Is travel to Iraqi Kurdistan without an Iraqi visa a problem when applying for a UK visa?
I will soon be making a UK visa application to extend a temporary stay in the UK.
Iraqi Kurdistan gives nationals of most Western countries visa-free access. However, there is an ongoing dispute between the Iraqi and Iraqi-Kurdish government over whether they are allowed to do this.
The UK Foreign Commonwealth Office says that all nationals need an Iraqi federal visa to enter any part of Iraq, including Iraqi Kurdistan:
According to Iraqi law you must have a visa before you travel, even if you’re intending to travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Is entering Iraqi Kurdistan visa-free a potential problem for being granted a UK visa, given that the British government apparently views such an entry as unlawful (and thus as a violation of a foreign immigration law)?
Pictures about "Is travel to Iraqi Kurdistan without an Iraqi visa a problem when applying for a UK visa?"
Can I travel to Kurdistan with Iraq visa?
Anyone who does not have the privilege of getting a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Please contact the nearest KRG office abroad. The entry permit you need depends on the purpose of your visit.Can I apply for UK visa from Iraq?
Citizens of Iraq are required to be approved for a visa before they are permitted to travel to the United Kingdom. You will need your passport, the approved visa, and biometrics before you are permitted entry. Several kinds of visas are offered by the UK but most travel will use the standard visitor visa.Do I need visa for Kurdistan from UK?
Visa on arrivalThe holders of the UK travel documents also do not require visa in advance to enter Kurdistan Region of Iraq. They can obtain a 30-days tourism or visit visa on arrival.Do I need visa for Kurdistan?
In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq you can obtain a 30 day visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaimaniah International Airports. This is valid for travel in the KRI only.Which Country Do You HATE The Most? | IRAQI KURDISTAN
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pixabay, Dominika Gregušová, Chris Schippers