On February 28th 2025, the Iraq Central Government through the Iraqi Interior Ministry 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.

The following countries can apply for an Iraqi eVisa:

• USA, UK, Russia, PR. China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.
• European Union countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

If your nationality is not listed above, let us know. The Iraqi Tourism Ministry have resumed issuing Letters of Invitation (LOIs) for certain nationalities which makes it eligible to receive a visa on arrival. Contact us for more details.

Below is a complete guide with specific instructions on applying for the visa upon arrival before your departure:

Step By Step Application Process:

• Visit the Iraqi Government Evisa Website
• We recommend to turn on a VPN for the payment link.
• Click ‘Apply Now’
• Next, you’ll see a window that asks for login details. 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. Ensure these details are correct.
• An OTP (One Time Password) will be emailed to your inbox from otp@noreply.evissa.iq 
• You will then go to the next stage of your 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 any middle names you may 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. For YPT tours click ‘Baghdad’ as arriving into Baghdad airport, then click hotel, adding the name of the hotel when prompted.
• You will need to upload a JPEG passport scan and visa photo of yourself with a white background. 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 photo processed of yourself. 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 your application and complete properly.
• 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 anyway.
• 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 payment transactions made 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 colour copies for your arrival into Iraq, 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 hours. The applications are approved quickly, however it is best to apply at least 1 week before your arrival into Iraq to take into consideration any possible delays.

The payment link is broken 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 credit 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 much is the Iraq 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 opt for receiving a visa on arrival for Iraq?

No. Iraq have suspended (most likely indefinitely) visa on arrival entry. You will most likely not be permitted to board your flight to Iraq without providing written confirmation of receiving a visa on arrival from the ministry. You must follow the Iraq eVisa update process in order to travel to Iraq without issues.

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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