Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Embassy of Iraq is at 169 Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1DW
- Consular phone line is +44 (0)20 7581 2264
- Tourist, business, family visit, student and transit visas are processed
- Appointments and visa information are at londonembassy.mofa.gov.iq/en/consular/visa
- Always check current FCDO travel advice for Iraq before applying
Address and Contact Details
The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in London is at 169 Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1DW. The consular section handles visa applications, document attestation and passport services for Iraqi citizens living in the United Kingdom.
The main consular telephone number is +44 (0)20 7581 2264. The official site is londonembassy.mofa.gov.iq, operated by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which lists visa categories, fee tariffs and current consular announcements.
Public hours are usually limited to weekday mornings, with collections handled in a separate window. Hours adjust during Ramadan, Iraqi national holidays and UK bank holidays, so check the embassy's news page before any planned visit.
Visa Services Available
The Iraqi Embassy in London processes several visa categories tied to Iraq's federal visa system administered by the Directorate of Residence Affairs. Visa types currently handled include:
- Tourist Visa: for general tourism in federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, subject to current security and regional rules.
- Business Visa: for meetings, conferences, contract work and short term commercial activity.
- Family Visit Visa: for visiting Iraqi family members on a defined trip basis.
- Student Visa: linked to admission at an Iraqi educational institution.
- Transit Visa: for travellers passing through Iraq en route to a third country.
- Conference and Official Visit Visa: issued in connection with letters from Iraqi ministries or international organisations.
British citizens entering federal Iraq via Baghdad and Basra international airports may also use visa on arrival in some cases, with separate rules applying to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
How to Book an Appointment
Appointment slots are managed through londonembassy.mofa.gov.iq/en/consular/visa. The embassy publishes available windows and accepts walk-in enquiries on selected days, although a confirmed appointment is preferred for completed applications.
Demand tends to rise around the Hajj and Arbaeen pilgrimage seasons, large business expos in Erbil and Baghdad, and the start of the Iraqi academic year. Slot availability changes when regional security developments alter consular capacity.
Applicants should bring the printed confirmation, original passport and photo identification. Power of attorney letters are required where a third party submits on behalf of an applicant.
Documents and Requirements
Document checklists vary by category. The core set typically includes:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure from Iraq, with at least two blank pages.
- The completed visa application form, signed and dated, available from the embassy site.
- Two recent passport-style photographs against a white background.
- Flight bookings and accommodation evidence covering the planned period.
- Bank statements for the last three months or evidence of sponsorship.
- For business visas, an invitation letter from the Iraqi host on company letterhead, sometimes accompanied by a letter from the relevant Iraqi chamber of commerce.
- For family visit visas, an invitation letter from the Iraqi family member with identity card copy and address proof.
- For student visas, the admission letter from the Iraqi institution and proof of paid tuition.
- For pilgrimage-related visits, evidence of the planned pilgrimage and the responsible operator.
Originals and photocopies are usually required. Documents not in Arabic or English should be translated and certified.
Processing Times and Fees
Standard tourist and business visa processing at the London embassy typically takes ten to fifteen working days. Cases referred to authorities in Baghdad for additional checks can take longer. Pilgrimage and academic categories sometimes follow a separate operational timetable in coordination with Iraqi ministries.
Fees are set by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and converted to pounds sterling at the embassy cashier. Tourist, business, family visit, student and transit visas each carry a different consular fee. Payment is taken in cash and by card depending on current embassy practice.
Verify the latest fee at the consular cashier on the day of submission, since the Iraqi tariff is reviewed periodically and may include service charges for express handling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Iraq?
Visa on arrival has been available for some nationalities at Baghdad, Basra and Najaf international airports under recent rules. The exact eligibility and fee vary, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq operates its own arrival regime. Travellers should check the current position before flying.
Is the Kurdistan Region of Iraq visa the same as the federal Iraq visa?
No. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq operates its own visa entry system, issuing visas on arrival at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah for many nationalities. A federal Iraq visa is not always sufficient for stays in Kurdistan, and travellers planning to cross between regions should plan accordingly.
Do I need a security clearance letter to visit Iraq?
Certain visit categories, including media and aid-related travel, require letters from Iraqi ministries or other authorities. The embassy can confirm which categories need a security clearance letter and how it should be presented with the application.
How long does the embassy retain my passport during processing?
For non-urgent applications the passport is generally retained until the visa decision is reached, typically ten to fifteen working days. Applicants needing the passport for other travel during this period should plan submissions around their itinerary.
Where do I check current safety guidance for travel to Iraq?
GOV.UK foreign travel advice provides up to date safety guidance for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Areas with advisories against travel may affect insurance and consular support, and applicants should review the latest position before applying for a visa.
How We Verified This
Details in this article were cross-checked against the Iraqi Embassy London site, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, GOV.UK travel advice for Iraq, and public guidance from the Kurdistan Regional Government on its arrival visa system.
Sources
- Embassy of Iraq London: londonembassy.mofa.gov.iq
- Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mofa.gov.iq
- GOV.UK Iraq travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq
