Iraq
Phone Code
+964
Capital
Baghdad
Population
44 Million
Native Name
العراق
Region
Asia
Western Asia
Timezone
Arabia Standard Time
UTC+03:00
On This Page
Iraq is a Middle Eastern country, cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations (Sumer, Babylon, Assyria) between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Baghdad, the capital, was once the center of the Islamic Golden Age. Despite decades of conflict, Iraq possesses incredible archaeological heritage including Babylon ruins, ziggurats, and ancient cities. The Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq is semi-autonomous with separate visa policies and relatively better security. Visitors interested in ancient history are drawn to Babylon archaeological site, Ziggurat of Ur, ancient Nineveh, Erbil Citadel (UNESCO, world's oldest continuously inhabited settlement), Kurdistan mountain landscapes, Sulaymaniyah culture, and marshlands of southern Iraq. CRITICAL: Most governments strongly advise against all travel to Iraq except Kurdistan Region due to ongoing security threats.
Visa Requirements for Iraq
Iraq has complex visa requirements complicated by the security situation. For federal Iraq (Baghdad and most of country), visas must be obtained in advance through Iraqi embassies or through official invitation sponsors. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) operates separate immigration and offers visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports for many nationalities for tourism stays up to 30 days. Most Western governments (US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries) advise against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region, and even travel to KRI comes with warnings. Travelers should thoroughly research current security situations, obtain comprehensive insurance with evacuation coverage, and consult government travel advisories before considering travel to Iraq.
Common Visa Types
Kurdistan Region Visa on Arrival
For tourism in Kurdistan Region only, available at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports for many nationalities.
Iraq Tourist Visa (Embassy)
For tourism in federal Iraq, must be obtained in advance through Iraqi embassy.
Business Visa
For business activities in Iraq, requires invitation from Iraqi company or organization.
Kurdistan Region E-Visa
Online visa application for Kurdistan Region travel.
Important Travel Information
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
- Al AnbarANgovernorate
- Al MuthannaMUgovernorate
- Al-QādisiyyahQAgovernorate
- BabylonBBgovernorate
- BaghdadBGgovernorate
- BasraBAgovernorate
- Dhi QarDQgovernorate
- DiyalaDIgovernorate
- DohukDAgovernorate
- ErbilARgovernorate
- KarbalaKAgovernorate
- KirkukKIgovernorate
- MaysanMAgovernorate
- NajafNAgovernorate
- NinevehNIgovernorate
- SaladinSDgovernorate
- SulaymaniyahSUgovernorate
- WasitWAgovernorate
Iraq Embassies Worldwide
Popular Destinations
Top destinations with verified missions
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Embassies in Iraq
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Iraq
Iraq
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