Iraqi visa requirements for Lithuanian citizens

Traveling from Lithuania to the cradle of civilization is an adventure of a lifetime, but navigating the visa bureaucracy can often feel like a hurdle. With the recent shift from Visa on Arrival (VOA) to a mandatory electronic visa system for many travelers, Lithuanian citizens often have urgent questions about the process.

This comprehensive guide information about Iraq eVisa from Lithuania, ensuring you have every detail needed to apply for your Iraq eVisa successfully. Whether you are heading to Baghdad for business, Karbala for Ziyarat, or Erbil for tourism, here is your complete roadmap.

Do Lithuanian Citizens Need a Visa for Iraq in 2025?

Yes. All Lithuanian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of Iraq. As of the latest regulations enforced in March 2025, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility has been largely suspended for federal Iraq for many nationalities that were previously eligible. You must now secure an eVisa (Electronic Visa) prior to your departure.

Attempting to fly without a pre-approved visa will likely result in being denied boarding at Vilnius Airport or your transit hub (typically Istanbul or Doha).

Can I Still Get a Visa on Arrival at Baghdad or Najaf Airports?

This is one of the most frequently searched questions. The answer is generally No. The Iraqi government has transitioned to a pre-arrival electronic system to improve security and processing flow. While there are rare exceptions for diplomatic missions or specific delegations, standard tourists and business travelers from Lithuania must apply online beforehand. Do not risk your trip by assuming you can pay at the counter upon arrival in Federal Iraq.

Federal Iraq eVisa vs. Kurdistan Region Visa: What’s the Difference?

It is crucial to understand the political and administrative division regarding visas:

• Federal Iraq eVisa: Issued by Baghdad. It is valid for the entire country, including Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala, and the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah). If you plan to visit the south, you must get this visa.
• Kurdistan Region eVisa: Issued by the KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government). It is only valid for the Kurdistan Region. You cannot travel to Baghdad or southern Iraq with this visa. If you do, you may face legal issues or be turned back at internal checkpoints.

Recommendation: If your itinerary includes both Erbil and Baghdad, always apply for the Federal Iraq eVisa to cover all bases.

Government Portal Support vs. Private Agent (evisa-iraq.org): Which is Better?

One of the biggest frustrations for applicants is the lack of support on official channels. Here is a direct comparison to help you decide:

Government Portal

• Cost: Charge standard government fees (approx. $70-$80 USD depending on type).
• Support: Non-existent or very slow. There is no 24/7 live chat. If you make a mistake (e.g., typo in passport number), there is often no way to correct it before rejection.
• Interface: Can be glitchy, with Arabic-to-English translation errors.
• Outcome: High rejection rate for minor photo or document errors.

Private Agent (e.g., evisa-iraq.org)

• Cost: Higher (Government fee + Service fee).
• Support: 24/7 Professional Support. Dedicated agents answer questions about "Purpose of Visit" or address formats immediately.
• Value: They manually review every document before submission. If your photo has a shadow or your passport scan is blurry, they fix it or ask for a new one before sending it to the government, raising the approval chance to ~99.5%.
• Peace of Mind: They handle the confusing "Sponsor" sections and file formatting for you.

What Are the Valid Purposes of Visit for an Iraq eVisa?

When applying, you will need to select a specific "Purpose of Visit" that aligns with your travel intent. The system provides a comprehensive list to ensure your visa matches your activities. Options include:

• Tourism/Pilgrimage: For general sightseeing or visiting holy shrines.
• Business/Investment: For investors, businessmen, or CEOs of companies.
• Government Invitation: For those with an official invitation from the Iraqi government.
• Contractors: For employees of companies contracting with diplomatic missions or government agencies.
• Family Visits: For spouses of Iraqi citizens or children of Iraqi parents.

Ensure you select the precise category, as mismatched intent can lead to border issues.

What Documents Are Required for the Iraq eVisa Application?

To ensure a smooth Iraq eVisa application requirement , have these digital files ready on your computer or phone:

1. Passport Bio Page:

• Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
• Format: Color scan, no glare, all four corners visible.
• Blank Pages: Your physical passport must have at least 2 blank pages for stamping.

1. Personal Photo:

• Background: Pure white.
• Style: No glasses, no hats (unless religious), neutral expression.
• Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.

1. Accommodation Proof:

• A confirmed hotel booking voucher in Iraq.
• OR a "Letter of Invitation" from a host/sponsor if staying privately.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Iraq Entry?

Yes. Recent updates to the visa policy often bundle or require Mandatory Health Insurance.

• Government Portal: The system may automatically add a fee for Iraqi state-issued health insurance coverage during the application.
• Verification: You may be asked to show proof of this insurance (the policy document usually comes with your approved eVisa PDF) at the border.
• Advice: Even if you have personal travel insurance from Lithuania, you often still need to pay the local Iraqi insurance fee as part of the visa cost.

Why Was My Iraq eVisa Rejected?

Rejections are painful because fees are rarely refunded. The most common "Genuine User" reasons for rejection include:

• Low-Quality Photo: Using a selfie, a photo with a busy background, or a blurry scan.
• Data Mismatch: The name on the form does not exactly match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport.
• Invalid Sponsor Info: listing a hotel that doesn't exist or a sponsor with incomplete contact details.
• Previous Travel History: Evidence of unauthorized travel to Israel (passport stamps or exit stamps from Jordanian/Egyptian borders near Israel) can lead to immediate rejection.

How Long Does It Take to Process an Iraq eVisa from Lithuania?

One of the most common questions is about the timeline. Unlike the unpredictable wait times at embassies, applying online gives you structured processing options. Based on standard agency services, the timelines are:

• Normal Processing: 20-25 Working Days. This is the standard affordable option for those planning well in advance.
• Rush Processing: 15-20 Working Days. A middle-ground option for travelers who need their visa slightly faster.
• Super Rush Processing: 12-15 Working Days. The fastest option available for urgent travel needs.

Note: These timelines are estimates and can vary based on security checks and volume of applications.

Can I Apply for an Iraq eVisa With a "Sponsor" Letter?

Yes. If you are staying with friends, family, or are being hosted by a company, you can upload a Letter by Sponsor instead of a hotel booking. This letter should include the sponsor's contact details, address in Iraq, and a statement confirming they will be responsible for your accommodation during your stay.

Can Unmarried Couples Share a Hotel Room in Iraq?

This is a common "Safety and Culture" query.

• Law: Technically, Iraqi law prohibits unmarried couples (Muslim) from sharing a room.
• Foreigners: High-end international hotels in Baghdad or Erbil (like Rotana or Babylon) are generally lenient with foreign passport holders (Lithuanians) and rarely ask for a marriage certificate.
• Religious Cities: In Karbala and Najaf, rules are strictly enforced. Unmarried couples will likely need separate rooms.

Is It Safe for Lithuanians to Travel to Iraq in 2025?

Safety situations change rapidly.

• Green Zones: The Kurdistan region and major hotels in Baghdad are generally secure.
• Red Zones: Border areas with Syria and Turkey should be avoided.
• Advisory: Always check the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (URM) website before travel.
• Checkpoints: Expect frequent military checkpoints. Keep your passport and printed eVisa handy at all times.

How Much Cash Can I Bring?

Iraq is a cash-based economy. Credit cards (Mastercard/Visa) are accepted in major hotels and malls but are useless in taxis or local markets.

• Limit: You must declare amounts exceeding $10,000 USD upon entry.
• Currency: US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and easily exchanged for Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Bring crisp, new USD bills (post-2009 series), as old or torn notes are often refused.

Do I Need a PCR Test or Vaccination Certificate?

As of 2025, COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted.

• PCR: Generally not required for fully vaccinated travelers, but rules can snap back.
• Vaccination: Carrying your standard EU Digital COVID Certificate is recommended just in case.
• Other Vaccines: No specific mandatory vaccines (like Yellow Fever) are required for Lithuanians, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots are recommended by health professionals.

Can I enter Iraq via the Land Border with an eVisa?

Most eVisas are designed for airports (Baghdad International - BGW, Basra - BSR, Najaf - NJF, Erbil - EBL).

• Land Borders: Crossing from Kuwait, Jordan, or Turkey by land can be complicated. Some eVisas may not be recognized at remote land crossings without prior arrangement.
• Recommendation: Fly into a major international airport to ensure your eVisa is processed correctly by immigration officers familiar with the system.

Is the eVisa Mobile Friendly? 

While the application is mobile-friendly, the entry process is not.

• Hard Copy Required: Iraqi border officers love paper. You must print 2-3 color copies of your approved eVisa PDF.
• Procedure: One copy is often taken by the officer, and another may be stamped and given back to you. If you only have it on your phone, you may be sent to the back of the line to find a printer.

 Final Checklist Before Applying

Before you hit "Submit" on your application from Lithuania:

1. Check Passport Validity: Ensure it expires at least 6 months after your planned entry.
2. Confirm Dates: Does the processing time (e.g., 20-25 days) align with your flight dates? Don't book flights until your visa is approved.
3. Prepare Payment: Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the online fee.
4. Digitize Documents: Have your passport bio page and photo ready in the correct file format.

By following this guide, Lithuanian citizens can navigate the complexities of the Iraq visa system with confidence. Whether you choose the direct government route or the enhanced support of an agency, the key is preparation and attention to detail. Safe travels!