Iraq adopts unified e-visa platform, mandates health insurance for all visitors

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Council of Ministers announced Tuesday the launch of a new federal electronic visa system that will serve as the sole platform for issuing entry permits, alongside a requirement for all visitors to obtain a unified health insurance document.

The cabinet said the health insurance policy must be issued through companies licensed by the Health Insurance Authority, and all collected fees will be directed to the authority.

The decision obligates several government bodies — including the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, labor and social affairs, and culture, as well as the National Investment Commission and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representation — to suspend visa issuance without proof of insurance obtained through the new platform.

“All documents and services for managing the affairs of visitors and residents will now be issued through the company implementing the e-visa system,” the cabinet said in a statement. It added that a separate health insurance platform will be used to process documents for those not covered by the e-visa system.

The Kurdistan Region continues to operate its own visa regime, independent of Baghdad’s platform. Through the KRG Ministry of Interior, nationals of 53 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union member states — can obtain visas on arrival at regional airports and international border crossings. These travelers receive electronic visas upon entry. Nationals of other countries must apply for an e-visa through the KRG’s official portal. The region’s system applies only within its administrative boundaries and does not grant access to federal Iraq.