Iraq Ends Visa on Arrival for 37 Countries: E-Visa Now Mandatory

Iraq has ended its visa-on-arrival facility for 37 nationalities, requiring travellers to obtain an e-Visa before departure. Find out how to apply and what this means for your travel plans.

Iraq has officially abolished its Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) facility for travellers from 37 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European nations. As of March 1, 2025, all visitors from these countries must apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travelling. 

What is an e-visa? 
An e-visa is a digital travel authorization for Iraq, valid for 30 days with single or multiple entries. Applicants need a valid passport and digital photo to apply through the official online portal. Simply fill out the form, upload documents, and pay securely online. Once approved, the e-visa is sent via email—just print and present it at entry points. 

Key Visa Policy Changes 
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the decision to discontinue Visa-On-Arrival in an effort to digitize entry procedures and enhance border control. This move comes four years after introducing visa-on-arrival services for select nationalities. 

Affected Countries:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. 
• Americas & Oceania: Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand. 
• Asia: China, Japan, South Korea. 

Travel Advisory: Authorities urge travellers to apply for an e-Visa before boarding their flight to avoid any travel disruptions. 

How to Apply for an e-Visa to Iraq 
The Iraqi e-Visa system, launched in January 2024, allows travellers to complete their visa application entirely online. Visitors must apply through the official e-Visa portal (evisa.iq). 

Application Requirements:

• Completing an online form with Personal Details (Name, Date of Birth, Contact Information). 
• Providing travel information, including your Accommodation Details in Iraq. 
• Uploading a digital copy of your passport and a passport-sized photograph. 
• Paying the e-Visa fee online. 

Health Insurance Fee 
Travellers must pay a mandatory health insurance fee of 206,000 IQD (€145 / $158 USD), which must be presented upon arrival as part of the e-Visa requirements. 

e-Visa Processing Time 
The processing time for Iraq e-visa applications is estimated to be between 24 and 48 hours. Travellers are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their planned departure to avoid potential delays. 

Visa Rules for Iraqi Kurdistan 
Travellers visiting Iraqi Kurdistan can still obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa in advance. For Kurdistan-specific visa information, travellers can visit gov.krd. 

Final Thoughts 
With Iraq’s shift to a digital visa system, travellers must now plan ahead to secure an e-visa before departure. The transition aims to streamline entry procedures, but it also means no last-minute visa approvals at the airport. Be sure to check the latest updates on the official Iraqi e-Visa website before booking your trip.

Source: https://travelobiz.com/iraq-ends-visa-on-arrival-for-37-countries-e-visa-now-mandatory/