Iraq Travel Guide for Belgium Citizens 2025

Visiting the Republic of Iraq with its impressive history and cultural diversity coupled with modernity is now more convenient than ever to the citizens of Belgium with a passport. With the changing visa policies, the new Federal Iraq Electronic Visa (eVisa) system makes the whole application process to be purposeful and fast, and it replaces the old outdated system used in the past where the process could take a lot of time and the use of the consular services.

In case you are a citizen of the Kingdom of Belgium who is going there to visit as a tourist, on business, or with the family, it is important to learn about the particularities of the Iraq eVisa to travel without any inconveniences. This is the most detailed guide that will take you through the whole process to Apply Iraq eVisa from Belgium using the current government application statistics that will help make your travel arrangements a hassle-free experience.

Do Belgians need a visa for Iraq?

Yes, absolutely. Belgium is among the 37 countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the Federal Iraq eVisa online. This system is designed for short-term visits to Federal Iraq (including Baghdad, Basra, and Najaf), simplifying what was once a complex process requiring embassy visits. While the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has its own separate entry rules (often Visa on Arrival or KRI eVisa), for travel to the rest of Federal Iraq, the eVisa is the mandatory and most efficient route.

What are the Available Iraq eVisa Types and Durations?

The specific visa type you apply for depends on the length and purpose of your intended stay. The application typically offers two main single-entry options for travelers:

• Visit Visa - 90 Days, Single entry: This is ideal for most tourists, family visits, or short business trips, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry.
• Ordinary Visa - 60 Days, Single entry: This option provides a slightly shorter period of stay, up to 60 days, and may be suitable for other specific travel purposes.

Always select the visa type that accurately reflects your plans to avoid issues upon arrival.

What Purposes of Visit Are Acceptable for an eVisa Application?

The Iraq eVisa application is highly structured, requiring applicants to clearly define their Purpose of Visit. The application provides an extensive list of reasons, making the system suitable for diverse travel needs beyond standard tourism. Common acceptable reasons include:

• Business: For general meetings, contracts, or consultations.
• Family/Personal Reasons: Husband or Wife of an Iraqi citizen, Children of an Iraqi father or mother holding foreign passports, or Family members of a student.
• Professional/Government-Related: Contractors with foreign companies, Companies contracting with government agencies, or Military advisors.
• Other: Born in Iraq, Investors businessmen, or specific educational purposes like Graduate student at an Iraqi university.

You must be able to provide evidence supporting the selected purpose (e.g., a business letter or family documents).

What documents are required for e-visa in Iraq?

The eVisa application process is entirely digital, meaning you will need to upload clear, high-resolution digital copies of your essential documents. The three critical documents required for Iraq eVisa application:

1. Passport Bio Page: A color scan of the page containing your photograph, personal details, and signature. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Iraq.
2. Applicant Photo: A recent digital passport-style photograph (headshot) that meets standard photo requirements (white background, clear visibility, no glasses or hats, unless worn for religious reasons).
3. Accommodation Docs/Letter By Sponsor/Hotel: This is crucial. It serves as proof of your accommodation arrangements in Iraq. This can be:

• A confirmed hotel reservation.
• An official invitation letter from a sponsor in Iraq, including their contact details and proof of their legal status.

What is a technical requirements document?

To ensure a smooth application, all uploaded files (Passport Bio Page, Photo, and Accommodation Proof) should be in the specified format (usually JPEG or PDF) and meet the size/resolution guidelines. Ensuring clarity and avoiding blurry or cropped images is vital, as poor quality is a leading cause of application delays or rejection.

How long does an Iraq visa take to process?

Processing times for the Iraq eVisa are generally longer than for typical tourist eVisas, as they involve inter-ministerial checks by the Iraqi government. It is crucial to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The application system offers three processing tiers:

Note: “Working Days” typically exclude weekends and national holidays. These times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed by the government.

Is an Iraq visa valid in Kurdistan?

No. This is a crucial distinction. The visa/entry stamp obtained at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports (Kurdistan Region of Iraq) does not automatically grant you access to Federal Iraq (e.g., Baghdad or Basra). If your ultimate destination includes cities in Federal Iraq, you must obtain the Federal Iraq eVisa in advance.

Is an Invitation Letter Always Required for the eVisa?

Not always. If you are applying for a Tourist Visit Visa and have confirmed hotel reservations, the hotel booking confirmation often suffices as the Accommodation Document. However, if your purpose of visit is business, family, or specific professional reasons (as per the list), an invitation or sponsorship letter from the relevant Iraqi entity or individual will be mandatory.

How can I check my visa application status?

Yes. After submitting your application, you will receive an application reference number. You can typically use this number, along with your passport details, on the application to monitor your visa status, checking if it is pending, under review, or approved.

What Should I Do Once My eVisa is Approved?

Once approved, the eVisa confirmation will be sent to your registered email address, usually as a PDF document. You must print this document and carry the physical copy with you. Present the printed eVisa confirmation along with your Belgian passport at the Iraqi port of entry (airport or border crossing).

What if My eVisa Application is Rejected?

In case of rejection, then the official communication must provide the reason (e.g., missing document, data mismatch, or security issue) upon the rejection. The fees on applications are generally non-refundable. The reason behind the rejection will have to be carefully answered, any mistakes must be rectified and a new application should be submitted with a fee paid again. This is where the help of the professional agents is priceless.

Why is Using a Professional Visa Agent Better than Applying Directly?

While direct application is possible, the intricacies of the Iraqi system—especially the lengthy processing times and strict document requirements—make using a professional visa processing service highly beneficial for Belgian travelers. Agent services offer several key advantages:

• Fast Processing: Agents often provide premium services with expedited processing, sometimes reducing turnaround time significantly. The screenshot you provided notes specialized services offering approval in as fast as 24-48 hours, or emergency service in 12-24 hours, dramatically cutting down the official 12-25 working day window.
• High Success Rate: Expert agents offer professional application review, checking every detail before submission, leading to a success rate often cited around 99.5%. This minimizes the risk of rejection due to simple mistakes.
• Expert Support: You receive 24/7 multilingual customer support, guiding you through the documentation and form-filling, making the complex process stress-free.
• Secure and Transparent: Reputable services use a secure, bank-level platform to protect your personal information and offer transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
• Mobile Friendly: You can complete the application easily from any device.

By leveraging an agent, you save significant time, minimize stress, and ensure your application meets the Iraqi authorities' exacting standards the first time.

What are the Current Passport Validity Rules for Iraq Entry?

All travelers must ensure their Belgian passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date they intend to enter Iraq. Furthermore, your passport must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps. Failure to meet these basic validity requirements will result in immediate denial of boarding or entry, even with an approved eVisa.

Final Thoughts on Your Trip Planning

Applying for the Iraq eVisa from Belgium requires precision and preparation, but the digital system has made this monumental step much simpler. By securing the correct visa type, gathering all the required documentation (especially the Passport Bio Page, Photo, and Accommodation Proof), and allowing for the substantial processing time (remember, Normal Processing is 20-25 working days), you set yourself up for success.

The Republic of Iraq is waiting to share its treasures with you. If you are aiming for the fastest possible approval, especially if your travel date is approaching, consider utilizing a service that offers Super Rush Processing (12-15 working days) or specialized agent acceleration (12-48 hours).

window.NREUM||(NREUM={});NREUM.info={"beacon":"bam.nr-data.net","licenseKey":"NRJS-3109bb2e2783f515265","applicationID":"558315209","transactionName":"blUHbEVQCxECBUVQWVcfMEpeHhARBhRCFlRVXwIXVEMAAxcDU1VZXh4VUEc=","queueTime":0,"applicationTime":159,"atts":"QhIEGg1KGB8=","errorBeacon":"bam.nr-data.net","agent":""}

window.NREUM||(NREUM={});NREUM.info={"beacon":"bam.nr-data.net","licenseKey":"NRJS-3109bb2e2783f515265","applicationID":"558315209","transactionName":"blUHbEVQCxECBUVQWVcfMEpeHhARBhRCFlRVXwIXVEMAAxcDU1VZXh4VUEc=","queueTime":0,"applicationTime":164,"atts":"QhIEGg1KGB8=","errorBeacon":"bam.nr-data.net","agent":""}