Syrian Traders Get Simpler Iraqi Entry Visas Through Federation Letters

The Iraqi government has agreed to simplify entry visa procedures for Syrian traders classified in the excellent, first and second categories, the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce announced in a letter published on 2 November 2026. The federation said the step is meant to ease business travel and strengthen trade between the two countries.

Key facts

• Who qualifies: Syrian traders in the excellent, first and second categories
• What is required: a letter of recommendation issued by the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce
• Announced: 2 November 2026
• Decided by: the Iraqi government
• No start date, visa fee or processing time has been announced

What is changing?

Iraq approved eased entry visa procedures for Syrian traders in three classification categories — excellent, first and second — according to the federation's letter. The measures follow the federation's efforts to remove obstacles facing Syrian traders and support their activities in foreign markets.

The federation said the move could open wider opportunities for cooperation between Syrian and Iraqi business communities, strengthen direct communication between businesspeople and support joint partnerships and investments. The announcement did not spell out which specific visa requirements are being relaxed.

Who is affected?

The measures currently apply to Syrian traders in the excellent, first and second categories, as classified under the federation's system. Other Syrian travellers are not covered by the announcement.

How do traders apply?

Anas al-Bou, head of the Foreign Relations Committee and a board member of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce, said traders can access the new measures through letters of recommendation issued by the federation. He called on Syrian chambers of commerce to inform eligible traders of the decision and coordinate with the federation on the documents needed to complete visa procedures.

The federation will issue the required letters of recommendation in coordination with the relevant chambers. No visa fee, validity period or processing time has been published.

Why is this happening?

Al-Bou said the measures build on earlier economic meetings between the two countries. In August, the heads of the Syrian and Iraqi federations of chambers of commerce met in Damascus and signed a memorandum of understanding at the 63rd Damascus International Fair, covering trade, investment and business links. Syrian-Iraqi meetings that month also addressed visa procedures, obstacles to moving goods and faster customs clearance.

The step coincides with the reopening of several border crossings. Iraq's Border Ports Authority announced the reopening of the al-Walid crossing with Syria on 2 April after more than 11 years of closure, while the Rabia crossing was rehabilitated and reopened after plans announced in February. In September, the two sides agreed to open direct communication channels between border crossings and exchange customs data electronically.

What this means for travellers

Syrian traders in the excellent, first and second categories who plan business travel to Iraq should contact their local chamber of commerce to obtain the federation's letter of recommendation as part of the visa procedure. Traders outside those categories are not covered by the announcement.

No start date has been announced for the eased procedures, and details on fees and processing times remain outstanding.