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What Is a Visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

What Types of Visas Are Available?

 

Note: At the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, we only accept applications for four types of nonimmigrant visas:

  • Diplomatic and Government Officials
  • Representatives to International Organizations
  • US Government-funded exchange visitors
  • Students

All other nonimmigrant visa applications must be filed at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of Iraq.

Who Needs a Visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement.

Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

Consular Information

The Consular Section is located on the Embassy compound on Al Kindi Street within the International zone.  Please enter through the Consular Portal off of Al Kindi Street.  Note that weapons are not allowed in the Consular waiting room and limited parking is available. 

Public Window Hours

Sun - Tue, Thu 09:00-11:30, 13:30-15:00

Wed 09:00-11:30 (closed Wednesday afternoons)

*closed US and Iraqi holidays

* All American holidays that fall on a Monday in the U.S. are observed on a Sunday in Iraq. We are closed those days. 

The best way to reach the Consular Section is by email:

American Citizens Services: BaghdadACS@state.gov

Non-Immigrant Visas (visitor, student, exchange program, and employment visas): BaghdadNIV@state.gov

Immigrant Visas: BaghdadIV@state.gov

Special Immigrant Visas: BaghdadSIV@state.gov 

Telephone contact:

US Land Line: +1-240-553-0581 x2413 or x2998

Asia Cell: +964 (0)770-443-0287 

American Citizen After-Hour Emergency Line:

Cell: +964 (0) 770-443-2594

From USA dial 011-964-770-443-2594