Consular FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Consular Information
Q: Where can I find more information about the United States before I travel?
A: To learn more about the various U.S. government agencies, please visit FirstGov.gov, which also has valuable resources for American citizens.
Q: I am an American citizen who pays taxes and fulfills all of my duties as a citizen. Isn't it my right to have my Foreign National relatives visit me in the United States?
A: The law does not ask consular officers to evaluate the qualifications of American Citizens in the United States. Instead, we are tasked to strictly apply Section 214(b) to applicants who cannot demonstrate substantial ties to a foreign residence abroad. If applicants cannot convince the officer that they do not intend to immigrate or seek unlawful benefits in the United States, they do not have a "right" to a non-immigrant visa.
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 (08:30-11:30 and 13:30-15:00, Sunday through Tuesday & Thursday) (08:30-11:30, 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