Visa & Residency

Iraq offers several visa categories, but the landscape changed significantly in March 2025 when visa-on-arrival was suspended for 37 countries in favor of the new e-visa system. The Kurdistan Region operates its own immigration policy and remains more accessible. All foreigners planning to stay beyond their initial visa must register with local authorities within 10 days.

Since March 1, 2025, Iraq has replaced its visa-on-arrival system with a mandatory electronic visa for travelers from the EU, US, UK, and several other countries. The e-visa must be obtained before travel and is processed through the Iraqi government's online portal. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq maintains its own visa policy independent of federal Iraq. Citizens of 40+ countries — including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia — receive a free visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports. This makes Kurdistan one of the easiest entry points in the Middle East, though traveling from Kurdistan to federal Iraq requires a separate federal visa.

All foreign workers in Iraq must obtain a work permit regardless of project sponsor or employer. The process is employer-driven and can take 4–8 weeks. Residency permits are required for stays exceeding the initial visa period and must be renewed annually. The bureaucratic process can be slow, and having a local fixer or employer handling paperwork is strongly recommended.

Navigating Iraq's immigration system requires patience and local knowledge. The system is largely paper-based, and processes can vary significantly between offices and regions. Having a local contact, employer, or fixer to help with paperwork is virtually essential.