On February 28th 2025, the Iraq Central Government through the Iraq Ministry of Interior announced an Iraq eVisa update – that there will be an immediate suspension of Visa on Arrival (VOA) applications and instead, a pre travel authorization for visa on arrival needs to be submitted. The changes came into effect immediately, affecting many peoples travel plans during the Spring time which is an incredibly beautiful and popular time to visit Iraq because of Ramadan and Newroz, the Persian New Year.

While the Evisa system is still working through some difficulties, below is a complete guide with specific instructions on applying for the visa upon arrival before departure:

Step By Step Application Process:

• Firstly, visit the Iraqi Government Evisa Website
• It is a good idea to turn on your VPN for the payment link. One VPN that worked for me was ‘VPN Super Unlimited VIP’ set to Sweden
• Click on Apply Now
• You will be taken to a window that asks for login details. Please ignore this and click on the middle option above the sign in, ‘Visa on Arrival’

• You will be asked to add your nationality and email address. Please ensure these details are correct. Then, you will need to go to your emails to find a 4 digit OTP (one time password) sent to your email address from otp@noreply.evissa.iq 
• You will then go to the next stage of the application. You will be given an application number. Please write down and record this number. Please note that you only have to complete the categories with asterisks such as English first and last name. Please include Andy middle names you have. There is also a section to add ‘Arabic name’ – you can leave this blank if you are not from an Arabic background. 
• Complete the personal detail sections, ensuring all information is correct.
• You will need to also add your type of accommodation. Please click ‘Baghdad’ is arriving into Baghdad airport and click hotel, adding the name of your hotel when prompted.
• You will also have to upload a JPEG passport scan and visa photo. Ensure in the visa photo your shoulders are visible and that you are not wearing glasses. To avoid any rejections, it is best to get professional visa/ passport photos done. For the passport copy, a clear scan with all edges visible is the best option. 
• Once you have completed all the information, click Apply now. If a pop-up tells you you have missed fields, please review
• In the next screen you will be asked to review all details. Your mobile phone number may have turned to an Iraqi country code. This is fine, proceed anyways
• You will then be taken to a page stating that your application has been submitted. DO NOT CLOSE THE WINDOW. Please note that until you pay the visa fee (Approximately $159 USD), your application will not be processed.
• Click ‘pay now’ and make payment.
• Please note that many banks block transactions to Iraq. Before applying, check with your bank if they will allow the payment to be made to avoid a failed payment and potential issues with your bank. For international cards, Wise will not work, but Revolut does indeed work.
• Complete payment

• You should receive an email confirming the transaction, however if you do not, check your spam/junk folder
• On the same website, next to Visa on Arrival is a ‘Track Application’ tab. You can check this for updates on your visa application, however once approved it should be emailed to you. Check at least at the 12 and 24 hour mark for updates on your application.

• Once your application is approved, download the application and print out two copies for your travels, as well as the health insurance form.

Iraq eVisa Update FAQs:

How long will the process take?

The Iraq eVisa update has had mixed results, however most people have received confirmation of the visa process within 24 hours, many within 12. The applications are being approved quickly, however it is best to apply at least a week in advance to take into consideration any delays or issues with the form.

The Payment Link Broke and I Lost My Application – How do I retrieve it?

Unfortunately you cannot retrieve the application immediately. If you do not know the application number and if you did not receive an email with the number, you will be unable to retrieve your application. You must wait 24 – 48 hours for your application to expire in the internal system before re-applying. 

My card Is Not Accepted – What Do I Do?

Check with your bank that you have permission to make payments to Iraq. If you cannot, please consider opening an account with an international bank company which permits transactions in Iraq.

How Expensive Is The eVisa?

The cost of the visa now includes Mandatory Health Insurance for your travels in Iraq. The cost is now $159 USD, previously it was $75 USD. The cost in Dinars is 206000. Please note that you must make an online payment and cannot make an in-person cash payment. 

Can I Still Get A Visa On Arrival (VOA)?

No. Iraq have suspended (most likely indefinitely) VOA entry. You will most likely not be permitted to board the plane to Iraq without confirmation of Visa On Arrival. You must follow the Iraq eVisa update process in order to travel to Iraq

What Does The Approved eVisa Look Like?

The Approved visa looks like the below form. Please print this out to provide upon arrival to Iraq and when checking in for your flight:

What is covered with the mandatory health insurance?

The new Iraq evisa update includes mandatory medical insurance for your time in Iraq. Below is the coverage page:

I am having trouble with the online site – Is there another way?

With VOA no longer an option, we can facilitate your visa process ourselves if you join one of our many Iraq tours! We have a 100% success rate.

About Post Author

Caitlin Graham

Caitlin Graham is a pioneer for all things Middle East having spent her final year of her Global Studies degree within the region. Her goal is to showcase the human side which is often misrepresented in media.

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