Iraq Visa for Indians: e-Visa, Requirements & Travel Rules

Before starting your application, decide which route works best for your trip. The e-Visa is faster and can be done from home, but it costs more. The Embassy route is cheaper but requires an in-person visit to New Delhi and an Arabic application form.

Choose the e-Visa if: You live outside Delhi, want the fastest processing, are comfortable with online applications, and don't mind paying the higher fee that includes health insurance.

Choose the Embassy if: You live in or near Delhi, want to minimize costs, need a multiple-entry visa, prefer in-person assistance, or your application requires sponsor approval (business/work visas).

Iraq issues several visa categories relevant to Indian nationals. Each serves a distinct purpose and follows a different application pathway.

Tourist/Visit Visa (e-Visa — Most Common)

The tourist visa is designed for Indians visiting Iraq for leisure, sightseeing, exploring historical sites, or visiting friends and family. This is the most common visa type for Indian nationals and is available through the e-Visa portal at evisa.iq.

• Validity: 30 days from date of issue
• Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
• Entry Type: Single entry or multiple entry options
• Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting holy sites (Najaf, Karbala)
• Cost: USD 159-160 (~INR 13,200-13,300) including mandatory health insurance

The e-Visa covers travel to all parts of federal Iraq, including Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala, and other major cities. The e-Visa does not automatically grant access to the Kurdistan Region.

Religious Pilgrimage Visa

Iraq is home to two of the holiest Shia Muslim sites — the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf and the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala. Millions of Indians visit annually for Arbaeen and Ashura pilgrimages. Religious pilgrimage falls under the tourist/visit visa category when applied through the e-Visa portal. For organized group pilgrimages, the Embassy offers a group tourist visa at USD 30 per person, but this must be arranged through authorized Iraqi tourism companies.

Business Visa

The Iraqi Embassy in New Delhi processes business visa applications for Indian nationals. Business visas require an Iraqi sponsor — either a registered Iraqi company, government organization, or business entity. The sponsor must obtain pre-approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you can apply.

• Fee: USD 40 (single entry) or USD 100 (multiple entry) + INR 1,770 service charges
• Processing: 15-20 working days for sponsor approval, plus 6-7 days for visa processing
• Total timeline: 5-8 weeks from application to visa issuance
• The e-Visa portal also supports business visits, but sponsor approval is still required regardless of application method

Work Visa (Type D — Employment)

Indians travelling to Iraq for employment must obtain a work visa through the Embassy. This requires employer sponsorship, Ministry of Labor approval, and registration on the Indian government's eMigrate portal (emigrate.gov.in). Iraq is an Emigration Check Required (ECR) country — ECR passport holders need emigration clearance before departure.

• Requires: Job offer from Iraqi employer, Ministry of Labor approval, eMigrate registration
• Work permit: Valid for 1 year, renewable
• Work permits required before commencing employment (Iraqi Labor Law No. 37 of 2015, Chapter V)
• Employer must register with Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
• Iraqi-to-foreign worker ratio applies for projects with investment licenses (Investment Law)

Transit Visa

A transit visa allows the holder to enter Iraq once during three months from the date of grant, with a maximum stay of seven days. This is for travelers passing through Iraq en route to another destination. A non-stop transit visa is also available for airside transit without leaving the airport.

e-Visa Fees

*All fees are payable online during the e-Visa application at evisa.iq. INR figures approximate; confirm exact USD-to-INR rate at the time of payment.*

Embassy Visa Fees (Embassy of Iraq, New Delhi)

*Visa fees payable at the Embassy via cash (USD or INR) or demand draft. INR figures approximate; confirm exact rate at time of payment.*

Total Cost Comparison

*Currency conversion approximate. Actual charges may vary based on exchange rates at time of payment. Health insurance for Embassy applications must be arranged separately (typically USD 30-50 for basic coverage).*

Core Documents (All Visa Types)

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Iraq, with at least 1-2 blank visa pages
• Completed application form (online at evisa.iq for e-Visas; typed in Arabic for Embassy applications)
• Two recent passport-size photographs, white background, 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)
• Proof of accommodation in Iraq (hotel booking confirmation or notarized invitation letter from Iraqi host)
• Return flight ticket or onward travel itinerary
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for last 3 months)

e-Visa Specific Documents

• Valid credit or debit card for online payment (international transactions enabled)
• Digital scan of passport bio page (JPG/JPEG, clear, all four corners visible)
• Digital passport-size photograph (white/light gray background, neutral expression)
• Valid email address for application status updates
• Hotel booking confirmation with booking reference number
• OR invitation letter from Iraqi host (notarized, showing complete address and contact details)

Embassy Specific Documents

• Original passport for submission
• Passport photocopy (information page)
• Completed visa application form — typed in Arabic (not handwritten)
• Two passport-size photographs (white background)
• Bank statements for last 3 months
• Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
• Flight itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• For business visas: Approval letter from Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (obtained by Iraqi sponsor)
• For work visas: Employment contract, Ministry of Labor approval, eMigrate registration confirmation

Special Requirements

• Children under 15: Must provide health certificate proving full polio vaccination (at least 5 doses of oral polio vaccine) — Iraqi Embassy requirement
• Application form language: Embassy applications must be filled in Arabic. Electronic printing is required (not handwritten). This is a Consular Department requirement.
• Work visa applicants: Must register on emigrate.gov.in. ECR passport holders need emigration clearance from Protector of Emigrants.

METHOD 1: e-Visa (RECOMMENDED)

Step 1: Visit evisa.iq and click "Apply Now" or "Get Started On Your e-Visa Application."

Step 2: Select "India" as your nationality and choose your visa type (tourist, business, etc.).

Step 3: Create an account with your email address and create a password.

Step 4: Fill in the online application form with personal details, passport information, travel dates, purpose of visit, port of entry, and address in Iraq.

Step 5: Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page (clear, all four corners visible) and a digital photograph (white/light gray background, neutral expression).

Step 6: Upload supporting documents: hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter.

Step 7: Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card (approximately USD 159-160 including mandatory health insurance).

Step 8: Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.

Step 9: Track your application status at evisa.iq using your credentials. Check your spam folder for approval emails.

Step 10: If approved, download and print the e-Visa in color. Carry the printed copy with your passport during travel.

Application window: Apply at least 7-10 days before your intended travel date. Processing may take 3-5 business days for Group A nationalities or 8-18 business days for Group B.

METHOD 2: Embassy of Iraq (New Delhi)

Step 1: Contact the Embassy of Iraq in New Delhi to confirm current requirements and submission hours.

Step 2: Prepare all documents including the visa application form filled in Arabic (typed, not handwritten).

Step 3: For business/work visas: Ensure your Iraqi sponsor has obtained approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The sponsor must fax one copy of the approval letter to the Embassy.

Step 4: Visit the Embassy during submission hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Thursday) with all documents and visa fee payment.

Step 5: Submit your application at the visa counter. Embassy staff will review documents.

Step 6: Pay the visa fee (cash in USD or INR, or demand draft).

Step 7: Receive an acknowledgment receipt with application number.

Step 8: Wait for processing (7-15 working days for standard applications, longer for business/work visas requiring sponsor approval).

Step 9: Collect your passport with visa from the Embassy.

Step 10: Verify all visa details (dates, entries, validity) before travelling.

There is only one Iraqi diplomatic mission in India — the Embassy in New Delhi. Applicants from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and other cities must travel to New Delhi or use the e-Visa portal.

Application Window: Apply at least 7-10 days before travel for e-Visas. For Embassy applications, apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel, especially for business and work visas requiring sponsor approval.

Peak season warning: During Arbaeen and Ashura pilgrimages (Muharram/Safar months — dates vary annually), processing times may extend. Apply 6-8 weeks in advance for pilgrimage travel.

Iraq operates under a unique dual visa system due to the semi-autonomous status of the Kurdistan Region. This is the single most confusing aspect of Iraq travel for Indians, and most competitors fail to explain it clearly.

Two Separate Visa Systems

Critical Restriction for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens are currently blacklisted by the Kurdistan Regional Government and cannot obtain a Kurdistan Region visa. This restriction is listed on the KRG's official visa portal (visit.gov.krd) and the KRG Representation in the United States (us.gov.krd). The blacklist applies to nationals of: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Uganda, Yemen.

What this means for Indians:

• You cannot visit Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, or Dohuk
• You cannot obtain a Kurdistan visa on arrival at Erbil International Airport
• You cannot apply for a Kurdistan e-Visa through visit.gov.krd
• The Federal Iraq e-Visa does not automatically grant access to Kurdistan Region

The Kurdistan Regional Government has not publicly disclosed specific reasons for this restriction. There is no indication of imminent policy change.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals to avoid five provinces in Iraq since 2014, most recently updated in February 2020. These provinces remain affected by terrorism and violence.

Restricted provinces:

• Nineveh (capital: Mosul)
• Salahuddin (capital: Tikrit)
• Diyala (capital: Baquba)
• Anbar (capital: Ramadi)
• Kirkuk

Indians wishing to travel to Iraq should inform the Indian Embassy in Baghdad or Consulate General in Erbil prior to travelling. For employment, eMigrate registration is mandatory and the employer must confirm the work location is outside these five provinces.

Government Travel Advisories

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advises caution for travel to Iraq. While the security situation has improved in many areas, the five provinces listed above remain unsafe. Safe areas include Baghdad (with caution), Basra, Najaf, Karbala, and the southern governorates.

Essential Safety Tips

• Register with the Indian Embassy in Baghdad before travelling
• Carry printed copies of your e-Visa, passport, and accommodation proof at all times
• Carry sufficient USD cash — credit cards are unreliable outside major hotels
• Install a VPN before entering Iraq (some websites and apps are restricted)
• Follow local laws strictly — photography of military installations is prohibited
• Keep emergency contacts saved: Indian Embassy Baghdad +964-770-664-8800

Emergency Contacts in Iraq

• General Emergency: 100
• Police: 104
• Ambulance: 122
• Fire: 115
• Indian Embassy in Baghdad: +964-770-664-8800 (Emergency)
• Indian Consulate General in Erbil: +964-750-463-7750

Top Reasons for Visa Rejection

Red Flags That Trigger Additional Scrutiny

• Travel to restricted provinces — Nineveh, Salahuddin, Diyala, Anbar, Kirkuk
• No clear purpose of visit — Ensure your itinerary matches your stated purpose
• Large unexplained deposits in bank statements
• No employment or family ties in India
• Previous visa refusals from Iraq or other countries
• Overstay history in any country

Based on our work with Indian applicants for Iraq visas, here are patterns we observe:

Processing Trends:

• The e-Visa system, launched in March 2025, has simplified the process significantly. Previously, every applicant had to visit the Embassy in New Delhi or arrange through an agent. The e-Visa eliminates the need for in-person visits and reduces processing time to 3-5 business days.
• The e-Visa fee increase from USD 75 to USD 159-160 (due to mandatory health insurance) has surprised many applicants who were quoted the old fee by travel agents.

Common Confusion Points:

• The Kurdistan restriction catches many Indians off guard. Applicants planning to visit Erbil for business or tourism must understand that the Federal e-Visa does not cover Kurdistan, and Indians cannot obtain a Kurdistan visa by any route.
• The Embassy's Arabic application form requirement is a significant barrier for most Indian applicants. The form must be typed in Arabic (not handwritten) and electronic printing is required. Many applicants are turned away because their forms are in English or handwritten.

Religious Pilgrimage Planning:

• Arbaeen and Ashura pilgrimages see a massive surge in Indian applications. Processing times extend significantly during these periods. We recommend applying 6-8 weeks before the pilgrimage dates.
• Group pilgrimages through authorized Iraqi tourism companies can use the group tourist visa (USD 30 per person through the Embassy), which is significantly cheaper than individual e-Visas.

Work Visa Requirements:

• The eMigrate registration requirement is frequently missed by Indian workers. Without eMigrate registration, emigration clearance will be denied at Indian airports, and you will not be permitted to board your flight to Iraq.

• Iraq Business Visa for Indians
• Visa Rejection Reasons — Common Causes and How to Avoid
• Travel Insurance for Visa Applications
• Visa Application Requirements: Documents, Fees and Tips