How to Apply for an Iraq Visa in Portland

Portland-based travelers and others throughout Oregon who avoided visiting Iraq’s cultural, historic, and religious sites over security concerns are now returning to the “cradle of civilization” as government initiatives to improve security and promote tourism have boosted the country’s appeal.  

“Immerse yourself in a journey through time as you explore ancient sites, embrace spiritual sanctuaries, and witness diverse landscapes,” the Iraqi government stated on the website for its new electronic visa. “Indulge in the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine, and experience the warmth of modern cities.” (https://evisa.iq/en/tourist-guide)

Officially the Republic of Iraq, this West Asian country borders Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf.  Known as the cradle of civilization, the country’s history spans more than 8,000 years.  Ancient Iraq, aka Mesopotamia – the fertile area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers – gave rise to early cities such as Babylon and Baghdad, regional empires, and innovations including writing, mathematics, calendars, and a code of law.  The region was conquered by several empires, coming under Muslim control in the 600s.  Iraq is best known in modern history for the U.S.-led Gulf Wars of the 1990s that toppled strongman Saddam Hussein.  Civil war between Sunni Muslims (who had ruled the country for decades) and Shai Muslims followed, with the 2010s seeing a variety of militant campaigns within the country.  Decades of conflict have also surrounded Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region of northern Iraq largely populated by Kurds.  However, the 2022 election of prime minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani has brought improved political, economic, and security stabilization to Iraq.

The country of more than 47 million covers some 168,000 square miles including deserts, marshlands, mountain ranges, and a small Persian Gulf coastline.  The oil sector dominates Iraq’s economy, providing 89% of foreign earnings, at least 55% of GDP, and 90% of the government revenues in 2024.  OPEC stated Iraq has 145 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the third largest in the organization.  According to the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), top sectors for exports and investments for Portland and other U.S.-based companies include agriculture, defense, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, and oil and gas equipment and services, “Iraq has vast infrastructure development needs,” ITA added, citing an Iraqi Ministry of Planning study that identified $88 billion in needs for housing, energy, medical services, education, agribusiness, and more. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/iraq-market-opportunities)

Tourism is also a growing sector of the economy, contributing 5.4% of GDP ($11.48 billion) in 2023, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).  Almost 90% of visitors to Iraq came from neighboring Iran. (https://salaamgateway.com/story/iraqs-potential-as-a-islamic-and-cultural-hotspot) The main types of tourism are religious (particularly annual pilgrimages to Islamic holy sites); historical and cultural; and outdoor adventures.

Baghdad, Iraq’s capital and largest metropolis, will be the main entry point for visitors from Portland, and is one of the oldest cities on earth and the second-largest Arabic city.  It is home to numerous historic mosques, churches, and synagogues, such as the Masjid Al-Kadhimain shrine, Haydar-Khana Mosque, Sabian-Mandaean Mandi temple, and Meir Taweig Synagogue.  Other landmarks include the Crescent Theater, Grand Festivities Square, the Martyrs Monument, the Hands of Victory arches, and the National Museum of Iraq. “It’s a city of constrast,” the blog Uncharted Backpacker noted. “You have hipsters hanging out in cafes along Karrada Street, while the old men smoke shisha in the old city.  Scars of Saddam Hussein’s regime mark many of the buildings, while brand new high-rises protrude above the city skyline.” (https://www.unchartedbackpacker.com/travel-iraq-guide/)

Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, continues to rebuild after being devastated by ISIS bombings during the mid-2010s.  The city is known for the Great Mosque of al-Nuri, Al-Masfi Mosque, and the Mosul museum.  The port city of Basra in southern Iraq features the Basra Citadel, Basra Sports City (the largest sports complex in the Middle East), the Old Mosque of Basra, the Indian Market (Amogaiz), and Hanna-Sheikh Bazaar

Six UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in Iraq: Babylon, the center of Mesopotamia for 2,000 years; the former Assyrian Empire capital of Ashur; Samarra Archaeological City; Erbil Citadel; Hatra, an ancient desert city; and the ruins at Ahwar (swamps).  Other important tourist attractions for Portland-based travelers include the Ziggurat of Ur, home to 4,000-year-old terraced pyramid temples; and Kirkuk Citadel and Daniel’s Tomb in Iraqi Kurdistan.  Outdoor activities include hiking at Shanidar Cave, Ahmad Awa Waterfall, watersports on Dukan Lake, and desert safaris with camel rides at Al-Muthanna Desert.  The northern mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan are particularly popular for outdoor adventures, with the recently-added Zagros Mountain Trail expanding the region’s network of walking trails.

Iraq also contains important religious sites for both Shia and Sunni Muslims.  The country is home to two of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims: Karbala and Najaf.  The holiest site, the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, contains the tomb of Ali, son-in-law of the prophet Mohammad’s and the first Shia caliph and imam.  The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, which contains the tomb of the third Shia imam, is the second holiest.  Other popular Islamic pilgrimage sites in Iraq include historic tombs, mausoleums, and mosques in Basra, Hillah, Madain/Salman Pak, Kufa, Moosayab, Kadhmayn, and Samarra.

 

Iraq Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and most other countries living in the Portland area are required to obtain a visa before entering Iraq.  The main requirement is that your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry to Iraq.  It must also contain at least one blank page.  If you cannot meet these requirements, you will need to renew your passport before applying for the visa.

While the security environment has improved in recent years, the U.S. State Department still advises Americans against visiting the country. “Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide assistance to U.S. citizens,” the department stated. “U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.  Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians.  Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies.  Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities.” (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iraq.html?)

For those who do go to Iraq for business, tourism, or family visits, the republic offers two primary options for U.S. tourists to obtain a visa.  U.S. citizens and passport holders from certain countries can apply for an electronic visa (or e-Visa) online.  Others can obtain a traditional physical visa from an Iraqi embassy or consulate.  Also, if you plan to visit Iraqi Kurdistan, you will need an additional visa to enter and depart that autonomous region of Iraq.

 

Option One: Electronic Visa

In March 2025, the Iraqi government launched a new electronic visa (e-Visa) service that is mandatory for citizens of the United States and 36 other countries.  The e-Visa replaces visa on arrival for citizens of the six permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (5+1), the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland.

The e-Visa allows foreigners to enter Iraq without having to visit an embassy or consulate.  It is valid for 30 days and can be used for either single or multiple entries.  Residents of Portland will apply for it by visiting their e-Visa portal, filling out a form, uploading copies of the required documents, and paying the visa fee.  The e-Visa application can be found at https://evisa.iq/en.

To apply for the e-Visa, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • Digital photograph
  • Proof of residency
  • Personal email address
  • Electronic payment method for fees
  • Health Insurance.  Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Iraq.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒Order Now.

Visa fees vary by time of year and length of validity.  A 30-day tourist visa runs $10 for visits from April to June; $25 for a 30-day visa the other months of the year; $40 for a tourist visa good for 12 months; and $80 for a five-year visa. (https://www.iraqiembassy.us/page/visas-to-iraq) You will also need to purchase Iraqi health insurance, which costs 206,000 Iraqi dinars (about $158).

Processing time is typically 24 to 48 hours.  After your application is approved, you will receive your e-Visa by email.  Print off the e-Visa and show it when you enter Iraq.  Most visas are valid for 30 days and provide a single entry to Iraq.

 

Option Two: Traditional Paper Visa

Passport holders who are not eligible for the e-Visa (including foreign nationals living in the United States and those seeking religious or diplomatic visas) will need to obtain a traditional visa.  Those are issued through the Iraqi embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of its consulates in Detroit, Houston, or Los Angeles.  Each consular office serves a specific geographic area of the United States.  Residents of Portland (and others living throughout the state of Oregon) should contact the consulate in Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles consulate also serves the states of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. (https://mofa.gov.iq/losangeles/en/iraqi-consulate-in-los-angeles/)

The eligibility requirements for an embassy-based visa are similar to those for the e-Visa.  You will need a passport valid for at least six months from the date your application is submitted.  Multiple entry visas may also be granted that are valid for six or twelve months.

To apply for a visit or tourist visa:

  • Complete, print, and sign the application at https://www.iraqiembassy.us/sites/default/files/documents/Visa_Application_Form_0.pdf
  • Provide two passport-type photos.
  • Submit your original passport plus color copy of passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months.
  • Include a letter outlining the purpose of your visit (such as tourist) and duration of stay, and/or an invitation letter from Iraqi authorities, meeting organizer, or host company.
  • List your local phone number.

Other types of visas may have additional requirements.  For example, religious visa requests must be accompanied by a color copy of your driver’s license.  Female foreign nationals married to Iraq citizens must provide a copy of a marriage certificate authenticated by the U.S. State Department.

Visa fees vary according to the length of stay and country of origin.  For U.S. passport holders, a single-entry tourist, religious, transit, or visit visa costs $50.  A multi-entry visa spanning three to six months runs $100, while the one-year multiple-entry visa costs $150.  The embassy only accepts cash for traditional visa applications.

Processing time averages 15 business days.  You can visit the embassy in person to apply for your visa, mail your application, or use a courier service such as Visa Supply to deliver your application to the embassy and retrieve your visa and passport.  Visa application hours in Los Angeles are Monday through Friday, 10 am to noon.  Pickup hours are from 1-2 pm. The embassy address and phone number are:

Consulate of the Republic of Iraq
4500 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: 213-797-6060

You can also mail your application, supporting documents, and cash payment to the consulate at the address above.  Use registered mail to send your application package via USPS Priority Express or UPS.  Enclose an addressed pre-paid return envelope so the embassy can return your passport and visa.

 

Option Three: Kurdish Region Visa

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (or KRI) is an autonomous section of northern Iraq with its own government.  To visit the region, you will need to obtain an additional visa from KRI.  You will need an entry visa plus your passport to pass through KRI border control points.  Minor-age foreigners must be accompanied by at least one parent or a legal representative.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be able to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa), visa on arrival, or you may need to obtain a Kurdish guarantor from the KRI area.  Citizens of the United States and others holding passports from “Country List A” can apply for a visa or tourist e-Visa, or get a visa on arrival at any KRI entry point.  Those from Country List A can also apply for visa on arrival.  They must present a passport valid for at least six months from their departure date and pay their fees in Iraqi dinars, which are available at airport banking terminals.

Those on “Country List B” must meet an additional requirement to apply for an e-Visa. The KRI government stated. “Before applying, you need to coordinate with a guarantor from {the} Kurdistan Region of Iraq who will support your application and apply on your behalf and receive the verification code from him/her.  After that, you need to fill in the visa form through the e-Visa portal and mention the guarantor code you received.  Your guarantor will receive your application, pay on your behalf, and will notify you on the result of your visa application.” Links to the two country lists can be found in the first FAQ section of the KRI e-Visa portal, https://visit.gov.krd/faq?country_list_a=true.

Residents of the Portland area can apply for the e-Visa through the KRI portal at https://visit.gov.krd/.  You will need to provide your passport information, photo, and other documents.  Your passport must be good for at least six months from your application date and contain at least one blank page.  All visas are good for 30 days after you enter the country.  The cost is 103,500 Iraqi dinars (about $79), which includes a 3,500 IQD transaction fee.  U.S. citizens and others from Country List A should receive their e-Visa approval within a few minutes, while applications for Country List B take five working days after your sponsor processes the application and pays the fees.

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Portland or anywhere in the state of Oregon and have difficulty applying for a visa to visit Iraq and/or the KRI, or require assistance with any part of the process, you can call our office at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment online using the following link: https://www.timetap.com/book/BOOKVS1.  We can also provide courier service to submit your visa application to the embassy in Washington, D.C. and retrieve your documents after processing.

We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Iraq visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Iraq.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

We provide the following Iraq visa services for our customers in Portland:

  • Iraq E-Visa
  • Iraq Tourist Visa
  • Iraq Business Visa
  • Iraq Visitor Visa
  • Iraq Religious Visa
  • Kurdistan Visa
  • Iraq Medical Insurance
  • Iraq Hotel Accommodations
  • Iraq Flight Tickets
  • Iraq Tour Packages