Passports valid for at least six months and visas are required for most private citizens. An Iraqi visa may be obtained through the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. Travelers should not rely on obtaining a visa upon arrival at an airport or port of entry in Iraq. Visitors to Iraq who plan to stay for more than 10 days must obtain a no-fee residency stamp. In Baghdad, the stamps are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater.
Contractors in the International Zone may also obtain exit stamps at the Karadah Mariam Police Station (available Sunday and Wednesday, 10:00-14:00.). There is a 10,000 Iraqi dinar (USD 8) penalty for visitors who do not obtain the required residency stamp. In order to obtain a residency stamp, applicants must produce valid credentials or proof of employment, two passport-sized photos, and HIV test results.
At the present time the Embassy of Iraq issues only a single entry visa valid 3 months from the date of issue for a stay up to max. 30 days. The period of stay can be extended on local application after arrival.
Your application will be hand carried to the Embassy, and is usually processed when an approval number is received by the Embassy from the Iraq Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad. There is no official estimate of the approval period at this time. Extension of stay is possible on local application.