United States Visa RequirementsFor Iraq passport holders

Iraq is not a participant in the US Visa Waiver Program, and all Iraqi passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. The US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil both process visa applications. Applicants in Iraqi Kurdistan may find the Erbil consulate more convenient.

Iraq is subject to a US State Department Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for US citizens due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. While this advisory applies to US citizens traveling to Iraq and not to Iraqi citizens applying for US visas, it reflects the broader security context that affects how Iraqi visa applications are processed. Many Iraqi applications undergo substantial additional administrative processing (security clearance checks) after the interview. This processing can add weeks or months to the overall timeline beyond the initial interview appointment.

Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Baghdad are typically 180 to 300 days. Factor in potential administrative processing time when planning travel. Starting the process 12 to 18 months before intended travel is advisable.

Iraqi applicants must demonstrate non-immigrant intent: ties to Iraq through employment, property, family, or business. In the context of ongoing instability in Iraq, consular officers are particularly attentive to the question of whether an applicant intends to return.

There are no direct flights between Iraq and the United States. Connections via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, or European cities are required.

There are no direct flights between Iraq and the United States. Common connections involve Turkish Airlines from Baghdad (BGW) or Erbil (EBL) via Istanbul (IST) to New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and other US cities. Turkish Airlines has the most extensive Iraq-to-US connections. Emirates from Dubai (DXB) offers connections for those traveling via the UAE. Qatar Airways from Doha (DOH) is another option. Lufthansa via Frankfurt and KLM via Amsterdam provide European connection alternatives. Iraqi Airways operates limited international routes and does not serve the United States.

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is not accepted in the US. Exchange to USD before departure or use a Visa or Mastercard bank card enabled for international use. Check with your bank regarding international card use.

The US is significantly more expensive than Iraq for accommodation and services. Budget $150 to $300 per day for mid-range city travel. New York and San Francisco are among the most expensive destinations.

Tipping is expected in the US. In restaurants, 18% to 20% of the bill is the norm. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect tips.

ATMs are widely available across the US. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all merchants.

Start 12 to 18 months early. Between interview wait times of 180 to 300 days and potential post-interview administrative processing, the full process can take over a year. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is in hand.

Administrative processing is common for Iraqi applications. After the interview, many applications are placed in administrative processing for security clearance. This is not a refusal. The Embassy will contact you when processing is complete.

Erbil Consulate for Kurdistan Region residents. If you live in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the US Consulate General in Erbil may be a more convenient interview location.

Demonstrate ties to Iraq. Employment documentation, property ownership, business registration, and family ties in Iraq all help establish non-immigrant intent. Be clear and consistent about your purpose of travel.

No direct flights to the US. Plan your routing via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or European hubs.