How to apply for a Schengen visa from Iraq

If you are an Iraqi who is planning to visit Europe, you will likely need a Schengen visa from Iraq in order to travel to multiple countries on the continent. If you are from Iraq, a Schengen visa can be your passport to Germany, Italy, France, and the entire Schengen area; 26 of the most vibrant and visited countries in Europe! Read on to discover how to apply for a Schengen visa Iraq, and for more information about Schengen visa types for Iraq citizens and residents, Schengen visa application requirements and Schengen visa fees, and all other essential information about Schengen visas for the citizens of Iraq and Iraq residents.

 Summary

• Most Iraqis who seek to travel to multiple countries in Europe should apply for a Schengen visa. Those who successfully apply for a Schengen visa from Iraq will be able to enter and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 
• If you are from Iraq, you should apply at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the Schengen country you are applying to visit. For example, Iraqis applying for Schengen visas for France should apply through the French Consulate in Baghdad. 
• Schengen visa applicants from all countries, including those from Iraq, will most likely have to apply online, via the online application portal of the country they are applying through. 
• After applying online, Iraqi applicants will likely have to appear in person at the consulate, embassy or application center where they applied, in order to hand in their required documents, submit their biometric information, and attend a short interview. 
• Most applicants must pay a Schengen visa fee of €80, which is non-refundable. 

Schengen visa from Iraq

• Unfortunately, Iraqis do not have visa-free access to the European Schengen area, meaning that if you are from Iraq you will likely need a visa in order visit any of the 26 Schengen Member States. 
• Even if you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, you will apply for a Schengen visa through a single Schengen country. The country you apply through is the country you plan on spending the most time in during your trip. 
• You should apply for a Schengen visa from Iraq directly from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the Schengen country you are applying to. 
• For example, if you are planning to travel to Europe to visit both Italy and France, but you intend to spend the majority of your time in France, you should apply for a Schengen visa from France; if you intend to spend an equal amount of time in both places, you should apply through whichever country you enter the Schengen area through first. This means that if will spend an equal amount of time in both France and Italy, but you plan to fly into Italy from Baghdad, you should apply for a Schengen visa from Italy. 
• In order to ensure that you receive a visa in time, you should apply for your Schengen visa Iraq no earlier than six months before you travel, and no later than two weeks before. 

How to apply for a Schengen visa Iraq

Once you have decided what Schengen country you want to apply to, you can begin the application process and follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Make a Schengen visa appointment 
  • The majority of Schengen visa applicants have to apply for a Schengen visa in person at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the Schengen country they are applying through, in order to drop off their application, submit their biometric information, and attend a  Schengen visa interview. 
  • The majority of Schengen visa applicants will have to make a Schengen visa appointment in order to do this. 
  • Contact the embassy of the country you are attempting to apply to in order to find out whether you need to schedule a Schengen visa appointment, and how to proceed with your application.  
• Step 2: Gather your required materials 
  • In addition to your Schengen visa application, all Schengen visa applicants from Iraq must submit a number of basic required documents and supplemental materials, which are dependent on the type of Schengen visa they are applying for (you can view these Schengen visa application requirements below).  
  • Depending on what country you are applying to, you may be asked to upload certain documents online. Most likely, you will be asked to submit all of your documents alongside you Schengen visa application at your in-person Schengen visa appointment.  
• Step 3: Access your Schengen visa application 
  • Most countries accept the universal Schengen visa form, available here. Print out, fill out, sign, and submit this form, along with your other required and supplemental application materials. 
  • Alternatively, some Schengen countries will ask you to apply via an online application portal. For example, if you are applying for a French Schengen visa, you must go through an online application process, beginning with the creation of an online account on the official French visa website.
• Step 4: Attend your Schengen visa appointment 
  • Once you have gathered your required materials and filled out your Schengen visa application, it is time to submit your completed application at your Schengen visa appointment. 
  • You will submit your completed application in person, at the Embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you made a visa appointment. 
  • In addition to submitting your application, you will also likely submit your biometric information (unless you are exempt or have previously submitted it), pay your Schengen visa fee (unless you have already paid it online) and submit to an interview. 
• Step 5: Receive your decision 
  • You should receive a decision on your Schengen visa application in around two weeks to a month, although certain applications can take longer. 
  • If you successfully receive a visa, congratulations! You can proceed with your trip. 
  • If you are rejected for your Iraq and Schengen visa, you have the right to an appeal. For more information about the appeal process, click here.

Schengen visa application requirements for Iraq

• The Schengen visa requirements from Iraq are the same as those for other countries; all Schengen visa applicants, regardless of where they are from, must supply the same required documents and supplemental materials. 
• Some of the supplemental documents and materials you submit will depend on the type of Schengen visa you are applying for—for example, if you are applying for a Business Schengen visa, the documents you have to provide on your application will be different from the ones you would need if you applied for a medical visa.
• Schengen visa requirements from Iraq and elsewhere include the following documents and materials:
  • Schengen visa fee 
  • Passport 
  • Biometric information (fingerprints and photos)
  • Passport photos
  • Schengen visa application
  • Proof of finances
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel medical insurance 
• For complete information on Schengen visa requirements, click here.

Schengen visa types for Iraq citizens and residents

• There are a number of different types of Schengen visas. Iraq Schengen visa applicants can apply for Schengen visas for the following purposes:
  • Medical
  • Tourism
  • Visiting friends and family
  • Official visit
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Student
• Please note that the above different types of Schengen visas for the citizens of Iraq and Iraq residents are also available to all Schengen visa applicants from other countries. 
• For a complete list of Schengen visa types, and for information on the documents required for each, click here. 

Schengen visa entry and exit categories

• Schengen visas are available in single entry, double entry, and multiple entry categories; the category you apply for will depend on how many times you need to enter and exit the Schengen area. 
• For example, if you intend to go home to Iraq (i.e. exit the Schengen area) and re-enter the Schengen area during your Schengen visa period, you will have to apply for, at minimum, a double entry visa. Single entry Schengen visas will only allow you to enter the Schengen area one time—once you leave, you forfeit your right to return, even if you still have time left on your visa. 

Schengen visa fees for Iraq

• The cost of an individual Schengen visa is €80 for the majority of applicants. 
• Some applicants, including most students, those with diplomatic passports, and other kinds of applicants are exempt from all visa fees (or can pay at reduced costs). 
• Please note that Schengen visas cost the same regardless of where you are applying from, what country you are applying to, and what type of Schengen visa you are applying for. 
• For example, an Iraqi applying for a Medical Schengen visa to Germany will pay the same as an Egyptian applying for a Tourist Schengen visa to France; no type or country is cheaper or more expensive than another. 
• For more information on Schengen visa fees, click here.