Visas for Diplomats and Government Officials (A Visas) and Representatives to International Organizations (G Visas)

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad accepts visa applications for diplomatic and official travel to the United States.

Note: Applicants traveling to conduct governmental business as directed by the national government are generally not required to appear for a personal interview at the Embassy. Iraqi government officials should submit visa applications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Government officials traveling on official business of a commercial nature must apply for a business (B1) visa. Government officials traveling for personal reasons are not eligible for official (A-2) visas.

Types of Visas

Diplomats and Government Officials (A visas)

'A' visas are appropriate for officials of the Government of Iraq traveling to the United States on official business of the national government. The following persons may apply:

• Heads of state and individuals accredited to serve as full-time employees at a permanent diplomatic mission;
• Officials of the Government of Iraq traveling on orders to perform official duties (e.g., attend international meetings or conferences); and
• Personnel at any rank of a foreign armed service coming to the U.S. for training or education at a U.S. military school.

Employees of International Organizations (G visas)

G visas are appropriate for the following persons:

• Representatives of the Iraqi government traveling permanently or temporarily to represent their government at a designated international organization (United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank); or
• Employees of international organizations.

Application Requirements

• Completed Visa Application Forms:
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160) 
    -This application form must be completed online.
  • DS-158 (PDF 297 kb)
  • Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-157 (PDF 252 kb)
• Diplomatic note from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Original A, D, E, or G-series Iraqi Passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your date of travel
• One (1) photograph taken within the last six months

For more information about photograph requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html. Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.

• Photocopy of the applicant’s Civil Identity card.
  
• If the trip is sponsored by the Iraqi Government, the applicant must provide an itinerary for the trip. If the trip is sponsored by the U.S. Government, the applicant must provide an itinerary, and a letter of invitation explaining the purpose of the trip.

Processing Times for Applications:

Please submit your visa application as far in advance of your travel dates as possible. Administrative processing of visa applications takes an average of six weeks.