Traveling to Iraq is easy due to the newer Iraq visa on arrival program. I am currently writing this post from Iraq and must say, Iraq is uniquely awesome! If you are considering a trip to Iraq, go!
From my experience, the process of the Iraq visa on arrival, which might be similar to golden visa greece, is as easy as showing up with cash in hand. The visa on arrival program is making it easier for foreign nationals to visit both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Iraq without the need of obtaining a visa before leaving your country of origin.
Who Is Eligible for Iraq Visa on Arrival Program?
Since March 2021, the Iraqi government has done away with pre-arrival visa requirements for citizens from 37 countries. Apply for a visa on-arrival at all approved land, sea and air border crossings. Approved airports include all international airports. The following citizens can visit Iraq with a visa on arrival.
- European Union citizens
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Russia
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Australia
- Switzerland
For Baghdad, upon arrival, follow the signs to the arrival hall. Find a border guard at a small unmarked desk before customs. He will ask you to fill out a form that asks for your basic personal information and reason for visit. Once completed, return the form and wait. About 20-60 minutes later the officer will return with passport and visa in hand. The cost, $78 cash. USD ONLY. Note, the cost does fluctuate without notice between $75-$80. No change is provided. Be sure to have a printed copy of your hotel reservation. Although it is not a stated requirement, both the airline and the officer processing the arrival visa asked for a copy.
Kurdistan Visa On Arrival
The Federal Iraq Visa is good for all of Iraq, including Kurdish Iraq. If you enter Iraq via Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, or a land boarder into Kurdistan, your Kurdish Iraq visa will only been valid in Kurdistan. You will not be able to travel to Federal Iraq without an Iraq Visa. Kurdish Iraq visa on arrivals cost $75. Kurdish Iraq Visa on arrival is available for the following passports:
- European Union citizens
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Qatar
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- USA
If you do land in Kurdish Iraq before visiting Federal Iraq, the easiest way to get a Federal Iraq visa is by flying to Federal Iraq. Upon arrival, follow the same process and receive your visa on arrival. For sake of ease, I would just fly into Federal Iraq if you plan to visit both places. This too will save you money.
Overall, the entire process was pleasant and easy. Staff were a bit short, but I could tell English was not strongly spoken. Not to mention, Custom agents are rarely friendly anywhere. Every try to enter the USA? In this case, they just handed me the form and told me to take a seat. Not a warm experience, but not a negative one either.
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Covid-19 Entry Restrictions
Kurdish Iraq and Federal Iraq have different covid requirements. Upon landing in March 2022, Kurdish Iraq only requires a PCR 72 hours before travel. Federal Iraq has different requirements depending on the arrival city. Most destinations require both a PCR and vaccination. As of April 1, 2022, Federal Iraq will only require vaccination to enter. Until then, all inbound and outbound passengers are also required a PCR within 72 hours of travel. Finding this information can be difficult. I find that Qatar Airways has among the best updated information for travel requirements to Iraq. Finding information from the government can be painstaking.
Trip Planning
If you’re planning an Iraq visit, start with connecting with a local guide or tour company. While I was traveling Iraq I utilized a local guide. He was help in arranging everything from our airport taxi to our hotels. Although I usually do not recommend a guide, for Iraq it’s really a must. If you’re looking to visit Iraq, I am happy to connect you to my guide via my Travel Agency Scott & Thomas travel. Just email me and we can start planning your Iraq vacation.
Conclusion
Since March of 2021 visiting Iraq has become much easier due to the Visa on arrival program. Iraq is a very unique place full of ancient history. The opportunity to visit is now. Iraq is currently stable and safe to visit. If you’re not following me on Instagram, now is your chance to view an insider’s perspective and see my travels through Iraq. I’ll just note that thus far, everyone I’ve met outside the airport has been overly welcoming and generous. Yet, more importantly, to enter you’ll need a visa. Now, both Federal Iraq and Kurdish Iraq have Visa on arrival programs which makes your next visit easy.
