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United Kingdom

2014

2014 and 2017

lets start with this! i applied twice in 2014 and late 2017! and guess what, got refusal both because the high level of ignorance of the british diplomatic decision makers! 

Imagine I attached so many documents including my finance status but the ignorant diplomat wrote in the refusal paper that my financial status is not clear!

hello Mr. diplomat why acting like this? why destroying people dream of travels, and not study my case with open neutral eyes.

oh beside that they said that because of isis war they worry that i will asylum seeking in uk! 

oh come in!! My passport was full of travel stamps but the ignorant diplomat didnt bother to study my application well.

anyways, my heart got broken and i was in really bad mood because this shouldnt happen, no real reason for this to happen! i even didnt ask for objection! because I didnt trust them anymore. 

holder of iraqi passport can apply through the visa section of the british embassy in baghdad and their consulate in erbil, previously or during when i applied, after the visa interview, they would send your documents to their embassy in amman jordan.

requirments include, original passport, work support letter, bank statement, personal photos, travel insurance, flights and accommodation hold on bookings, also national ID of yourself and your family members, oh and if you have car ownership or any property, also good travel history. if you have an invitation letter then its an extra! everything should be in english, or translated and notarized! also i had to bring a DHL return envelope! and all started with filling the visa application online on their website! beside that the visa fee and expenses were alot! i mean it, alot! this embassy/consulate charge a lot!

after filling the application, you will choose a date for your interview! and after around 3 weeks you will get the answer!

in my opinion, leave the UK for your last travel destination, because of those expensive charge by the british embassy! and their high refusal rate! 

the british embassy in Baghdad:

www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-baghdad

the british consulate in Erbil:

www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-erbil

Visa information section on their official website:

www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE

hello again after 10 years hahha so previously I decided that i will never apply again for UK visa, because of their high refusal rate! on top of that it cost too much!

imagine British tourists can visit iraq with visa on arrival cost around only around $72 while for us its a headache we have to prepare lots of documents and cost alot.

Requirements:

1. fill the application online, guys the application is really long hahha I spent too much time on it. the good side you can fill part and save it then resume later whenever u have time. 

they asked for 10 years travel history!! i could only write down 30 countries it was the maximum, but it said that write it later on a separate paper and attach it to your documents.

www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa

2. prepare your documents translated and notrized in english just by an official translator no need court:

a) National ID,

b) karti zanyari/information card (kurdistan region) or Bitaqat alsakan (Iraq)

c) birth certificate (but personally I didn’t provide it, neither attached it to my application documents, but I saw some people do and it might be a plus)

3. work support letter, including position, salary, vacation permit, since when you are working there.

4. bank statement for last 6 months

guys this is the most annoying part, since our banking system in iraq is realy not good, so saving in the bank is risky hahaha imagine bankrupt! bye bye to your money. 

since we are a cash nation, so most people save their money at home hahhaa not in the bank.

lets get back on the track, so you have to trust one of the banks and start make a long term saving

put part of your salary in the bank each month around the same time (you can ask the bank to save this one under salary saving)

then make sure to withdraw money and spend some so latter on it will show that its circulating 

Nowadays beside online shopping, some shops and commercial places started to use POS, so I am trying to pay with my card instead of cash, pay with card at the restaurant, cinema, mall or petrol station, whenever u have the chance ask to pay with card. this is really helpful in money circulating and later on when you get a bank statment for 6 months, the embassy visa officer will see that you put salary on your bank each month, and also spending part of it. this make trust that its not a fake bank statement.

Unfortunately many of my people are misusing and do fake accounts this act affect all of us so hopefully those ignorant people stop playing around.

slowly slowly you will see that you make a proper bank statment, just be truthful everything will be fine.

oh just make sure to not deposit large amounts of money on ur account, this automatically will make ur account not trusted and ur visa get refused. 

oh by the way,according to the british law, u have to have around 100-150 pound per day while in uk.

pay the uk visa fee with your own card, so they would know that nobody helped you and you did it just by yourself.

5. Ownership of land property or house/apartment, car, anything that show you have something back at your home country, translated and notarised in english.

6. make sure that you have good travel history before trying to apply for british visa. 

travel to some other countries and later when you get some good stamps and visa stickers then try to apply for uk visa. 

7. resident of kurdistan region can apply in erbil, while resident of rest of iraq can apply in Baghdad or Basra.

8. the good thing about uk visa, if you get it even from first time, they will give you multi entry 6 months visa.

visa fee for 6 months is $150 while for 2 years its $550, kindly for first timer apply for 6 months then for next time apply for longer. 

9. UK embassy in iraq, has contract with TLS center to collect passports and documents, so apply through TLS centers across iraq in Baghdad/Erbil/Basrah.

once you finish the visa application online and pay the visa fee online, then automatically they redirect you to TLS website, there you have to pay more hahahha around 76 british pounds for the service plus 26 british pounds for scanning your documents at the center (you can still do it by yourself they will provide you with a guideline) then it will show you the apppointment time, you can pay extra 89 british pounds to get a flexi appointment time on the specific day you choose.

comparing to the schengen VFS appointments, TLS online service is much better. since everyone can access.

UPDATE: starting november 2024, VFS is the official partner of the UK embassy, so everything will go through them, and their online service and appointment are really smooth and quick.​

10. no need travel insurance.

11. accomodation, I just booked one hostel for my entire stay, just reserved it without payment. 

12. hold on return flight tickets.

I will update this part after visiting the visa center to get more information for myself and all holders of iraqi passport. Hopefully i will get a nice employee to answer my questions.

oh btw, nowadays the visa center in baghdad/erbil/basra send our passport to their embassy in turkey instead of jordan.

after 10 years uk visa challenge 2014 to 2024 hahahha will UK be my country number 78? I will update you as soon as I get back my passport till then keep me in your prayers (:

UPDATE 19 DECEMBER 2023

so I visited the TLS center in Erbil, located inside cristal hotel, just enter from the main door of the hotel walk straight then you will see the office at the end on the left hand.

working hours 8:30am-3pm, Sunday to Thursday.

the TLS center is responsible for both UK and Belgium visa

lets review my documents,

my filled application,

print of visa payment proof,

print of TLS service payment,

print of TLS appointment payment,

work support letter, print of my work ID,

my brother invitation letter (from his work in uk along with a written paper from him that he will cover my trip and he will accommodate me, his passport bio page and his uk visa) (invitation letter is not mandatory for tourist visa, u can just put ur hotel booking)

Certified Property document (english plus the original arabic version too)

Bank account confirmation and transactions

biodata page print of my old passports

old schengen visas print with their entry exit

Certified National Id translation

Certified Karti zanyari (residence address information card)

hold on return flight booking 

list of countries i visited during the last 10 years (i could only register 30 countries online, so according to the rule i have to write it down on a seperate papers, it asked for dates and months and years, but i remembered only the months hahha hopefully the diplomats wont give me headache for this)

passport biodata page of my mom (since we are suppose to travel together)

I just simply walked in, showed my TLS appointment and payment printed paper to the TLC receptionist, he welcomed us and said you can apply your papers now (since i paid online for the flexi appointment which was 89 british pounds, you still can skip this payment and choose a specific time but since i drove from slemani city so i didnt wont to drive early in the morning neither be in rush).

first an employee took all my papers in his hands (I wanted to explain the papers for him but simply he said its fine no need he will review by himself) he went through the papers along with my passport, and divided them according to the criteria, removed the clips, then he gave me back the payments papers. then asked me about my residence city, so i told him slemani then he wrote it on the delivery envelope along with my number (TLS has contract with aramex to deliver back the passports).

and then asked me to leave my phone and any extra papers or stuff i have in my pockets at the free lockers located right behind us, then move to next room, there were 3 cabins.

a new employee welcomed us at cabin number 3, then he started to double check the separative papers and documents, then put it in the scanner in one go scanned everything. then on another device he scanned all pages of my passport including all the visas and stamps. (only my current passport, while the old one i printed the biodata page along with the schengen visas and attached it to the main documents got scanned at first part)

later on gave me a paper to sign it, it was about the documents that i applied.

 

then gave me back all my papers except my passport (this is good so i can use those translated documents to apply for other visas but remember each document last for only 3 months) 

in general i prepared over 77 papers hahha imagine this number! 

on the paper my application track number was written, so i can track my application process online on TLS website

then asked me to chill for couple minutes at the nearby chairs.

then another employee called my name, i went, it was behind a curtain, he took my finger prints, electronic signature (sign on a device) and took a personal photo of me for the application. 

the whole process took around 15-20 minutes.

TLS employees were very professional and nice. 

Usually it take up to 3 weeks to get back the result, hopefully this 10 years uk visa challenge will have a positive result (:

beside that, I got really sick from preparing the documents and required papers! ended up in bed from cold and abdominal pain hahhaha oh God 

last but no least what i learned from this 10 years uk visa challenge, if you believe in your mission then the whole universe will help you. keep going guys 

UPDATE January 7, 2024

I got a phone call from Aramex (the delivery company that have contract with TLS center) to go collect my passport at their slemani office.

20 minutes later I was at the office hahhaha

I showed them the paper which I got from TLS center showing my Aramex tracking number, then they asked me to sign a paper and handed me an envelop.

I grabbed the envelop, and Boom, yessssssss I got the visa! Finally, My 10 YEARS UK VISA CHALLENGE turned into Green Light YESSSS

I got 6 months multi entries visa

Looking forward to explore and share with the world my journey in the UK with my blue cover iraqi passport!

last but not least,

Thanks to TLS staff,

thanks to the british diplomat who reviewed my application and healed my 10 years visa challenge.

on top of that, thanks God for giving me the enlightenment and energy to keep shattering stereotypes and following my dreams and make them happen. 

if you believe in yourself and really work to achieve your dream, the whole universe will help you.

Keep Going

UPDATE January 2024

TLS erbil center moved to a new place, their new address is:

Global Business Centre, Gulan Street, Opposite to Ster tower and the Turkish Consulate, Erbil, Iraq

UPDATE June 2024

Guys so finally I will fly to london tonight 16/6 hahha, my visa will get expired on 27/6 and will stay for 10 days till a day before my visa get expired hahha I spare one day just incase if the flight get last minute cancel, so I will have some time to rearrange my departure flight.

I will update the entry process once I fly back home, since I will not take my laptop hahha

UPDATE June 2024

On June 17th, I landed in Doha airport. During boarding for my London flight, the crew scanned my passport and an alarm sounded. An officer approached and asked if it was my first time traveling to the UK. I explained I'd been to 77 countries with my Iraqi passport, and the UK would be number 78. He smiled, handed back my passport, and cleared me for the flight

on 17/6 I landed at Heathrow Airport, and the queue was long. I was stressed because I hadn't booked accommodation, and my visa was about to expire in 10 days. The queue took about 30 minutes. There were ten immigration officer cabins. When it was my turn, the officer asked for my passport. I handed it to him with a big smile (my usual trick to calm down the officers and show that I'm an innocent guy! Hahaha).

 

Immigration officer: What's the purpose of your visit?

Me: Holidays.

officer: It's hot in your country, so you want to cool down here?

Me: Yeah, I heard the weather is really cool and even rainy in London. Oh, by the way, I hope I can make it on time to watch the Euro Cup tonight—the game between England and Serbia!

Officer: Oh, hopefully, we win.

Me: I'm so excited to watch it among the English fans, but many people told me to be careful of the hooligans!

Officer: Oh yeah, please be careful 😅

 

Then I told him that I had been to 77 countries with this passport, and after crossing immigration, it would be 78 if he stamped it! He smiled and stamped it, saying, "Welcome to country number 78!"

 

He didn't even ask me for accommodation, a return flight, or my length of stay! One of the coolest immigration experiences 🙏 Thanks, Mr. Officer ❤️

But hey, don't be like me - plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance, just to be safe. Don't leave anything to chance!

P.S. If you're curious about my trip, I made a video about my London backpacking adventure. It's already on YouTube with English subtitles!

UPDATE November 2024

starting 05 November 2024, VFS Global becames the official partner for UK visas and immigration and HM passport office in iraq.

their appointment fee is £76.5 plus uploading documents is £30

other services with extra fee, prime time appointment by £100 and keep my passport while applying is £66

UPDATE December 2024

I decided to apply again for UK visa, this time I asked for 5 years multi visa. 

the process is kind the same, but let me write my new experience:

Requirements:

1. prepare your documents translated and notarised in english just by an official translator with license, no need court or judge stamp, including:

a) National ID

b) karti zanyari/information card

c) birth certificate (but personally I didn’t provide it, neither attached it to my application documents, but I saw some people do and it might be a plus)

d) Ownership of land property or house/apartment, car, anything that show you have something back at your home country. attach the original document to the translated document too.

2. work support letter, including position, salary, vacation permit, since when you are working there.

also your work ID too.

3. UK visa application ask for 10 years travel history! make sure that you have good travel history before trying to apply for british visa. 

travel to some other countries and later when you get some good stamps and visa stickers then try to apply for uk visa. 

  • if you have old passports with stamps/stickers to, you can print the old passport bio page then also print the pages with visas too

  • actually on the visa application I could only upload the history of 30 countries, then I couldn’t upload anymore, so it was written to simply write it on a seperate paper and attach it to your papers, so I wrote the year name, country name and month, in two A4 papers and attached it to my documents.

4. Hotel booking, just hold on.

I just booked one hostel in london for my entire stay, because if i write more than a city, then its too much papers hahha 

5. hold on flight tickets.

6. fill the application on the official website    https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

its so long, first time it took me forever, but this time it took me around 3 hours. 

kindly answer everything with truth, and correct information, otherwise you would face headache.

precious question regarding financial issue,

how much saving you have? it means how much you have in your bank account.

how much money you make per month? it is the amount thats mentioned in your work support letter. any amount you mention should be documented, so just write down the amount mentioned in the work support letter.

how much you spend per month? write down something realiable less than your work salary so you can save some in your bank account.

7. last time, I applied for 6 months visa, while this time I applied for 5 years visa

the visa fees are as below: 

  • 6 months: £115  

  • 2 years: £432  

  • 5 years: £771  

  • 10 years: £963

8. filling the long application was easier this time, since I still have a copy of my previous application, just made simple changes, including the number of countries which I visited. 

Please be aware to chnage lots of information, since the UK visa decision makers have access to your previous applications, so they will compare it too.

after filling the application, and paying the visa fee (use your own credit card), automatically you will redirected to VFS appointments page, so no need to create a separate account on VFS, then choose your suitable time, actually even next day was available for booking.

9. on VFS page, choose your appointment time, VFS fee is £76.5, for appointments, service, fingerprints, photo.

  • you can scan your documents by yourself, or ask VFS to scan it for you, it would cost £30. 

  • sms notification service cost £1.5

  • keep my passport service cost £66 (they scan your passport, and hand it back to you, after visa decision made they would email you to bring your passport to put the visa sticker, go early in the morning 9am so you can collect it on same day afternoon. but if they didnt email you, it means simply your visa got denied).

  • pay extra £100 to make a free appointment, you just choose the date, then free to attend from morning till evening.

​​​

10. bank statement for last 6 months

Building a Trustworthy Bank Statement for Your UK Visa

It's common for people in Iraq to keep their money at home. However, for a UK visa, you need a bank statement showing regular income and spending. Here's how to build one:

  1. Choose a bank and open an account. Even if you prefer saving cash, you'll need a bank account for your visa application.

  2. Save regularly. Deposit a portion of your salary each month, ideally around the same time. Ask your bank if they have a "salary saving" option.

  3. Show activity in your account. Withdraw money and use your card for purchases whenever possible. This shows your account is active and not just for visa purposes.

  4. Use your card for everyday expenses. Pay with your card at restaurants, shops, and petrol stations. This creates a transaction history that looks natural.

  5. Avoid large deposits. Sudden, large deposits can raise red flags. It's better to have consistent, smaller transactions.

  6. Pay your visa fee with your card. This demonstrates financial independence.

Important Notes:

  • Be patient. Building a trustworthy bank statement takes time. Start early and be consistent.

  • Be honest. Fake accounts and false information will hurt your chances.

  • Plan your finances. You'll need to show you have around £100-£150 per day for your stay in the UK.

This advice aims to help people navigate the visa process honestly. Misusing the system harms everyone. 

11. no need travel insurance 

no need of personal photo

12. review my documents: everything should be in english

filled Visa application (uk.gov)

check list (uk.gov)

VFS appointment and payment (VFS)

hotel booking

flight booking

original passport and print of old passports bio page with prints of strong visas

work support letter and ID print

translated National ID / information card / property ownership

bank statement and transactions for the last 6 months

13. my appointment was on 17th December 2024, at 1:30 pm. on the day of the appointment, I drove to erbil, actually VFS has 3 centers in iraq, Basrah, Erbil and Baghdad, for kurdistan region we apply through their erbil branch.

I followed google maps loaction, and right on the neck of time I arrived, I was super happy, only to realize that its an abandoned building hahhha it turn out that the location is wrong 😑 I looked again on the VFS appointment paper to double check the location, it was pinned in Divan hotel, and i was just on the other side of the traffic light, so tried to enter from the main gate they told me to keep driving and enter from the gate which opposite to sami park, quick drive I arrived.

left my car at the park, passed the security (its fine you can keep your phone too) and then walked to the right corner, a building with couple VFS logo, ran on the 30 stairs steps hahhha made it at 1:46pm 

the receptionist told me I was late for 16 minutes, I told him because of google maps!

he pointed to my VFS appointment paper and showed me the picture of the google maps pinned on divan hotel hahha it was an awkward moment.

I told him but look at my google maps on my phone, it took me to an abandoned building across the traffic light.

I was so nervous since I didnt want to pay extra 100 british pounds fee for rescheduling my appointment.

I asked the receptionist to whom should I talk about my issue

he replied to me hahhahaha

I said oh nice thank you for letting me in 

he smiled and welcomed me

after security (you can keep your phone), I walked to a nice lady, she scanned my passport and look at my VFS QR appointment code, then handed me a slip with waiting number, it was number 87. then asked me chill on the seats next room, there was around 20 seats, and look at the screen for my turn.

just one man was waiting.

I entered the room on the right hand, for collecting 10 fingerprints and take a personal photo, a cool lady employee was in charge.

the downside, there was no mirror to look how I look hahha I asked her is it possible to look at my photo after capturing it? she answered unfortunately NO. 

a special request to VFS, kindly provide a mirror so people can look good for the visa application photo.

so I simply fixed my beard blindly hahha and she clicked beep took the picture took 10 finger prints then done.

I got out of the room, chilled again on the chairs. there was 2 employee there, the lady called my name, and scanned my passports and documents, she was so cool and full of positive vibes, she was a kurd talking in a cool erbilian accent, I heard her colleague call her by Rayan. thank you Rayan.

I took my passport back, since I chose keep my passport service, because i might travel to a new country for new year hahha I will keep it surprise, keep your eye on my instagram!

I received an email informing me that my visa application arrived at the decision making center and is now awaiting consideration

dear Mr/Ms decision maker, if you are reading this, give me 5 years uk visa hahahhaha thank you I love you hahah

btw, I am wondering how my picture would look like on the visa hahha

I will update you later

One World One Big Family 

29th December 2024

while traveling in Kuwait, I was walking towards the famous landmark of Kuwait, the towers of Kuwait, when suddenly I got an email from VFS:

Dear
This is to inform you that a decision is now ready to be made on your UK visa application. Since you have used the Keep My Passport While Applying service, we request that you resubmit your passport to the UK Visa Application Centre, as soon as possible.
You may resubmit your passport using any of the following options.
• In person (carrying this email copy and original receipt)
• A representative to handover the passport on your behalf (carrying this email copy and original receipt)
You are required to send/handover your passport within 28 days of this email.

Regards

So I was thinking about the whole process, I applied on 17th of Decmber, and got the answer on 29th December! Awesome, lets continue our Kuwait adventures till we go back home to hand our passport.

January 12, 2025

I received already 2 more emails and calls from VFS to submit my passport as soon as possible.

my friend was traveling to erbil, so I asked him to take my passport to VFS, he submitted it at 9:23 AM​​

but the staff told him that he cant collect the passport on my behalf only if he get an authorized notarized letter. 

thats really annoying, since I didnt want to drive for 3 hours and another 3 hours back home with the bad conditions road! it would cost extra for fuel and food! 

this complicated ''notarized'' letter for getting back the passport is an extra annoying step and makes no sense (more clarification about this for later).

anyways, same day at 04:25 PM, I received a notification from VFS that my passport is ready for collecting.

guys, imagine it took 7 hours to stick the visa on my passport, and on top of that I got the notification just 5 minutes before ending the work time of the center (04:30pm they finish work)! imagine even if I lived next door, I wouldn’t be able to make it on time for the center within the 5 minutes notify.

January 15, 2025

I filled up my car with fuel and embarked on a three-hour drive along the challenging road condition between Slemani and Erbil. At around 3:30 PM, I arrived at the VFS center, eager to discuss my issue with the receptionist. However, I felt a pang of guilt upon seeing her warm and welcoming demeanor.

I apologized for interrupting her workday and explained that I wanted to share my concerns and suggestions with a decision-maker. She reassured me that they were all ears and welcomed my input. She then informed me that she would notify the head of the branch and instructed me to collect my passport.

I proceeded to the passport collection area, which was conveniently located nearby. I was greeted by an amazing team of staff who were incredibly welcoming, cool, and professional. They were genuinely warm and friendly. They simply requested a soft copy of my national ID and then handed me my passport.

To my delight, I received a five-year multi-UK visa! (it turned out that I got the visa just 3 days after submitting my application). While waiting in the waiting room, I interacted with the friendly staff, and soon the head of the branch arrived. He was respectful and listened attentively to my concerns regarding the seven hour delay in processing my visa. I explained the inconvenience caused by the distance between my residence and the center, as well as the need to stay overnight and miss work if passport collection get delayed. 

I emphasized the importance of a more efficient process for future applicants, especially since the Erbil VFS center serves the entire Kurdistan region. I also raised the issue of the "notarized" authorized letter required for passport collection by a representative, which adds complexity and cost to the process. I suggested implementing a courier service for returning passports, which would save people time, money, and the hassle of long journeys.

While talking to the manager, I felt a bit embarrassed about speaking too much, especially since I was already exhausted from the drive. However, I appreciated their kindness and professionalism and expressed hope that they would consider my suggestions.

UPDATE January 15, 2025
 

Guess what? After submitting mountains of paperwork and documents, I just received a five-year UK visa! This is a huge win for my brand new passport and opens up a world of easier travel opportunities for me.

A couple of months ago, I had to renew my Iraqi passport due to an overflow of stamps and visas. Starting fresh with this long-term visa is a dream come true.

Let's work together to show the world that Iraqis love to explore and connect with people across borders.

I want to express my gratitude to the team at VFS Global, the official UK visa partner in Iraq, for their incredible help and welcoming attitude throughout the entire process.

However, there's one thing I'd like to highlight: there are only three VFS centers in the entire country, which means some people have to travel long distances to apply. While that's manageable, getting your passport back after it's been processed can be a real headache.

It would be fantastic if VFS could offer a courier service to return passports. This would save people time, money, and the hassle of long journeys. I hope the decision-makers at VFS will consider this suggestion.

I'm super excited about my visa and can't wait to see what adventures await me worldwide! Don't forget to check out my website for all the visa tips and advice. Happy travels everyone!

One World ❤️ One Big Family

UK embassy in Iraq has contract with VFS centers in Baghdad, Erbil and Basrah for Visa Services.

VFS Erbil

Divan Hotel, Gulan Street, Erbil 44001, Iraq

07510126287

VFS Basrah 

1st floor, Shanshal mall, al jazaer street, basra 61001, iraq

VFS Baghdad

Babeet mall, al mansour QTR, Baghdad 10011, iraq

07813703233

British Embassy Baghdad
inside the international Zone

Telephone:

0044 20 7008 5000

British Consulate General Erbil

BFPO 5425

Telephone:

0044 20 7008 5000

email:

enquiries.erbil@fcdo.gov.uk

2023
2025
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