Does Visiting Kurdistan Require A Visa?

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a semi-autonomous region in Iraq, is home to many geographical and cultural regions. As of March 1, 2023, citizens from 53 countries can enter the Kurdistan Region without a pre-arranged visa. However, some nationalities may obtain a visa within minutes through the Kurdistan e-visa portal.

The Kurdistan Region has its own visa policy, and foreign visitors must submit an advance request through the relevant KRG Representation. Information on how to apply for a visa can be found on the Kurdistan Region e-visa platform at https://visit.gov.krd/.

Travel to and from Iraqi Kurdistan is easy due to its autonomous status. Many nationalities may be eligible to get a visit visa on arrival in Iraq. To visit the Kurdistan region in Northern Iraq, you don’t need to get a visa from an Iraqi foreign mission abroad. Instead, you can get an online visa.

A Kurdistan e-Visa is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa. The Iraqi Kurdistan visa only allows you to visit the Iraqi Kurdistan Autonomous Region, not Federal Iraq (the rest of Iraq). Travel insurance is also required for those traveling to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

To obtain an e-visa, use the Kurdistan e-visa portal. All visa types have a 30-day staying period, and some nationalities may obtain a visa within minutes. For those planning to leave the airport, a visa is required.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Erbil?

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has implemented a digital visa process, which can be initiated through the e-visa portal or obtained upon arrival. It should be noted that both types of visas are valid exclusively for travel within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is imperative that foreign nationals arriving in Iraq possess the requisite documentation, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC), as there have been instances of individuals being arrested for failing to present the necessary papers.

Which countries have visa on arrival in Kurdistan?

This visa exemption covers several countries including Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Vatican City, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

How much is the visa fee for Kurdistan?

In order to obtain a visa to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an administrative fee of 100, 000 IQD is required. In the event that the visa application is refused, the fee is not refundable. A variety of visa types are available, with a permitted duration of stay in the region of up to six months. In the event that one’s passport is nearing expiration, it is still possible to apply for a visa to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

What do you need to enter Kurdistan?

Iraqi Kurdistan will require a visa for all travelers from March 1, 2023. Most countries require a visa to visit Iraq, but some are given a visa upon arrival at select airports and some countries are banned from entering the country. On March 15, 2021, the Iraqi government lifted pre-arrival visa requirements for 37 countries, allowing them to apply for on-arrival visas at approved border crossings. Ordinary passport holders from certain countries can enter Iraq without a visa for a limited period.

Can I travel to Kurdistan?

The Australian Government issues a travel advisory against all forms of travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, due to the prevailing unstable security situation and the potential for a range of security threats, including terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime. Should one find oneself in Iraq, it is advised to depart the country with haste via commercial transportation, as the Australian government is unable to facilitate relocation. It is important to note that security conditions can change rapidly.

Is Kurdistan a high risk country?

Daesh continues to pose a significant threat to various infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, including airports, public transport, border crossings, markets, hotels, government buildings, residential compounds, maritime facilities, religious sites, political events, and sports venues. The threat is heightened during religious or public holidays, with large-scale coordinated bombings, rockets, mortars, shootings, suicide bombs, and vehicle bombs being the most common methods of attack.

Is an Iraq visa valid for Kurdistan?

All visas are valid for a period of 90 days, during which time travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq may be undertaken on any day within this timeframe. A list of countries is provided below. Nationals of these countries may obtain an e-Visa via the E-VISA portal or upon arrival at any entry point. To monitor the status of an application, one may utilize the visa search tool.

How can I get Kurdish visa?

The Kurdistan Regional Government has implemented an electronic visa (e-Visa) program, which enables tourists to explore the region’s cultural and historical sites without the necessity of visiting an embassy or consulate. It should be noted that this electronic visa is only valid for entry into the Kurdistan Region and cannot be used for travel into federal Iraq.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Iraq?

Individuals with valid US or other countries’ passports are granted a visa to Iraq upon arrival through land, air, and sea border crossings. The visa is valid for 60 days, considering health and safety conditions. A fee of $75 ($75 in cash) is required, except for those of Iraqi origin, with proof of Iraqi citizenship being submitted. This applies to individuals of other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

Do Russians need a visa to Iraq?

Individuals with valid US or other countries’ passports are granted a visa to Iraq upon arrival through land, air, and sea border crossings. The visa is valid for 60 days, considering health and safety conditions. A fee of $75 ($75 in cash) is required, except for those of Iraqi origin, with proof of Iraqi citizenship being submitted. This applies to individuals of other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.