The electronic passport is the latest addition to the Iraqi documents which adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) high-security standards. Introduced in March 2023, this passport offers advanced technological features that provide convenience and ease of travel. In this article, we will show you the features of this electronic passport; how to obtain it, and what is the necessary documents required.
What does the electronic passport offer?
- The passport is paper-based but includes a smart chip (SIM card) that stores the passport holder's information. The photo is laser-printed, making the travel process more convenient. Passport holders can use electronic gates at airports without waiting in passport queues.
- The passport can be issued and printed for the Iraqi community outside Iraq.
- The electronic passport services center can be reached by calling 5544.
- Passport delivery service is available for those who prefer to receive their passport at home.
Steps to obtain an electronic passport.
To book an appointment, you need to download the electronic passport application on your smartphone, which is available for Android here and iOS here. After downloading the application, follow these steps:
- Click on "Booking or issuing a passport for the first time" as shown in the picture below:
- Click on "Book an appointment" and fill in your general information such as your full name, phone number, and national ID number. Choose a date according to the available dates in the application.
- Then, confirm the appointment by clicking on "Finish". The confirmation will be sent to your phone via text message.
Note: A Unified National Card is required, as the information on the card will be used in the electronic passport, which prevents passport forgery due to its eyes and fingerprint scans.
- You will need to go to the electronic passport office at the appointed time, where an officer will ask for your national card to enter your personal information. Then, the officer will take your ten fingerprints and eye scans.
- Then, you will need to pay legal and printing fees to the Financial Department in the amount of 25,000 IQD and an additional 50 USD, or its equivalent in Iraqi dinars at the current exchange rate.
- Once the process is complete, the officer will give you an appointment to receive the electronic passport, which can be on the same day or the day after. You may also request a passport delivery service from the office.
Available places to issue a passport.
currently, the following offices have been opened:
• Al-A'adhamiya e-passport office
• Al-Kadhimiya e-passport office
• Al-Mansour e-passport office.
As soon as passport services become available in other locations, we will announce it on our Facebook page. Click here.
Validity period of the electronic passport.
The electronic passport is valid for eight years from the date of issuance.
If you have any further questions or need more information you couldn't find in the article, you can directly contact the Simaet Bhatha team from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, through the following platforms:
you can also look for humanitarian services in your governorate through the Service Mapping, you can also find the frequently asked questions by our audience here
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