Despite the recent activities in Iraq that make it a dangerous place to live, the country has a rich ancient history. Moreover, it is also famous for its beautiful tourist attractions including Iraqi Kurdistan.
In addition, the safe places of Iraq are considered some of the amazing destinations of the country that you can visit when traveling from India.
However, you must get a permit when traveling to Iraq from India. For this purpose, go through the following blog post to learn about the requirements of an Iraq visa for Indian.
Besides, other general guidelines of the visa application process are also discussed in this article.
What is an Iraq Visa for Indian?
The Iraq visa for Indian is a document that allows Indian citizens to enter and exit the country for various purposes. The same is the case with nationals of almost every other country who require a permit to enter the host state.
However, citizens of a few Arab countries can visit Iraq without any visa (visa-free entry). On the other hand, various countries are allowed to get an Iraq visa on arrival at the selected checkpoints.
Unfortunately, India is not among them. Therefore, you, as an Indian citizen, must get an Iraq visa to enter the country legally.
Types of Iraq Visas for Indian Citizens
Following are some of the common visa types that Indian citizens can apply for when traveling to Iraq.
Visit/tourism visa
A visit or tourist visa allows you to enter Iraq every three months to visit famous tourist spots or religious sites. Besides, you can stay for almost one month in the host country with this visa.
If you are traveling in a group, your application will be received and forwarded by the tourism company to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Political visa
Officials of other countries such as Indians can travel and visit Iraq with an official mission with a political visa. Moreover, workers in international, regional, Diplomatic, and other Arab missions can travel to Iraq with their families using this visa.
Service visa
If you are a holder of a service passport as indicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can visit the Republic of Iraq using a service visa.
Normal visa
A normal visa allows the holder to enter the country every three months from the date of the issuance of the visa. As an applicant, you cannot reside in Iraq for more than three months.
Moreover, make sure to present yourself at the Directorate of Residence within the first ten days of your arrival in the country.
Transit visa
You can use a transit visa when traveling to another destination country en route to Iraq. In addition, you can use it every three months but cannot stay in the host country for more than seven days.
Multi-visa
Considering the legal requirements, a multi-visa allows you to enter and stay in Iraq for three months, six months, or even one year. You can use a multi-visa for various purposes including religion, tourism, family visits, etc.
Urgent visa
If you do not succeed in getting a visa from any of the Missions of Iraq in your home country or abroad, you can apply for an urgent visa. Also, note that a residency officer at the border checkpoint will issue you this visa considering your intention to enter Iraq.
In addition, if the officer is convinced of the reasons you have provided, he will let you enter the country by granting a visa.
Legal Documents Required for an Iraq Visa for Indian
As per the visa application requirements, the relevant embassy or mission requests you to submit the following general documents while submitting your application.
However, based on a specific visa category, additional documents are also required.
Passport
A passport is used to verify the identity and nationality of the applicant. So, make sure that you submit your passport with a validity period of at least six months beyond your planned exit from Iraq.
Also, make sure that it has sufficient blank pages and is free from any damage or watermarks.
Visa application form
Filling out a visa application form when traveling to Iraq from India is one of the most important steps. So, ensure that you complete it by providing all the required information.
After that, review it to remove any errors or mistakes that will lead to the visa rejection.
Photographs
Furthermore, two passport-size photos should also be attached to the visa application form. Besides, it should fulfill the following photo guidelines.
Photo requirements
- The size of the photograph should be 35mm*45mm.
- Furthermore, the photo must cover 80 percent of the face.
- The picture background should be white or gray.
- Make sure to have neutral expressions.
- The pictures should not be older than the last three months.
- Head accessories such as caps or scarves are allowed for religious purposes.
Flight reservation
A proof of flight reservation document shows that you have an intention of flying from one country to another. Therefore, it should include flight details such as,
- Your first and last name
- Travel dates and times
- Name of the airports
- IATA codes
- Airport terminals, etc
Also, this document should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the target country.
Proof of accommodation
Another document will help the officials show that you have managed your stay in Iraq. For this purpose, you can either submit a hotel reservation or a rental contract for an apartment or house.
Furthermore, make sure to specify the name and address of the selected residence place. Proof of accommodation document should stay valid for the entire length of your trip to Iraq.
You can easily get these documents from RFV Travels either separately or in a package deal.
Cover letter
Writing a cover letter is an art and knowing how to write it properly can affect the outcome of your visa application. So, make sure to include details of your whole trip.
For example, this includes the reason for your visit, your travel dates, the planned itinerary, the place of your stay, your employment status, etc.
Travel medical insurance
A travel medical insurance policy will help you bear the expenses related to unexpected issues or accidents in the target country. For example, this may include hospitalization, surgery, repatriation, evacuation, etc.
It is not mandatory, however, recommended to keep this document with you when traveling to a foreign land.
Proof of funds
Your trip to Iraq from India also requires you to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially in the international country. Therefore, you can submit proof of funds documents such as a bank statement or a salary slip to help the officials analyze your financial health.
As a result, you can manage costs related to,
- Food
- Transportation
- Accommodation
Medical reports
Submitting medical reports is the most vital visa requirement for Indian citizens when traveling internationally including Iraq. This will demonstrate that you do not have any acute or chronic diseases.
The document should be original and issued by an authentic medical organization in your home country.
Character certificate
Lastly, a character or police clearance certificate is required to show that you are not involved in any illegal or criminal activity that may pose a threat to the security and citizens of Iraq.
How to Apply?
The application process for an Iraq visa for Indian citizens is difficult. This is because of the complex visa requirements and the eligibility criteria that you should fulfill before starting the procedure.
Thus, it is advisable to get professional help or ask a travel agency to begin the application process on your behalf.
But, make sure to follow the steps mentioned below.
- The first point should be to get approval from the Ministry of External Affairs in Iraq. Note that you cannot do it on your own, you must contact a travel agency or a professional in this regard.
- Then, fill in the visa application form after downloading it from the Embassy of Iraq in India.
- Make sure to include all the relevant details while completing the form. This includes the purpose of your visit as well.
- After that, gather all the required documents, as mentioned above.
- Once done, make sure to submit the visa application form and the documents by visiting the embassy physically.
- Lastly, pay the visa fees at the embassy on the same day of the appointment. You may also be requested to attend the visa interview.
- Wait for the processing time, until the officials notify you about the status of your application via email.
Embassy of Iraq in India
You can either visit the website of the Embassy of Iraq in India or physically present yourself at the following address when submitting the visa application.
| Location | New Delhi 110057, F-8/3 Vasant Vihar |
| Phone | +91-11- 2615 0082 and +91-11- 2615 0081 |
| Fax | +91-11- 2615 0083 |
| Office hours | 9.00 A.M. to 3.00 P.M (Monday To Friday) |
| dlh1emb@mofa.gov.iq |
Processing Time
The standard processing time for the application for an Iraq visa for Indian consists of two phases.
During the first phase, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be in action. So, it takes them at least fifteen to twenty working days to approve your application. However, it also depends on the visa type for which you have applied.
Secondly, the application will be forwarded to the embassy or consulate of Iraq in India. So, the embassy may take almost 7 working days to process your visa application. This also depends on factors including,
- The permit type
- Workload on the embassy
- The number of entries
Therefore, it is advisable to apply as early as you can.
Iraq Visa Fee for Indians
The application fee you need to deposit depends on various factors. For example, this may include the visa types, the rate of foreign exchange, and the number of entries.
Besides, depending on the entity through which you applied, such as an embassy or a visa application center, you are required to pay the service charges as well.
| Entry | Purpose | Duration of stay | Fee in dollars | Fee in Indian Rupees |
| Single entry normal | Business | Three months (90 days) | 22 USD | 1,770 INR |
| Single entry | Work | Three months (90 days) | 120 USD | 10,080 INR |
| Single entry | Tourism/religious | One month (thirty days) | 30 USD | 2,511 INR |
| Single entry | Regular | One month (thirty days) | 40 USD | 3,348 INR |
| Multiple-entry | Multi | Depends on the purpose of the trip | 100 USD | 8,371 INR |
Details about Iraq
The Republic of Iraq is a geopolitical country in the Middle East. Moreover, the country shares its borders with states such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, and Syria.
Baghdad is the capital and largest city of Iraq. The country has people from diverse ethnic backgrounds including,
- Arabs
- Turkmen
- Kurds
- Yazidis
- Armenians
- Assyrians
- Persians
- Shabakis
- Mandaeans
Furthermore, Muslims are in the majority, however, minority faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, Yazidism, Yasanism, etc. are also part of the several sects.
FAQs
- Can I extend my visa to Iraq?
Considering certain cases, the Government of Iraq allows applicants to extend their visas to increase the number of visitors. Therefore, you can apply for an extension of a visa by visiting the nearest immigration department.
However, make sure that you get your extended visa before the current visa expires. But, if you cannot extend your visa, make sure to leave the country to avoid any legal consequences.
- When should I apply for an Iraq visa?
The embassy of Iraq almost takes seven working days to process your visa. However, the visa approval process may take 20 business days as indicated by the Ministry of Iraq.
Therefore, it is advisable to apply for an Iraq visa at least one month before your intended departure date. This is equivalent to the standard recommended time of about five to eight weeks before your travel date.
- Which medical test is necessary for the citizens of India?
The citizens of certain countries must submit their medical reports to ensure the safety of themselves and the nationals of the host country. This is a mandatory requirement specified by the Government of Iraq.
Therefore, if you are an Indian citizen, you must get your medical test done and submit reports to the relevant officials. This will show that you have zero signs of HIV and other Hepatitis types. Besides, you are also required to present your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- What amount do you have to get an Iraq visa?
There is no standard exact amount you must have when traveling to Iraq from India. Considering the visa requirements, you should have enough funds to support your entire stay in the target country.
Moreover, the required bank balance should be with you to use when needed. Make sure that your transactions are steady because, in case of an unusual one, you are supposed to explain it.
- How many visa applications for Iraq get rejected?
The rejection rate for Iraq visa applications depends on certain factors. For example, this may include,
- the instructions to follow
- the understanding of the visa process
For newbie travelers, the requirements and visa process can be complex, thus leading to the rejection or denial of the visa. Therefore, make sure to learn and understand the requirements first before applying for a visa.
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