Southern Iraq (Federal Iraq, Iraq Proper)
Iraq used to be a difficult visa to obtain, however in 2021 the government announced a radical liberalisation of their visa rules.
Thankfully getting a visa for many of us is now a very straightforward process and can be done on arrival at Baghdad airport. For citizens of the EU, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Russia, China, Japan and Switzerland, all you need is your valid passport and then you'll pay the visa fee which is 75 USD. Once you arrive at Baghdad airport you fill out a form and wait for your name to be called and that’s it!
For citizens of the EU, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Russia, China, Japan and Switzerland you can utilise the visa on arrival at any land border, airport or sea port.
There is even an E-visa option for citizens of Germany, Turkey and Egypt! This has the effect of meaning you can skip the queue at the visa on arrival line.
Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can get visa on arrival at Al Najaf and Basra airports.
Iraqi Kurdistan
For Kurdistan there is also an on arrival visa-free stamp for several countries, however this only allows travel within Kurdistan, and if you are caught traveling in other regions of Iraq you may be fined and deported. If you arrive in Iraq and have an Iraqi visa, you can travel the whole country without restrictions.
Passports that are valid for visa free travel to Iraqi Kurdistan are the following: EU, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.
What if you’re not eligible for Visa on Arrival or Evisa?
For citizens that are not eligible for visa on arrival, you must apply at your nearest Iraqi consulate or embassy. To assist with this, please contact us and we can help provide you with the best up to date information as well as the necessary visa support.
Can I visit Kurdistan with an Iraqi visa? Yes!
Can I visit Southern Iraq with a Kurdish visa? No!
Are there any passports which are not allowed in Iraq?
Israeli passport holders can not travel through Southern Iraq, however they are allowed to visit the Kurdish part of Iraq in the north.
Non-Israelis who have travelled to Israel can visit Iraq without a problem.
