The Iraqi government implemented a new payment process for visitors accessing the National Electronic Insurance Platform.

Key Points:

  • The National Electronic Insurance Platform streamlines the provision of health insurance for visitors, arrivals and residents in Iraq.
  • The health insurance fee will now be paid electronically when applying through the E-Visa system and no additional fees will be required at entry points for visa activation, as the health insurance fee includes the visa activation charge.

Additional Information: The Iraqi government created a new electronic platform last year for E-Visas, specifically for visit visas for business. The government’s broader plan is to modernize and streamline the visa process and automate public services to reduce delays and improve the entry experience. The new payment process within the National Electronic Insurance Platform is designed to simplify procedures and improve the efficiency of the electronic visa system.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

Iraq has launched a visa-on-arrival program for nationals of a number of countries.

Key Points:

  • Sixty-day visas on arrival are now available to nationals of Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and European Union member states.
  • The visas are available for a fee of US$52.
  • The visas can be used for a limited number of business activities, including:
    • Attending internal company meetings or negotiating contracts.
    • Attending conferences or seminars.
    • Exploring business or investment opportunities.
    • Receiving training.
    • Receiving legal services for help in forming new business entities.
  • Visas on arrival are non-transferrable.
  • Visas on arrival are not available for defense contractors.
  • The program covers Federal Iraq. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) runs a separate visa regime.

Analysis & Comments: The change could ease visa procedures for some travelers and may prove an easier option than the consular visa process for some travel. Officials implemented the program in hopes of drawing more business and investment to Iraq. There are limits on the program, however, and employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte if they have questions about which visa is the best option for employees visiting Iraq.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Iraqi authorities will ban entry to Iraq for visitors from all countries but will relax several internal restrictions.

Key Points:

  • Authorities will ban entry for visitors from all countries because of recent COVID-19 developments.
  • Within Iraq, they will allow the reopening of mosques, houses of worship, public parks and amusements parks, but only if they follow Ministry of Health preventative health measures and social distancing rules.
  • Youth and sports activities without spectators were allowed to resume Sept. 9.

Analysis & Comments: The entry ban for visitors from all countries will halt foreign inbound travel to Iraq and will remain in place until further notice. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Iraq has extended its lockdown again to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The country’s lockdown has been extended until at least June 13.
  • The extension of the lockdown means that Iraq’s restrictions on air travel will remain in effect.

Background: Previously the lockdown was extended from May 31 until June 6 for all cities in Iraq.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has extended the country-wide lockdown following an uptick of coronavirus cases.

Key Points:

  • The lockdown is extended from May 31 until June 6 for all Iraqi cities.
  • Flight restrictions are also extended until June 6.
  • Exceptions to the movement restrictions include: going to and from the Ministry Of Health, Security Departments, the Central Bank, Al-Rafidain Bank and Al-Rasheed Bank. Those visiting any of these places must wear gloves and a mask, not have any passengers in the car who are not going to one of the above places, and cars must not carry more than 50% of their capacity.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Kurdistan Regional Government has extended the lockdown in all KRG provinces following an uptick of coronavirus cases.

Key Points:

  • The lockdown is extended until June 6 for all KRG cities.
  • All ministries and directorates will cease operations starting from the announcement date.
  • The international and domestic flight ban is also extended until June 6.

Background: The KRG previously suspended government services in March.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Cyprus has extended its initial travel and permit restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Until April 17, all passenger flights into Cyprus are prohibited.
  • The travel suspension does not apply to (1) cargo flights, (2) non-passenger flights to Cyprus to carry people out of the country, (3) flights of humanitarian nature, or (4) flights for emergency circumstances, provided the relevant authorities authorize the travel.
  • Alien employment approvals will occur automatically and will be active for one year, so it is not necessary to send applications. Approvals will be sent to employers as well. An extension of current foreign employment contracts will be granted until the approval that will be sent has expired.

Analysis & Comments: Cyprus implemented travel and permit restrictions last month, which were initially in force until April 4. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Iraq (including the autonomous Kurdish region) has banned entry to travelers coming from Bahrain, China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. The Kurdistan Region Government has suspended government services until March 14.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals traveling from the above countries may not enter Iraq, and nationals of these countries will be denied visas and entry to the region. KRG Ministry of the Interior services such as residence card processing and e-Visa issuance will be unavailable or delayed.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All entry visas for Iraq; residence cards and e-Visas for the Kurdish region.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of Bahrain, China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand as well as foreign nationals traveling to Iraq from these countries.
  • Business impact: Employers of foreign nationals with recent travel history in the above countries may experience significant delays affecting employee mobility.

Analysis & Comments: The extension of the entry ban indicates that Iraq is prepared to implement strict measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Further, Iraqi citizens returning from any of the above countries will be subject to medical testing and possible quarantine. Employers must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by entry restrictions and suspension of government services. The response to the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Iraq has announced changes to entry procedures for foreign nationals.

What does the change mean? Under the new rules, foreign nationals must complete mandatory blood tests and have them authenticated before traveling to Iraq. They will then apply for a multi-entry/exit visa (MEEV) at the airport upon arrival, rather than at a Ministry of Interior office.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. Authorities announced that the changes would take immediate effect, but implementation may be inconsistent as the new procedures are implemented.
  • Visas/permits affected: Multi-entry/exit visas (MEEVs).
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals traveling to Iraq. The changes do not affect entry procedures for the Kurdish areas of the country.
  • Business impact: Businesses may need to adjust schedules because of the time it will take for employees/business travelers to have blood tests completed and legalized before travel.

Additional information: Under the old rules, foreign nationals would (1) enter Iraq on a letter of authorization, or LOA (often called an EVAM for military contractors), (2) obtain a multi-entry visa (MEV) at the airport, (3) complete mandatory blood tests, and (4) obtain an MEEV at the Ministry of the Interior. Authorities recently announced changes to the rules, however, that will require foreign nationals to (1) complete blood tests in their country of residence, (2) have their blood test authenticated at the Iraqi Embassy; (3) travel to Iraq on a valid LOA and (4) obtain an MEEV at the airport upon entry. Travelers will no longer obtain an MEV at the airport and will not be required to visit the Ministry of Interior to obtain/activate an MEEV.

For nationals of most countries, the required blood work involves being tested for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C. Nationals of these countries must also obtain a malaria test.

The procedures for obtaining an MEEV at the airport will involve completing an application that is partially in English and partially in Arabic. Travelers must also be prepared to provide visa application fees using U.S. dollars (cash), though the exact amount of the fees is not known at this point.

Analysis & Comments: The changes will add to the time it takes for foreign nationals to prepare for travel to Iraq. Immigration providers may be able to coordinate “meet and greet” services to help foreign nationals prepare and review their visa applications at Baghdad International Airport  or Al-Asad. Some points remain unclear at this point, including when the new requirements will be enforced and how much fees will be for obtaining an MEEV at the airport. Those with urgent travel needs who have not completed blood tests should contact their immigration provider to discuss the options available to them at this time.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.  Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Ministry of Interior has announced that all multi-entry visas may only be used once to leave and re-enter Iraq. Foreign nationals who want to leave a second time must activate a multi-entry/exit visa with the ministry or obtain an exit visa.

What does the change mean? Expatriate personnel who depart Iraq a second time before activating their multi-entry/exit visa and without having obtained an exit visa from the ministry will have their visas canceled by passport control at Baghdad International Airport before leaving.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Multi-entry visas.
  • Who is affected: All expatriate personnel moving into and out of Iraq.
  • Impact on processing times: All foreign nationals holding a multi-entry visa who are leaving the country for a second time must either activate their multi-entry/exit visas or complete exit procedures if they choose to leave Iraq without obtaining a multi-entry/exit visa sticker.
  • Business impact: Expatriate personnel who leave on a multi-entry visa for a second time without an exit visa from the ministry will need to get a new letter of authorization to re-enter Iraq.
  • Next steps: Employers should identify personnel who will be moving into and out of Iraq multiple times and ensure that they activate their multi-entry/exit visa at the ministry.

Background: The multi-entry visa, or MEV, is issued at the airport and is valid for 15 days while the expatriate completes bloodwork and applies at the Ministry of Interior for a multi-entry/exit visa, or MEEV, which allows unlimited entries and exits for the visa’s duration.

Authorities have announced that the MEV allows the holder to leave and return to Iraq only once. If the foreign national wants to leave Iraq a second time and has not yet activated the MEEV, he or she must go to the ministry to complete exit visa procedures. If the expatriate then leaves with an exit visa in their passport, they may return and use the MEV once again; the MEV grants another 15-day period when the expatriate returns the second time.

BAL Analysis: In recent months, Iraqi authorities have made several changes to policies regarding entry and exit procedures for foreign nationals, and policies may continue to be unpredictable. Employers should carefully track personnel moving into and out of Iraq to avoid cancelation of multi-entry visas upon exit.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Iraq. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.