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Iraq visa for Ziyarat: who needs what in 2026

Iraq’s entry rules depend on your passport. This guide explains the three routes pilgrims use today, what documents you need, and how Arbaeen works. Tatheer confirms the current rule for your nationality before you book.

孬賱丕孬丞 胤乇賯 賱賱丿禺賵賱

Three entry routes, depending on your passport

The biggest change: on 1 March 2025 Iraq suspended visa on arrival for the roughly 37 nationalities that had it since 2021. Those travellers now apply online before flying.

Route 1 路 No advance visa

Visa-free entry

馃嚠馃嚪 Iran 路 馃嚤馃嚙 Lebanon

  • Iranian citizens enter Iraq visa-free under the Iran鈥揑raq waiver in force since October 2021, for stays of up to 30 days.
  • Lebanese nationals no longer need an advance visa since 2023; conditions can apply, so we confirm per traveller.
  • Passport valid at least six months is still required.
Route 2 路 Apply online first

Iraq e-visa (former visa-on-arrival countries)

馃嚭馃嚫 馃嚚馃嚘 馃嚞馃嚙 馃嚛馃嚜 馃嚫馃嚜 馃嚝馃嚪 馃嚦馃嚤 馃嚘馃嚭 路 GCC states 路 馃嚬馃嚪 馃嚘馃嚳 and more

  • Apply on Iraq’s official federal e-visa portal before travel. No more stamp at the airport.
  • Single entry, valid for a 30-day stay. Reported cost is about US$160 including mandatory health insurance.
  • Approval usually takes a few working days. The federal e-visa also covers the Kurdistan Region.
Route 3 路 Approval first

Approval through a licensed company

馃嚨馃嚢 Pakistan 路 馃嚠馃嚦 India 路 馃嚙馃嚛 Bangladesh 路 馃嚘馃嚝 Afghanistan 路 馃嚬馃嚳 馃嚢馃嚜 馃嚦馃嚞 Africa

  • Pilgrims from these countries need a visa arranged before travel, either by e-visa with a registered sponsor or as a group visa through officially licensed Iraqi tourism companies.
  • Iraqi missions process tourist-group applications in coordination with licensed tourism companies in Iraq.
  • Tatheer prepares your file and coordinates the approval with our licensed partners in Iraq.
Seasonal 路 Arbaeen

Arbaeen visas

Announced fresh every year

  • There is no permanent “Arbaeen visa”. Iraq announces concessions each season, usually a few weeks before Muharram.
  • Recent seasons offered a discounted pilgrim e-visa (about US$55) and kept visa-free entry for Iranians.
  • For 2026, registration on Iraq’s Samah platform was mandatory for foreign Arbaeen pilgrims. Plan and book early.
Important: Iraqi visa rules change often and fees vary by nationality and season. The information on this page was checked in October 2026 and is general guidance, not legal advice. Before you book, our team confirms the current requirement for your exact passport.
丕賱賵孬丕卅賯 丕賱賲胤賱賵亘丞

Documents to prepare

Passport

Valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with blank pages.

Photo

Recent passport photo on a white background, as a clear digital file.

Itinerary & hotel

Hotel bookings and travel plan. We issue these with your package.

Return ticket & insurance

Onward or return flight; health insurance is part of the e-visa fee.

禺胤賵丕鬲 丕賱丨氐賵賱 毓賱賶 丕賱鬲兀卮賷乇丞

How we get your visa done

1

Send your passport

Share a scan and your travel dates on WhatsApp or email.

2

We check your route

Visa-free, e-visa or company approval, confirmed for your nationality.

3

We file and track

We prepare the application and supporting documents and follow it to approval.

4

Visa in hand

You receive the visa with your full itinerary before you fly.

兀爻卅賱丞 卮丕卅毓丞

Iraq visa questions pilgrims ask

Can I still get a visa on arrival at Najaf or Baghdad airport?

For most nationalities, no. Since 1 March 2025 Iraq suspended visa on arrival for the countries that previously had it, and travellers must obtain an e-visa before departure. Iranian citizens remain visa-free.

Does the Iraq e-visa cover Kurdistan?

Yes. The federal e-visa is valid for all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

How long does an Iraq e-visa take?

Usually a few working days, but it can take longer in peak seasons such as Arbaeen. Apply at least three to four weeks before travel.

I am from Pakistan or India. Can I apply on my own?

Pilgrims from these countries usually need an e-visa with a sponsor or a group visa through a licensed Iraqi tourism company. Tatheer handles this process and coordinates the approval.

Is there a special visa for Arbaeen?

Not a permanent one. Iraq announces Arbaeen concessions each year, often a discounted pilgrim e-visa. Contact us early in the season and we will apply the latest rules to your trip.

Not sure which route applies to you?

Tell us your nationality and dates. We reply with the current rule and a full ziyarat plan.

Ask on WhatsAppbook@tatheertravels.com

Quick contacts

  • USA: +1 (518) 888-7726
  • Pakistan / WhatsApp: +92 307 6320608
  • Email: book@tatheertravels.com