Iraq: Introduction of Health Insurance; New Visa Payment Method in Effect

Effective immediately, foreign nationals travelling to Iraq for business or tourism purposes and applying through the Iraqi e-visa platform must now present proof of Iraqi health insurance upon arrival, whereas previously this was not required. As part of this policy change, Iraq has launched an online National Electronic Insurance platform through which travelers can register and pay for Iraqi health insurance prior to travelling to Iraq. Additionally, the pre-existing visa activation fee is now included as part of the new health insurance fee (which is paid on the online platform). Previously, travelers were required to pay the visa activation fee upon arrival. Despite this online system, foreign nationals must nonetheless present a hard copy of their health insurance policy to immigration authorities upon arrival. Separately, visa stickers will now be printed electronically, replacing the previous handwritten versions.