Iraq entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the airport. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourists and business travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival. Have $75 USD in cash ready for the fee, plus two passport-sized photos. The process takes 15–30 minutes at Baghdad International Airport.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour or sponsor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or IQD. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus a buffer.
Check your visa sticker immediately
After the officer hands back your passport, check the validity dates and spelling of your name. Mistakes are easier to fix at the counter than later.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a simple form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, and address in Iraq. Fill it out while waiting.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport and the completed form to the officer. Pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD). You'll get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. The officer may ask a few questions — keep answers simple and honest.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival for Belgian passport holders; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
May be issued on arrival for multiple entries; confirm at port of entry.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer; typically $200–500 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Iraq. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
2 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum amount in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Belgian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. | 10,000 IQD (~8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iraq
No transit visa needed
Belgian passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iraq may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Erbil International Airport (EBL) · Basra International Airport (BSR)
Health & vaccines for Iraq
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may affect respiratory health.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk is present in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Baghdad
Directorate of Residence and Passports
Al-Jadriya, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for BE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBaghdad
LanguageArabic, Kurdish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIraqi dinar (IQD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,311.01 IQD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard fee is around $75 USD (or equivalent in Iraqi dinars). Bring cash — no cards accepted. Fees can change, so carry a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies if you fly into Erbil or Sulaymaniyah. The process is similar — just follow the signs at the airport.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
It's possible at some land crossings, but it's less reliable than at airports. For the smoothest experience, fly into Baghdad or Erbil.
Not for short tourist stays. If you're staying longer or for work, your sponsor or hotel may need to register you. For a standard visa on arrival, no extra steps are needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.