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IRAQ: Exit Visas No Longer Available at Airports
December 19, 2017
On 18th December 2017, the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior (MOI) issued instructions with immediate effect that foreign nationals departing Iraq may no longer obtain their exit visas at the MOI Visa Offices at all federal Iraqi airports.
All requests for exit visas now must be submitted and processed through the MOI Residency and Immigration Office.
Under past practice, foreign nationals could typically submit exit visa request letters, pay any fines for overstay, and receive their exit visa at the airport visa office just prior to going through passport control at the departures terminal.
Now, exit visa request letters and any overstay fines payments must be submitted at the MOI Residency and Immigration Office. The MOI will then affix an exit visa sticker to the individual’s passport, valid for ten calendar days in which to exit the country.
Iraqi exit visas authorizing departure are required for foreign nationals who have remained in the country for more than ten days from entry.
Our Advice
With this change in procedure for obtaining exit visas, foreign nationals planning to exit Iraq are advised to contact their Newland Chase immigration specialist at least three business days prior to their expected departure dates to receive assistance in obtaining the required exit visa and avoid any delays in their travel plans.
For advice and information on immigration to Iraq in general, please email us at [email protected].
