Nonimmigrant Visas
Frequently Asked Questions About Consular Information
Q: How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
A: In short, as early as possible. Applicants for A and G visas should submit their applications at least one month prior to their desired date of departure. Applicants for J visas should submit their applications at least three months before they plan to depart Iraq. From time to time, additional time is necessary to complete administrative processing.
Q: Where can I find more information about the United States before I travel?
A: A good place to start is at the U.S. Department of State's USINFO website. To learn more about travel to the United States and various U.S. government agencies, please visit www.usa.gov.
Q: Can third country nationals apply for visas in Baghdad?
A: Yes. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as long as they are applying for a visa type that the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is authorized to adjudicate. Please keep in mind, however, that the presumption of immigration as outlined in Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is more difficult to overcome outside your area of residence.
Q: Where is the Consular Section located?
We are located in the International Zone, at the New Embassy Compound on Al Kindi Street, (across from FOB Union III.) The Consular Section can provide limited assistance for Iraqis who need access to the International Zone and to our location.
If you are unable to arrange your own access or escort into the International Zone, please request the Consular Section's assistance by sending an email to: BaghdadIVAccess@state.gov at least one week prior to your appointment.
Q: How can I contact the Consular Section?
We can be reached during regular business hours (09:00-11:30 and 13:30-15:00, Sunday through Tuesday & Thursday) (09:00-11:30, Wednesday)
During these hours the section is open for notarial services, passport services (new applications, renewals, lost/stolen, additional visa pages), and consular reports of birth abroad.
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
Q: How can I schedule an interview at the Consular Section?
Open window hours at the Consular Section are 0900 to 1130 and 1300 to 1530 Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday, and 0900 to 1130 on Wednesday.
Applicants and visitors to the Consular Section must give notice to the Consular Section at least one day in advance by sending an e-mail to baghdadniv@state.gov. The e-mail must contain the following information:
- Your complete name as written in the Iraqi Passport
- Iraqi Passport Number
- Requested date and time coming to the Consular Section
- Purpose of visit (visa interview, dropping off application, collecting passport, other)
- For F Visa applicants: the name of the school and the date the program starts.
If the Consular Section does not receive this e-mail one day in advance, your name will not be placed on the access list and you may not be authorized entry to the Consular Section.
A and G visa applicants do not need to schedule an interview or appointment. The applicant or representative may bring the application to the Consular Section during normal window hours.