This comprehensive guide covers UK visa requirements for Iraqi citizens in 2026, including fees, processing times, and application procedures. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (ع.د231,870), the Student visa is $731 (ع.د957,610), and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (ع.د3,540,930). Iraqi nationals face a challenging visitor visa approval rate of 59% — below the 79% global average — requiring strong documentation. However, family visas have an excellent 92% grant rate, primarily through Refugee Family Reunion routes. UK visa applications from Iraq are processed through TLScontact centres in Baghdad and Erbil.
UK visa fees for Iraqi citizens in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa costs $177 (ع.د231,870), 2-year Visitor visa is $662 (ع.د867,220), Student visa is $731 (ع.د957,610), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (ع.د1,404,320), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (ع.د3,540,930). Fees are paid in USD at TLScontact Baghdad or Erbil. Exchange rate: ع.د1,310 per $1 USD. Priority service adds $697 (ع.د913,070) for faster processing.
- UK Visa Grant Rate for Iraqi Citizens
- UK Visa Fees from Iraq 2026
- UK Visitor Visa for Iraqi Citizens
- UK Student Visa for Iraqi Citizens
- UK Work Visa for Iraqi Citizens
- UK Family Visa from Iraq: 92% Success Rate
- UK Visa Requirements for Iraqi Citizens
- UK Visa Processing Time from Iraq
- TLScontact Iraq: Baghdad & Erbil Application Centres
- Iraqi Community in the UK
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa Grant Rate for Iraqi Citizens 2026
The UK visitor visa grant rate for Iraqi citizens is 59% — below the 79% global average. This means approximately 4 in 10 applications are refused. However, family visas have an excellent 92% grant rate, primarily through Refugee Family Reunion routes due to ongoing regional instability.
Iraqi nationals face higher scrutiny for UK visitor visas compared to many other nationalities. The 59% approval rate reflects concerns around immigration risk, economic conditions, and ongoing instability in the region. However, this doesn't mean applications are unsuccessful — it means thorough preparation is essential. Here's how Iraq's visa success compares across categories:
UK Visa Grant Rates by Category for Iraq (YE Sep 2025)
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Visa Fees from Iraq 2026
UK visa fees from Iraq are charged in US Dollars at TLScontact application centres in Baghdad and Erbil. The table below shows comprehensive fees for all major visa categories with Iraqi Dinar equivalents at the current exchange rate of ع.د1,310 per $1 USD.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table for Iraqi Citizens 2026
Exchange rate: ع.د1,310 per $1 USD (January 2026). IQD amounts are approximate and may vary.
UK Visitor Visa for Iraqi Citizens 2026
The UK visitor visa fee from Iraq for 6 months is $177 (ع.د231,870). Long-term visitor visas are available: 2-year visa costs $662 (ع.د867,220), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (ع.د1,549,730), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (ع.د1,934,870). Iraqi citizens face a 59% grant rate — below the global average — requiring strong documentation to demonstrate ties to Iraq.
The Standard Visitor visa allows Iraqi nationals to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Given the 59% approval rate, Iraqi applicants should focus on providing comprehensive financial evidence, strong ties to Iraq, and clear travel purpose.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Iraq 2026
Tips to Improve Your UK Visitor Visa Application from Iraq
- Strong financial evidence: Provide 6+ months of bank statements showing regular income and savings
- Employment stability: Letter from employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Property ownership: Land registry documents or rental agreements showing ties to Iraq
- Family ties: Evidence of dependents remaining in Iraq (spouse, children, elderly parents)
- Travel history: Previous visas and stamps showing compliant travel patterns
- Clear travel purpose: Specific itinerary, accommodation bookings, and reason for visit
UK Student Visa for Iraqi Citizens 2026
The UK student visa fee from Iraq is $731 (ع.د957,610). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year (approximately $963 / ع.د1,261,530 annually). Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK sponsor institution.
The UK Student visa enables Iraqi students to study at UK educational institutions. Student visa grant rates are typically higher than visitor visas due to the CAS requirement, which provides verified institutional sponsorship.
UK Work Visa for Iraqi Citizens 2026
UK work visa fees from Iraq depend on visa type and duration. The Skilled Worker visa costs $1,072 (ع.د1,404,320) for up to 3 years. Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (ع.د555,440). Iraqi professionals require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The minimum salary threshold is £38,700.
Iraqi citizens seeking employment in the UK must obtain a sponsored work visa. The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
UK Family Visa from Iraq: 92% Success Rate
The UK Spouse visa and family reunion routes enable Iraqi nationals to join family members in the UK. The 92% grant rate reflects the recognition of genuine family connections and humanitarian considerations for Iraqi applicants.
Refugee Family Reunion from Iraq
Iraqi family members of refugees with protection status in the UK may be eligible for Refugee Family Reunion, which has no application fee. This route is available to spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18. The high 92% family visa grant rate for Iraq largely reflects the success of these humanitarian routes.
UK Visa Requirements for Iraqi Citizens 2026
Iraqi citizens must provide comprehensive documentation when applying for UK visas. Given the 59% visitor visa approval rate, thorough preparation is essential.
- Valid Iraqi passport: With at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
- Completed online application: Via gov.uk
- Bank statements: Last 6 months showing sufficient funds (USD accounts preferred)
- Employment evidence: Employment letter with salary, position, and approved leave
- Travel history: Evidence of previous international travel strengthens applications
- Accommodation details: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from UK host
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings and planned activities in the UK
- Ties to Iraq: Property, business, family dependents demonstrating return intent
UK Visa Processing Time from Iraq
Standard UK visa processing time from Iraq is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service ($697 / ع.د913,070) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395 / ع.د1,827,450) provides next-working-day decisions where available.
TLScontact Iraq: Baghdad & Erbil Application Centres
UK visa applications from Iraq are processed through TLScontact centres in Baghdad and Erbil. After completing your online application on gov.uk, you must book an appointment at your nearest TLScontact centre to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and documents.
TLScontact Locations in Iraq
- Baghdad: TLScontact — Main centre serving central and southern Iraq
- Erbil: TLScontact — Serving Kurdistan Region and northern Iraq
Application Process at TLScontact Iraq
- Complete online application: Apply at gov.uk and pay visa fee in USD
- Book TLScontact appointment: Select Baghdad or Erbil centre
- Attend appointment: Provide biometrics and submit supporting documents
- Track application: Monitor status through TLScontact tracking system
- Collect passport: Return to TLScontact or arrange courier delivery
Iraqi Community in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to a significant Iraqi diaspora, with an estimated 250,000-300,000 people of Iraqi origin. The community is primarily concentrated in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, with significant populations established since the 1990s and 2000s following conflicts in Iraq.
The UK has historic ties with Iraq, and many Iraqi families have relatives in both countries. This diaspora drives the substantial volume of UK visa applications from Iraq, with over 21,500 visitor visa applications annually. The high family visa grant rate (92%) reflects ongoing family reunion needs and humanitarian considerations.
- Visitor visa grant rate: 59% (below 79% global average) — strong documentation essential
- Family visa grant rate: 92% — excellent success rate
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (ع.د231,870)
- 2-year Visitor visa: $662 (ع.د867,220)
- Student visa: $731 (ع.د957,610)
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072 (ع.د1,404,320) up to 3 years
- Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa: $2,703 (ع.د3,540,930)
- Priority service: $697 (ع.د913,070) — 5 working days
- Application centres: TLScontact Baghdad & Erbil
- Exchange rate: ع.د1,310 per $1 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Iraqi citizen visit the UK?
Yes, Iraqi citizens can visit the UK, but must first obtain a visa. Iraq is on the UK's visa-national list, requiring a Standard Visitor visa ($177 / ع.د231,870) for tourism, family visits, or business. The visitor visa grant rate is 59% — below the global average — so strong documentation is essential. Applicants should provide comprehensive financial evidence, employment stability, and clear ties to Iraq demonstrating intent to return.
What is the UK visa refusal rate for Iraq?
The UK visitor visa refusal rate for Iraqi citizens is approximately 41% (59% grant rate), based on Home Office statistics for the year ending September 2025. This means roughly 4 in 10 visitor visa applications are refused. However, family visas have only an 8% refusal rate (92% grant rate), primarily through Refugee Family Reunion routes. Of 21,576 visitor visa applications from Iraq, 8,840 were refused.
How much is the UK visa fee from Iraq 2026?
UK visa fees from Iraq in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa $177 (ع.د231,870), 2-year Visitor visa $662 (ع.د867,220), 5-year Visitor visa $1,183 (ع.د1,549,730), 10-year Visitor visa $1,477 (ع.د1,934,870), Student visa $731 (ع.د957,610), Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (ع.د1,404,320), and Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa $2,703 (ع.د3,540,930). All fees are paid in US Dollars at TLScontact centres. Exchange rate: ع.د1,310 per $1 USD.
How long does UK visa processing take from Iraq?
Standard UK visa processing time from Iraq is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service ($697 / ع.د913,070) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395 / ع.د1,827,450) provides next-working-day decisions where available. Settlement and family visas take up to 12 weeks standard processing. Applications are submitted through TLScontact centres in Baghdad or Erbil.
Where can I apply for a UK visa in Iraq?
UK visa applications from Iraq are processed through TLScontact centres in Baghdad and Erbil. First complete your online application at gov.uk and pay the visa fee in USD. Then book an appointment at your preferred TLScontact location. Baghdad serves central and southern Iraq, while Erbil serves the Kurdistan Region and northern Iraq. At your appointment, you'll provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and submit supporting documents.
How many Iraqis live in the UK?
There are approximately 250,000-300,000 people of Iraqi origin living in the UK. The community is primarily concentrated in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, with significant populations established since the 1990s and 2000s following conflicts in Iraq. This established diaspora drives substantial UK visa applications from Iraq, with over 21,500 visitor visa applications annually. The high family visa grant rate (92%) reflects ongoing family reunion needs.