Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of  Iraq

I. Visa Necessity

 

  • Ordinary Passports: Visa required for all travel purposes (tourism, business, etc.).
  • Diplomatic/Special/Government Passports: Visa-free under the 2023 bilateral agreement (stay ≤30 days; extensions for work/study via local authorities).

II. Visa Types & Eligibility

 

  • Tourist (L Visa): Sightseeing/visits (single/multiple entries; stay ≤30 days; validity 90 days).
  • Business (M Visa): Trade/conferences (invitation from a Chinese entity required).
  • Work (Z Visa): Employment (work permit + invitation).
  • Study (X1/X2 Visa): Academic programs (admission letter + JW201 form).
  • Transit (G Visa): Required for layovers (check airline rules).

III. Required Documents (General)

 

  • Passport: Valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages.
  • Passport Photo: 3.5×4.5cm, white background (≤6 months old).
  • Online Application: COVA system (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn) + confirmation letter.
  • Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flights + hotel reservations.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statement (sufficient funds for stay).
  • Additional for Specific Visas:
    • M/Z Visas: Chinese organization invitation + work permit (Z visa).
    • X Visas: Admission letter + JW201 form.
    • Family (Q Visas): Kinship proof (birth/marriage certificate).

IV. Application Process (2025 Update)

 

  1. Online Form: Complete COVA application.
  2. Visa Type:
    • Sticker Visa: Apply via Chinese Embassy/Consulate (e.g., Baghdad) with biometrics (first-time applicants).
    • Electronic Visa (Launched March 2025): For tourism/business (3-step online: form, payment, eVisa download).
  3. Processing Time: 3–5 business days (standard); express options available.
  4. Fees:
    • Tourist (L): ~¥300–750 (single/multiple entries).
    • Business (M): Varies (invitation required).

V. Key Regulations & Entry Notes

 

  • Residence Registration:
    • Stay >24 hours in non-hotel? Register with local police.
  • Health Requirements:
    • Medical certificate (HIV, TB, syphilis, leprosy negative) for non-diplomatic visitors.
  • Customs:
    • Declare cash >¥20,000 or equivalent.
    • Prohibited: Drugs, ivory, weapons, fresh food.
  • COVID-19 (2025): No tests/quarantine.

VI. Reciprocal Visa Policies (China → Iraq)

 

  • Chinese Ordinary Passports:
    • Pre-2025: Visa-on-arrival (2-month stay).
    • Post-2025: Transition to electronic visa (3-step online application).
  • Diplomatic/Government Passports: 30-day visa-free (2023 agreement).

VII. Embassy & Emergency Contacts

 

  • Chinese Embassy in Baghdad:
    • Address: Al Mansour District, Baghdad.
    • Tel: +964-790-191-2315.
  • China Emergency (Global): +86-10-12308.
  • Iraq Emergency: Police 130, Ambulance 105.

VIII. 2025 Policy Updates

 

  • Electronic Visa Launch: Replaced visa-on-arrival for ordinary passports (official portal).
  • Biometrics Mandate: First-time applicants must submit fingerprints at Chinese missions.

 

Official Sources: