includes violence and kidnapping targeting foreign nationals (including individuals of non-western appearance). You are advised to seek professional security advice and make arrangements for your security throughout your visit. Even those working with dedicated protection teams should exercise extreme caution.

The risk of terrorism in the Kurdistan Regional Government controlled provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah (Note: this does not include Kirkuk) is markedly and statistically lower than in other parts of Iraq. You should seek advice before traveling to the remote border areas with Turkey and Iran where there have been incidents of shelling.

There is currently no countrywide curfew in Iraq. They can be and are imposed at short notice often around religious holidays. During early March, travel restrictions may be put in place to ensure the security of the national elections on 7 March which may lead to disruption to travel into, out of and around the country. When in place, curfew times must be strictly adhered to.

In the aftermath of the 2003 war, there may be damage to sites and buildings. Lootings led to the disappearance of many of the archaeological treasures and manuscripts from Iraq's museums. At present, travelers are not advised to visit Iraq due to its highly dangerous security situation. This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Iraq's health system has suffered from years of neglect and war. Only limited facilities are available and evacuation by air ambulance may be required; therefore, insurance should have provision for this. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.