Entry Visa Invitation Letter Validity Reduced

Executive Summary

Visa invitation letters issued after December 19, 2017 will have a validity period of 90 days. Foreign nationals will need to obtain their entry visa while their invitation letter is valid. Previously, the validity of the invitation letter corresponded to the foreign national’s pre-approved entry visa, which could have been longer than 90 days.

The situation

Visa invitation letters issued after December 19, 2017 will have a validity period of 90 days.

• Impact on foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must obtain their entry visa at an Iraqi consular post abroad within the validity of the invitation letter. Those who cannot avail themselves of the consular process, such as foreign nationals who collect their entry visa upon arrival, must enter Iraq before the expiration date of their invitation letter.
• Impact on employers. Employers should ensure that foreign nationals travel to Iraq within 90 days of the issuance of the invitation letter.
• Failure to comply. Foreign nationals who do not use their invitation letters within 90 days of issuance will have their letters deemed cancelled and their sponsoring company will have to obtain a new authorization. Foreign nationals travelling with an expired invitation letter will be denied entry to Iraq.
• Background. Previously, the validity of the invitation letter corresponded to the foreign national’s pre-approved entry visa, which could have been longer than 90 days.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.