Getting Iraq Visa at Iraq-Iraqi Kurdistan border?

[LUMINOKA]

Hello, I am on the border between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan. 09/22/2024 A traveler had to go back from the federal border because the customs officers did not let him pass into federal Iraq with their Kurdish visa.

[Walid]

Hi there, can you please confirm, did the federal border of Iraq customs officers allow other western tourists through the border from Iraqi Kurdistan to federal Iraq with only an Iraqi Kurdistan visa?

A couple of posts from the 16th September state that foreigners could travel from Duhok to Mosul without federal Iraq Visa on Arrival. I am interested in doing the same thing in November or April 2025 if possible, entering Iraqi Kurdistan from Cizre in Turkey.

[Serapidex]

@Walid according to recent testimonials (such as Jono’s in this thread), it is possible to cross the border between Kurdistan and Fed. Iraq with just a Kurdistan visa. However it seems that this regulation is very new and some officials don’t yet know about it, which could explain why some travellers are not let in. It seems to depend at which check point you cross the border.
If you cross it, please let me know how it goes, I plan on visiting in Jan 2025.

[Walid]

Thanks Serapidex. If I try it will be from the crossing closest to Duhok on the road to Mosul. If I try doing this I'll remember to write a note here. But bear in mind if I do it will apply to early November. A lot can change in the region in 2 months, if you're planning to travel in January.

[paweljumper69]

Hello everyone,
Me and my girlfriend have just crossed the Kurdistan-Fed Iraq border (specifically - November 5th 2024). We have Kurdistan eVisas (I have it printed, but my girlfriend has only PDF on her phone and it also works), which allowed us to enter Kurdistan from Turkiye. To Federal Iraq, we hitchhiked from Duhok (it is very easy in Kurdistan, usually we did not even need to try, people just stopped and asked if we needed a lift). After arrival on the border crossing, we were asked some typical questions (purpose of visit, time of stay etc). They checked if we had Iraqi visa, so we explained that apparently we did not need it anymore. We went to a room and the guard made some calls. It took about half an hour but the conclusion was that there was a visa exception for EU citizens, so eventually, they let us in. All guards were very kind, we were reassured that we were entering Iraq legally. However, it gets a little frustrating in the country itself, when they check our passports and ask about the Iraqi visa on every checkpoint. It usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes before we reach understanding, but there are never any problems. Currently (8th November), we are in Tikrit, probably going to Samarra/Baghdad in the evening. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask, I am happy to help and maybe even meet up if someone's in the area.

[Art MxCn]

@paweljumper69 nice info, thanks.
Im now in Erbil, want to go to Baghdad, have just stamp visa, (no e-visa) i just get a stamp with visa on border, because system doesn’t work, and after 1 hour talking with guard shef, i get it.
Question,
On the check points to main Iraq, do you show a official info about new visa rules, or just explain by translator?
If you know where it possible to find info in internet about allows to go with kurdistan visa to main iraq, it will be cool, and easy just to show the info to the guardians.
And there is many checkpoints on the way to Baghdad? Like 5 - 10?
Hitchhike nice, but i think to go by transport, trying to find bus, because it may not comfortable to drivers to wait when the guardians check me 30 min
If someone now in Erbil and want to go together, lets go
Thanks if you answer a questions.
I hope you enjoy your road and it is safety)

[paweljumper69]

@Art MxCn
I did not share any official info with them. I just said that I had read about it somewhere online XD it worked, but he had to make some calls.
There is a bunch of checkpoints, basically at the entrance and exit to every city (and sometimes in between).
When it comes to hitchhiking and waiting - every driver was very kind and did not mind waiting, they always gave their best to help us and facilitate every conversation with border guards.

[paweljumper69]

@Art MxCn
I did not share any official info with them. I just said that I had read about it somewhere online XD it worked, but he had to make some calls.
There is a bunch of checkpoints, basically at the entrance and exit to every city (and sometimes in between).
When it comes to hitchhiking and waiting - every driver was very kind and did not mind waiting, they always gave their best to help us and facilitate every conversation with border guards.

[Viatger360]

Hi everyone!

How is the things going about using kurdostan visa for entire Iraq?

Can we travel all sround Iraq with kurdostan visa?

With theIraq federal visa you can visit all territoies correct?

Please any update?