ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Iraqi government has decided to cancel paper visas and replace them with an electronic system, a move that has sparked widespread controversy. While some have described the decision as a “major step toward modernization,” others see it as a “new obstacle to tourist movement.”

While officials assert that the decision will speed up procedures and prevent violations, many question whether this shift will boost tourism in Iraq or make entry into the country more complicated and costly. Will the decision benefit Iraq’s economy, or is it an ill-considered step that could isolate the country?

 “The issuance of visas on arrival will be suspended starting March 1, 2025. The suspension applies to travelers from the five permanent member states of the UN Security Council, as well as European Union countries, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, and New Zealand,” according to the Directorate of Civil Status, Passports, and Residency, part of Iraqi Ministry of Interior.

Concerns over Iraq’s isolation

Iraqi bloggers argue that the decision was made without a clear explanation, questioning its benefits and who truly stands to gain from it. They point out that restricting tourist movement from Europe, Asia, the US, and Australia will cause Iraq to lose limited opportunities available to young people in Baghdad and other provinces, whether in the tourism sector or related industries.

This measure will make visiting Iraq more difficult and costly. A tourist will now have to spend between $700 and $900 before arrival, including visa fees, administrative costs, and airfare, which may deter many from choosing Iraq as a travel destination, bloggers told The New Region.

Some speculate whether the decision was a reaction to criticism from global bloggers and YouTubers about travel conditions in Iraq or if it is linked to financial and administrative corruption within the residency department. Tightening visa procedures could force prospective visitors to pay additional amounts to obtain the necessary approvals.

On the other hand, tourism experts believe that this decision may isolate Iraq from the world, especially since it is considered an emerging destination for tourists seeking a unique historical and cultural experience. However, it has now become more complicated and expensive, which could negatively impact efforts to promote tourism in the country.

At the beginning of the year, the Arab Tourism Organization announced the selection of Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025 during the 35th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo.

Following the announcement, the Iraqi government unveiled 21 tourism projects planned for Baghdad and other provinces, coinciding with the city’s designation as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025.

The Iraqi government invited a Spanish company specializing in tourism development to establish projects and build attractive tourism and entertainment facilities.

“Iraq possesses tourism potential that could transform into a key component of the non-oil economy, given the available opportunities and the local demand for modern, advanced and environmentally friendly tourist facilities,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said during a meeting dedicated to discussing a package of planned tourism projects.

Government response

The New Region attempted to contact the Ministry of Interior’s spokesperson for clarification, but repeated calls went unanswered. However, a source from the Iraqi Residency Affairs Directorate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This decision is part of the Iraqi government's plan to transition to an electronic government, aimed at facilitating travel procedures and enhancing operational efficiency at border crossings.”

The source denied allegations of corruption related to the decision, emphasizing that “this step is a new achievement for the government in its efforts to modernize administrative systems according to contemporary standards.”

The source went on to detail that “adopting an electronic visa system will improve travelers’ experiences by saving time and effort”, adding that the government is continuing efforts to develop electronic services across various sectors.

In 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior reported that approximately nine million visitors entered the country, marking the highest number of tourists Iraq has received in several decades.

Iraq's tourism sector has suffered massive losses due to wars dating back to 1980, from the Gulf War in 1991 to the US invasion in 2003, which led to a dramatic decline in the number of incoming tourists compared to previous years.

Debate over the decision

According to government data released last month, Iraqi officials and tourism industry experts discussed major challenges facing Iraq’s tourism sector and ways to develop it, particularly in the hotel industry. Officials emphasized that the government prioritizes supporting tourism and enhancing public-private sector integration through field visits aimed at identifying obstacles to the sector’s growth.

“The Iraqi government’s decision to cancel paper visas at airports and replace them with an electronic visa system aims to keep up with global developments and facilitate entry procedures into the country. However, it raises questions about the principle of reciprocity between countries,” travel and aviation expert Fares al-Jawari said, adding that many  of the countries affected by this decision “do not allow Iraqis to enter without a prior visa, unlike the Iraqi government, which granted citizens of these countries the ability to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport.”

According to Jawari, the measure has significant security implications, as it allows the Ministry of Interior to verify the identities of incoming travelers and ensure that unwanted individuals do not enter the country without obtaining the necessary approvals.

The “decision applies to all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.”

Regarding its impact on the tourism sector, Jawari said, “The measure will regulate the entry process for tourists through accredited tourism offices and companies, contributing to the revitalization of Iraq’s tourism sector… Tourists will now be required to apply as part of tour groups through companies, strengthening these businesses’ role in attracting visitors.”

Jawari elaborated that “electronic visas are a standard practice in many countries worldwide, including Arab and East Asian nations, to regulate traveler entry and ensure identity verification.”

“The visa fees paid upon application are a standard procedure consistent with international visa policies, applying the principle of reciprocity when granting visas to Iraqi citizens abroad.”

A 2020 report by the World Tourism Organization stated that Iraq received 1.518 million tourists in 2019, ranking 13th out of 17 Arab countries and 98th globally in the list of the most-visited countries.

Tourism growth despite challenges

Around 400,000 foreign tourists visited Iraq in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. He urged foreign governments to remove Iraq from their travel risk lists, according to Ahmed Fakak al-Badrani, an official at the Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, urging foreign governments to remove Iraq from their travel risk lists.

Mohammed al-Obaidi, president of the Iraqi Tourism Association, told The New Region that “replacing paper visas with an electronic visa system in Iraq will facilitate tourist entry procedures,” noting that “traveler data will be available in advance to the relevant authorities, reducing airport wait times.”

“Visa fees will remain unchanged, with no increase in pricing.” He pointed out that. “European tourists currently spend between $700 and $1,000 for their trip, which is not considered expensive compared to the average income in those countries.”

A CNN report at the end of last year revealed a significant increase in the number of Western tourists traveling to Iraq, reaching unprecedented levels since 2003.

CNN highlighted that Baghdad, Hillah, Maysan and Basra have become key destinations for Western tourists in 2024, despite continued travel warnings issued by Western governments.