The Iraqi passport is issued to citizens of Iraq for international travel. The new "A" series of passports began circulating on February 1, 2010, as a result of Iraqi governmental initiatives to create a more secure Iraqi passport. Previous series issued by passport offices in Iraq and diplomatic representatives worldwide include the "S" non-machine-readable series, and the "G" series.
There are 4 different passport types.
Regular (Dark Blue) - Issuable to all citizens of the Republic of Iraq. It is valid for 8 or 4 years depending on the age of the passport applicant/holder. Those passports are not extendable or renewable and new one must be obtained once expired.
Diplomatic (Ruby Red) - Issuable to Iraqi diplomats accredited overseas and their eligible dependents, and to citizens who reside in the Republic of Iraq and travel abroad for diplomatic work. Title and function of the bearer (Diplomat) is listed on the data page of the Diplomatic Passport in addition to the information already contained. It is valid for five years.
Service (Dark Red) - Issuable to citizen-employees of the Republic of Iraq assigned overseas, Iraqi Government employees working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the Iraqi Diplomatic Mission assigned abroad. Official Passports can be issued to other government officials that are to travel abroad, with prior approval, as well as to their spouses and children living in the same household. Title and function of the bearer (Official) is listed on the data page of the Official Passport in addition to the information already contained. It is valid for five years.
Special (Dark Green) - Is issued to a Iraqi Citizen who needs to come back into Iraq; when issued it is valid for 30 days or until the return trip is completed and can be issued at a Iraqi Diplomatic Mission.
In 2016, Iraqi citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 30 countries and territories, ranking the Iraqi passport 79th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index.
