Iraq Visa Requirements & Fees from Dubai
What documents do I need for an Iraq visa from Dubai?
For a federal Iraq embassy visa: valid passport (6+ months validity), two passport photographs, completed application form, UAE residence visa copy, Emirates ID copy, letter of invitation or hotel booking, return flight ticket, bank statements (3 months), and employment letter. For Kurdistan Region VOA: valid passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Fee is USD 50-77 for embassy visa.
Key Takeaway
- For a federal Iraq embassy visa: valid passport (6+ months validity), two passport photographs, completed application fo...
- Embassy Visa Fee: USD 50-77
- Kurdistan VOA Fee: USD 0-75
- Passport Validity: 6 months minimum
- Processing Time: 7-14 working days
Getting the documents right for an Iraq visa from Dubai is essential for a smooth application. The Iraqi Consulate in Dubai requires a specific set of documents depending on whether you are applying for a tourist, business, or pilgrimage visa — and incomplete applications are the leading cause of delays and rejections.
In addition to the federal embassy visa requirements, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has its own visa on arrival process with different (and generally lighter) requirements. This guide consolidates all the document requirements and fees for both routes, giving UAE residents a clear checklist to follow before their application.
This requirements and fees guide is updated for February 2026 and reflects the current document standards at the Iraqi Consulate General in Dubai and the Kurdistan Region immigration authorities.
Iraq Embassy Visa Requirements: Complete Checklist
The federal Iraq embassy visa requires a comprehensive document set submitted to the Iraqi Consulate General in Dubai. Below is the complete checklist of required and recommended documents for the most common visa categories.
Iraq Embassy Visa Document Requirements
| Document | Tourist/Visit Visa | Business Visa | Pilgrimage Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages) | Required | Required | Required |
| Passport photographs (2, white background) | Required | Required | Required |
| Completed Iraq visa application form | Required | Required | Required |
| UAE residence visa (colour copy) | Required | Required | Required |
| Emirates ID (front and back copy) | Required | Required | Required |
| Letter of invitation from Iraq | Required (or hotel booking) | Required (from Iraqi company) | Via tour operator |
| Hotel booking confirmation | Required | Required | Via tour operator |
| Return flight booking | Required | Required | Required |
| Bank statements (3 months, stamped) | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Employment letter / NOC | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| Trade licence (for self-employed) | N/A | Required | N/A |
| Iraqi company registration (for business) | N/A | Required | N/A |
Valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
Passport photographs (2, white background)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
Completed Iraq visa application form
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
UAE residence visa (colour copy)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
Emirates ID (front and back copy)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
Letter of invitation from Iraq
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required (or hotel booking)
- Business Visa
- Required (from Iraqi company)
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Via tour operator
Hotel booking confirmation
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Via tour operator
Return flight booking
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Required
Bank statements (3 months, stamped)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Recommended
Employment letter / NOC
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Recommended
Travel insurance
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- Recommended
- Business Visa
- Recommended
- Pilgrimage Visa
- Recommended
Trade licence (for self-employed)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- N/A
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- N/A
Iraqi company registration (for business)
- Tourist/Visit Visa
- N/A
- Business Visa
- Required
- Pilgrimage Visa
- N/A
Requirements may vary based on nationality and current consulate policy. The Iraqi Consulate reserves the right to request additional documents. Contact OraVisa for a nationality-specific checklist.
Document Preparation Tips
- Bank statements must be officially stamped by your UAE bank — online printouts without a bank stamp are not accepted
- The letter of invitation from Iraq should include the inviter's full name, address, phone number, and Iraqi national ID number
- Employment letters must confirm your job title, salary, leave approval, and travel dates
- All photographs must be recent (within 6 months), passport-sized (3.5 x 4.5 cm), with a white background
- If any document is in a language other than English or Arabic, a certified translation is required
Kurdistan Region VOA Requirements
The Kurdistan Region visa on arrival has significantly simpler requirements than the federal embassy visa. For eligible nationalities, the Kurdistan VOA is processed at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airport with minimal documentation.
- 1Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- 2Return or onward flight ticket — immigration officers at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah will check that you have a confirmed departure date.
- 3Hotel booking or accommodation address in the Kurdistan Region — the name of your hotel and a booking reference is sufficient.
- 4Visa fee in USD cash (if applicable to your nationality) — some nationalities are charged approximately USD 75, while others receive the VOA free of charge.
- 5Proof of sufficient funds for your stay — not always requested, but having a bank card or cash is advisable.
The Kurdistan VOA process at Erbil airport is generally efficient, with most travellers processed within 15 to 30 minutes. The key requirement is confirming your eligibility before boarding your flight — if your nationality is not eligible for the Kurdistan VOA, you will not be able to enter. OraVisa can verify current eligibility for your specific nationality.
Iraq Visa Fees: Complete Breakdown
Iraq visa fees are moderate compared to many international destinations. The fees depend on your visa type, nationality, and application route. Here is the complete fee structure for UAE-based applicants.
Iraq Visa Fees for Dubai Residents (2026)
| Fee Category | Amount | Payment Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tourist/Visit Visa | USD 50-77 (~AED 185-285) | Cash or card at consulate | Non-refundable upon rejection |
| Federal Business Visa | USD 50-77 (~AED 185-285) | Cash or card at consulate | Same fee as tourist visa |
| Kurdistan VOA — Western nationalities | Free to USD 75 | USD cash at airport | US, UK, EU often free |
| Kurdistan VOA — Other nationalities | USD 50-75 (~AED 185-275) | USD cash at airport | Varies by nationality |
| Transit Visa | USD 30-50 (~AED 110-185) | At consulate | Airport transit only |
| Urgent Processing (if available) | Additional USD 50-75 | At consulate | Not always available |
| Pilgrimage Visa | Included in tour package | Via tour operator | Part of full package cost |
Federal Tourist/Visit Visa
- Amount
- USD 50-77 (~AED 185-285)
- Payment Method
- Cash or card at consulate
- Notes
- Non-refundable upon rejection
Federal Business Visa
- Amount
- USD 50-77 (~AED 185-285)
- Payment Method
- Cash or card at consulate
- Notes
- Same fee as tourist visa
Kurdistan VOA — Western nationalities
- Amount
- Free to USD 75
- Payment Method
- USD cash at airport
- Notes
- US, UK, EU often free
Kurdistan VOA — Other nationalities
- Amount
- USD 50-75 (~AED 185-275)
- Payment Method
- USD cash at airport
- Notes
- Varies by nationality
Transit Visa
- Amount
- USD 30-50 (~AED 110-185)
- Payment Method
- At consulate
- Notes
- Airport transit only
Urgent Processing (if available)
- Amount
- Additional USD 50-75
- Payment Method
- At consulate
- Notes
- Not always available
Pilgrimage Visa
- Amount
- Included in tour package
- Payment Method
- Via tour operator
- Notes
- Part of full package cost
Fees are indicative as of February 2026 and subject to change. Confirm the exact fee with the Iraqi Consulate in Dubai before your visit. Kurdistan VOA fees must be paid in USD cash.
In addition to the visa fee itself, budget for any associated costs such as passport photographs (AED 20-40 at Dubai studios), bank statement fees from your UAE bank (AED 50-100 for stamped statements), and travel insurance if required.
Iraq Visa Photograph Specifications
The Iraqi Consulate requires passport-style photographs that meet specific standards. Incorrect photographs are a common reason for applications being returned for correction, adding unnecessary delays.
Iraq Visa Photo Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5 x 4.5 cm (standard passport size) |
| Number Required | 2 printed photographs |
| Background | Plain white |
| Face | Full face visible, both ears visible, looking directly at camera |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Remove if possible; clear lenses only if medical necessity |
| Head covering | Permitted for religious reasons only (face must remain fully visible) |
| Photo age | Taken within last 6 months |
| Quality | Professional studio quality; no selfies or home photos |
Size
- Requirement
- 3.5 x 4.5 cm (standard passport size)
Number Required
- Requirement
- 2 printed photographs
Background
- Requirement
- Plain white
Face
- Requirement
- Full face visible, both ears visible, looking directly at camera
Expression
- Requirement
- Neutral, mouth closed
Glasses
- Requirement
- Remove if possible; clear lenses only if medical necessity
Head covering
- Requirement
- Permitted for religious reasons only (face must remain fully visible)
Photo age
- Requirement
- Taken within last 6 months
Quality
- Requirement
- Professional studio quality; no selfies or home photos
Common Iraq Visa Mistakes from Dubai
OraVisa sees the same mistakes repeated by Dubai applicants for Iraq visas. Avoiding these common pitfalls saves time and prevents unnecessary rejection or delays at the Iraqi Consulate.
- Confusing Kurdistan VOA coverage with federal Iraq — the Kurdistan VOA does NOT cover Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, or Karbala
- Submitting bank statements without an official bank stamp — online printouts are not accepted
- Employment letters that do not mention specific travel dates or approved leave period
- Photographs that are too old (more than 6 months) or do not meet the size and background requirements
- Incomplete invitation letters from Iraq — missing the host's national ID number or contact details
- Not confirming Kurdistan VOA eligibility for your specific nationality before booking flights
- Insufficient passport validity — your passport must have 6 months validity from your planned entry date
Need Help with Iraq Visa Documents?
OraVisa reviews your complete Iraq visa document set before submission, ensuring everything meets the Iraqi Consulate's current requirements. Free consultation for all UAE residents.
Get Free Document ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for an Iraq embassy visa from Dubai?
For a federal Iraq embassy visa, you need: valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), two passport photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background), completed application form, UAE residence visa copy, Emirates ID copy, letter of invitation from Iraq or hotel booking, return flight booking, bank statements (3 months, bank-stamped), and employment letter or NOC from your employer.
How much does an Iraq visa cost from Dubai?
The federal Iraq embassy visa costs approximately USD 50 to 77 (AED 185 to 285). Kurdistan Region VOA fees range from free (for some Western nationalities) to USD 75. Transit visas cost USD 30 to 50. Exact fees depend on your nationality and may change — confirm with the Iraqi Consulate in Dubai before applying.
Do I need bank statements for an Iraq visa?
Yes, for the federal Iraq embassy visa. You need bank statements from your UAE bank account for the last 3 months, officially stamped by the bank. Online banking printouts without a bank stamp are not accepted by the Iraqi Consulate. For the Kurdistan Region VOA, bank statements are not required but you should carry proof of sufficient funds.
What is the processing time for an Iraq visa from Dubai?
Standard processing for a federal Iraq embassy visa is 7 to 14 working days. During peak periods such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage season, processing may take longer. Urgent processing (3-5 working days) may be available for an additional fee, though availability is not guaranteed. Kurdistan Region VOA is processed same-day at the airport.
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Written by
Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Senior Visa Consultant at OraVisa with 12+ years of visa consultancy experience. Has guided thousands of UAE residents through successful visa applications for 100+ countries.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
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