Barça has attracted a large number of Iraqi fans who plan to attend the match against Galatasaray in Istanbul next Tuesday. According to information released by the club, Iraqi Penyes fans requested 120 tickets for the Champions League event, taking advantage of the short air distance and simpler entry procedures that Turkey offers compared to Spain.
In Iraq there are seven official Penyes of the club, after the incorporation in 2023 of the Penya Blaugrana of Karbala and that of Kirkuk. Those in Baghdad, Basra, Salah Al Deen, Mosul and Babil were already in place. Iraqi citizens under 15 years of age and over 50 years of age can enter Turkey without a visa, while those between 15 and 50 years of age can obtain an e-visa if they have a valid visa or residence permit in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland or any country in the Schengen Area. Otherwise, it is also possible to apply for a visa at various authorized centers in Iraq.
On the contrary, traveling to Barcelona to watch the matches at the Camp Nou involves a greater cost and distance, in addition to requiring a Schengen visa. The Spanish Embassy in Baghdad requires rigorous documentation, including proof of funds, health insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, employment certificates, and flight and hotel reservations. Even with an approved visa, Spanish border authorities may deny entry if the reason for travel is not adequately justified upon arrival.
In January, during the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Penya Blaugrana of Baghdad and Basra attended an official reception with president Joan Laporta and other senior officials of the club, where they also met with Robert Lewandowski. Iraqi fans will have the opportunity to repeat the visit in February, when the Super Cup will be held in Istanbul. Barça will play the semi-final on February 2 against Atlético de Madrid at the Fenerbahçe stadium, and the final, which will face RealMadrid or RealSociedad, will be played on February 6 at Galatasaray's AliSamiYen.
With the arrival of the Iraqi penyes, the club reinforces its image of “Barcelonismo without borders”, while the organization of the match ensures the availability of tickets and coordination with the Turkish authorities to facilitate the entry of fans. The fans hope that the experience in Istanbul will be memorable and that Barça will continue to show its quality in the final phase of the competition.