More than its tourist attractions, Iraq is a popular business destination. With a vast majority of the economy coming from its vast oil reserves, Iraq has a huge trade potential. The Iraq business visa for Indians is the primary requirement for Indians to enter the country for attending meetings, conferences, negotiations and other business activities.
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 -
In order to be able to get the visa to do business in Iraq, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria -
As per the Iraq business visa requirements from India, the following documents are required for the application -
As per the Iraq business visa photo requirements, the photo to be submitted must meet the following specifications -
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.
Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Single Entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 0.0 |
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 -
At the border
When you enter Iraq
As a result of its initiatives to increase the number of visitors, the Iraqi ministry allows for extending the business permit in certain cases. You can do this by visiting the nearest department of immigration and applying for an extension. In case you are unable to get the extension, you must leave the country.
If your business permit has expired, you will not be able to stay back any longer. You must apply for an extension before your permit expires. Failure to do so can lead to hefty charges for each day you stay. In certain cases, you may even be deported.
In order to ensure the safety of the traveller as well as the people living in Iraq, the government has made it mandatory for all business visitors from specific countries to get a medical test done. If you are travelling from India, you will need a medical report stating that you are clear of HIV and from different types of Hepatitis. You may also need to show that you have been vaccinated.
No, it is not acceptable or possible to convert the business permit into a work permit. You are also not permitted to work on the payroll of an Iraqi company. In case you require to work in the country, you must return to your home nation and apply for a work permit provided that you meet the necessary eligibility conditions.
There is no strict rule on the exact amount you must possess for the business permit. As per the requirements, you are expected to hold enough funds in your bank to support your entire stay duration. You must also be able to use these funds whenever necessary. While showing the bank statements, the transactions should be steady. Any unusual transactions may require explanations.
Although it only takes about 7 working days from the date of application at the embassy to get your business visa, it can take almost 20 working days to get an approval from the ministry in Iraq. As a result, it is suggested that you apply at least one month in advance. A standard recommended time would be to apply about 5-8 weeks before your date of travel.