Iraqi Passport InfoFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE IRAQI S, M AND N SERIES PASSPORTS |
Q: WHY DID THE USG TAKE THE STEP TO INVALIDATE S SERIES PASSPORTS FOR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES? A: The S series passport does not meet international security standards for issuance or design. Sub-standard security features and a lack of control over production and issuance make the S series passport extremely vulnerable to alteration, counterfeiting, and impostors. Because of its flaws, the United States has determined that the S series passport does not establish the bearer's identity and nationality as required under the Immigration and Nationality Act's definition of a passport. The United Kingdom ceased issuing visas in the S series passport effective September 1, 2006, and as of November 15, 2006, no longer accepts the S series passport for admission. Q: WHY IS MY M OR N SERIES PASSPORT NOW INVALID? A: The Iraqi government declared invalid all Iraqi passports with numbers beginning with M. The United States does not consider valid the N passport. Therefore, effective immediately, the United States may no longer issue visas in Iraqi M or N series passports and the Department of Homeland Security will stop admitting Iraqi travelers traveling on M or N series passports, unless they also have another valid Iraqi passport, such as a G or H series. Q: CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IF IT IS IN MY S SERIES PASSPORT? A: No. Travelers attempting to enter the United States on an S series passport will be denied entry. Holders of S series passports with existing valid U.S. visas must obtain a new, valid, G series passport and apply for a new visa in the G series passport. Q: CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IN MY S SERIES PASSPORT IF I ALSO OBTAIN A G SERIES PASSPORT? A: No. You must apply for a new visa on a valid G series passport. Q: WILL I HAVE TO PAY THE NON IMMIGRANT VISA FEE AGAIN? A: Yes. Q: CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IF IT IS IN MY M or N SERIES PASSPORT? A: Yes, though you must also show another valid Iraqi passport such as a G or H series. Q: ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS FOR NON IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS? Q: WHAT IF I AM A GREEN CARD HOLDER AND I HAVE AN S, M OR N SERIES PASSPORT? A: Green card holders may travel to the United States without passports. Q: HOW DO I GET A NEW IRAQI PASSPORT? A: You must contact the nearest Iraqi passport office to find out how to obtain a new G series passport. Q: WHAT IF I APPLIED FOR A NON IMMIGRANT OR IMMIGRANT VISA WITH MY S, M OR N SERIES PASSPORT, BUT MY CASE IS UNDERGOING ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING? A: You must obtain a new G series passport before a visa can be printed and placed in your passport. Q: WHAT IRAQI PASSPORTS ARE VALID FOR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES? A: The G series and the H series are still valid for travel to the United States. If you have further questions or another kind of case pending at US Embassy Baghdad, please contact usconsulbaghdad@state.gov. |