IRAQ'S M and N SERIES PASSPORT NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL TO U.S.

IRAQ'S M and N SERIES PASSPORT NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL TO U.S.

As you may recall, effective January 8, 2007, the United States took the decision to invalidate the Iraqi S series passports for travel to the United States.  This decision was made after much consideration because the S series passport does not incorporate effective security features and is therefore not a reliable means of determining the bearer's citizenship or identity.

Recently, the Government of Iraq decided to invalidate its own passport series M and N.  As a result, effective immediately these passports, too, will no longer be valid for travel to the United States.

Effective immediately, the only Iraqi passports valid for travel to the United States are passport numbers beginning with the letters G or H.  Posts will not be able to issue visas into series S, M or N, nor will the Department of Homeland Security allow bearers of these passports entry to the United States.

Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions: 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE IRAQI S, M AND N SERIES PASSPORTS
- WHY DID THE USG TAKE THE STEP TO INVALIDATE S SERIES PASSPORTS FOR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES?
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.

- WHY IS MY M OR N SERIES PASSPORT NOW INVALID?
The Iraqi government declared invalid all Iraqi passports with numbers beginning with M or N.  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. 

- CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IF IT IS IN MY S SERIES PASSPORT?
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.  

- CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IN MY S SERIES PASSPORT IF I ALSO OBTAIN A G SERIES PASSPORT?
No.  You must apply for a new visa on a valid G series passport.

- WILL I HAVE TO PAY THE NON IMMIGRANT VISA FEE AGAIN?
Yes.

- CAN I STILL TRAVEL ON MY VALID NON IMMIGRANT VISA IF IT IS IN MY M or N SERIES PASSPORT?
Yes, though you must also show another valid Iraqi passport such as a G or H series.

- ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS FOR NON IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS?
No.

- WHAT ABOUT IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS?
Immediate relatives of US Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents may not require a passport for travel to the United States. The law allows certain types of immigrant visa to be issued or applicants to be admitted to the United States without passport.   These types of immigrant visas are:

• Spouse of a U.S. citizen (IR1,  and CR1)
• Unmarried child of a U.S. Citizen (IR2, CR2, and F11)
• Spouse of a Legal Permanent Resident (F21)
• Unmarried child of a legal permanent resident (F22)
• Parent of a U.S. Citizen (IR5).  
• Special Immigrant Translators (SI1, SI2 and SI3)
  

 

If you do not fall into one of these specific categories you must obtain a G series passport.

If you are an immigrant visa holder of the above visa type that has not yet traveled to the United States, please contact IVdamascus@state.gov.  Please include your case number in the enquiry and your name as it appears on the visa. 

- WHAT IF I AM A GREEN CARD HOLDER AND I HAVE AN S, M OR N SERIES PASSPORT?
Green card holders may travel to the United States without passports. 

- HOW DO I GET A NEW IRAQI PASSPORT?
You must contact the nearest Iraqi embassy to find out how to obtain a new G series passport.

- 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?
You must obtain a new G series passport before a visa can be printed and placed in your passport. 

- WHAT IRAQI PASSPORTS ARE VALID FOR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES? 
The G series and the H series are still valid for travel to the United States.

If you have further questions, please write to nivdamascus@state.gov for nonimmigrant visa cases or ivdamascus@state.gov for immigrant visa cases.