Iraq Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The business is the endorsement required for people to enter Iraq for business. Nationals from almost every country require a permit to enter Iraq. Although, a few Arab countries do possess visa-free entry, and certain other countries can get it on arrival in selected airports. However, India isn’t among them. As a result, the Iraq business visa for Indian citizens is mandatory.

The application for an Iraq business visa from India is a complicated and tedious process. In fact, due to the complex requirements, it is strictly advised to use the services of a travel agent to apply for the permit. However, before starting the process, you will need to check if you are eligible to apply for the business permit. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows -

• Obtain approval from the Ministry of External Affairs in Iraq. Since you will not be able to do this on your own, you will require professional help.
• Fill in the application form obtained from the embassy of Iraq.
• Provide all the relevant details including mentioning the purpose of your visit as ‘business’. 
• Acquire all the necessary documents. 
• Along with the documents and the application form, visit the embassy/consulate of Iraq to submit.
• Pay the fees at the embassy. 

In order to be able to get the visa to do business in Iraq, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business meetings, conferences, negotiations, etc. 
• You must be invited by an Iraqi company to participate in business meetings, negotiations, etc.
• You must possess an approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iraq.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

As per the Iraq business visa requirements from India, the following documents are required for the application - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry in Iraq.
• Passport size photos as per the specifications.
• Confirmed flight bookings.
• Bank statements to show possession of sufficient funds. 
• Medical test reports.
• Income tax returns.
• Invitation letter from the Iraqi company.
• Covering letter from the sending Indian company. 
• Approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

As per the Iraq business visa photo requirements, the photo to be submitted must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the business permit is depends on several factors. The time taken to get approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can take around 15-20 working days. After that, the submission at the embassy/consulate will take around a week to process your application. This again can depend on the number of entries, volume of applications, etc. As a result, it is advised that you apply well in advance. 

The fees for the Iraqi business permit depends on several factors. It is dependent on the number of entries, as well as on the foreign exchange rate. You may also have service charges for obtaining the approval and some charges levied by the travel agency. As a result, you must ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application. 

Once you have submitted the application at the embassy, they will start processing. On approval, you can collect the passport from the embassy during the allotted time. Note that you cannot change or withdraw the application once submitted. As a result, ensure that you fill in the details correctly. Providing false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

Since the application for business visas is made offline, it is not possible to track them online. However, once you have submitted the application at the embassy/consulate, you can contact them to know the status. Alternately, you can contact your travel agency to have them track the status for you. 

On successfully receiving the business permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay -

 Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your passport will be stamped with the entry stamp. 
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as a part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Iraq

• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of an Iraqi company.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay. 
• You must stay away from the prohibited travel zones.
• As per the Indian government, it is strictly advised to stay out of the provinces of Nineveh, Salahuddin, Diyala, Anbar, and Kirkuk.