Iraq: Change to the Calculation of Allowable Duration of Stay Now in Effect

Effective immediately, the Ministry of Interior announced that the allowable duration of stay in Iraq applicable to foreign nationals traveling on select visa categories will begin from the date of entry to Iraq; previously, it was calculated from the date of issue of the visa invitation letter which is required to support the visa application process. However, this change does not apply to visa renewal applications filed in country. Government authorities at international airports in Iraq, including Baghdad and Basra, have already implemented the new rule, which is expected to be introduced across all airports in Iraq in the coming weeks.