Fee reduction makes it cheaper to obtain a UK visa
From 26 March 2014 there will be a large reduction in the cost of applying in Iraq for a UK visa. The fee will reduce from the current amount of $400 to $97. This is a reduction of 76 percent.
British Embassy in Baghdad
British Ambassador Simon Collis said,
“This large reduction in the visa application fee is another important step in making it easier for Iraqis to apply for UK visas.
“Last year we opened the first UK visa application centre in Iraq, in Baghdad. This meant Iraqis no longer needed to leave the country to apply for a visa. Then in July we opened another application centre, in Erbil. We will shortly open a third centre in Basra, and we are also considering ways to make the process faster.
The UK remains the destination of choice for Iraqis studying abroad, and last year bilateral trade increased by a third. These visa changes will make a big difference to Iraqis wishing to travel to the UK, whether for study, business or tourism.”
This application fee is in addition to the cost of the visa itself which varies depending on the type of visa, and has not changed.
Introduction of TB screening
From 1 April, the UK Home Office will introduce of pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening in Iraq for those intending to stay in the UK for over 6 months. This is primarily students and those moving to live in the UK. Other applicants will not be required to undergo TB screening.
This follows the UK Government’s announcement in May 2012 that it would be extending this requirement to an additional 67 countries, including Iraq, based on the figures for high TB incidence provided by the World Health Organisation.
This brings the UK into line with the practice of a number of other countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
For detailed information Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants