Ziyara Visa for Iraq – Najaf & Karbala

A Ziyara visa is a visa for a religious visit to Iraq. Ziyara is also written as Ziyarah or Ziyarat. Travellers use this term when planning visits to religious destinations such as Najaf, Karbala and Samarra. This page explains our online application route for eligible religious visitors to federal Iraq.

Yes. Eligible passport holders can apply through our online Iraq visa application. Select your passport nationality, provide your details, upload your passport copy and personal photo, and state that your trip is a religious visit when providing travel information. You receive the result by email.

The standard estimate is 6–72 hours for Group A and 8–18 business days for Group B. Processing starts after payment and all required documents and information have been received. Check your passport country in the nationality lists and review any current processing update shown in the application.

No. The 6–72 hour estimate applies to Group A passport nationalities. Eligible Group B passports follow the 8–18 business-day route. Travelling for Ziyara or joining a pilgrimage group does not move an applicant into the faster nationality group.

Contact us with your passport nationality and exact departure date and time before making a last-minute application. We can explain the current processing estimate for your route. Same-day approval or approval before a particular flight cannot be guaranteed. You must receive your approved visa before flying.

Apply ahead of the busy pilgrimage period. For Group A, we recommend at least seven days before travel, with extra time during peak periods. For Group B, allow the full 8–18 business-day estimate plus time for any document corrections. Prepare your documents early and check the processing update in the application before submitting.

Prepare a clear colour copy of your passport information page and a recent personal photo on a white background. Your passport must remain valid for at least six months from arrival. You also need an accessible email address and the personal and travel details requested in the form. Upload any additional supporting document specifically requested for your application.

Yes. You can photograph the passport information page with your phone if the image is sharp, complete and readable. Show all four corners and the machine-readable lines. Avoid glare, shadows, blurred text and fingers covering the page. Your separate personal photo must also meet the photo requirements.

No. For eligible religious visitors applying through our online service, you upload a digital passport copy and complete the application online. You do not need to send us your physical passport or attend an embassy appointment for this route.

Eligible applicants using our online religious-visit route do not need to arrange their own local sponsor or invitation letter. Where Group B requires sponsor-related handling, our service handles the applicable process. Provide the documents requested for your nationality in the application.

Yes. Prepare a separate application and approval for each traveller using this visa route, including children and infants. A parent or legal guardian completes a child’s application using the child’s own passport details and personal photo. You can help your spouse with their permission.

Yes, with their permission. Enter the traveller’s own passport and personal information, upload their documents and use an email address you can monitor. Send them their approved visa and make sure they carry a printed copy with their passport.

No. Each traveller applying through this route needs their own application and visa approval. Prepare each person’s passport copy, photo and accurate details separately. Use the correct passport nationality for every member of the group.

Not necessarily. Each application follows the requirements and processing group for that person’s passport nationality. Check every traveller’s group before planning the application dates. Do not assume that one family member’s approval means the others are approved.

Yes. Select the nationality shown in the passport you will use to travel, then give your actual country of residence wherever requested. A residence permit or permanent resident card does not change your passport nationality or automatically qualify you for Group A processing.

Yes. Describe your religious visit accurately and provide your actual accommodation details whenever requested. If you will stay at a private home, use that address instead of a hotel address.

No. You must obtain your approved visa before flying to federal Iraq. An application confirmation or payment receipt does not replace an approved visa. Keep the approval ready before departure and print it for travel.

We send your approved visa to the email address in your application. You must print the approved visa before travelling and carry the printed copy with your passport. A digital copy on your phone does not replace the required printed copy.

Email [email protected] with your application number. Our team sends updates and document requests by email. Check your spam or junk folder and respond promptly if more information is requested.

Contact us before submitting another request. An existing application linked to your passport may prevent a new one from progressing. Share the existing reference and current status so we can advise on the next step and help you avoid duplicate applications.

If payment fails, first check for a payment or application confirmation before trying again. Contact us with the error and your reference if the status is unclear. For an application mistake, reply immediately to your application email with the correct information. We will check whether a correction is still possible. See our application and payment help.