Iraq: Electronic Portal Implemented to Process Visit Visas for Business

The Ministry of Interior has created a new electronic platform that authorized representatives of sponsoring employers must use to obtain Visit Visas for Business to Iraq for their foreign nationals, which will be issued in the form of an e-visa. Previously, Visit Visa for Business applications had to be submitted in-person at the Ministry of Interior in Iraq by the authorized representative. In order to apply for the Visit Visa for Business, the authorized representative must have completed a one-time registration on the electronic platform, which will then allow them to submit online application forms and upload scanned copies of requested supporting documents on behalf of the foreign nationals they sponsor. The fee for each foreign national is approximately IQD 106,000 (USD 81) but will vary slightly based on the applicant’s nationality. If the application is approved, the authorized representative will receive the e-visa via email which the foreign national must present to immigration authorities upon arrival in Iraq. The new portal is intended to streamline the processing of Visit Visas for Business, which will now be processed within two weeks, whereas previously it could take up to four weeks.