Iraq entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at four Iraqi airports: Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. It's the simplest option for short visits, but you must meet specific entry requirements. As of 2026, this service is available only at those airports.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at designated airports | Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. Have USD cash ready for the visa fee (approximately $80 USD). The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Canadian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines check this strictly before 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 digital booking ready to show. | 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 for your intended address upon arrival. | Recommended |
Security situation
The Government of Canada advises against non-essential travel to Iraq due to the volatile security situation. If you decide to travel, register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and monitor local news.
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash, preferably USD. ATMs are not always reliable, and credit cards are rarely accepted for visa fees. Bring enough USD for the visa and a few days of expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at designated airport
Fly into Baghdad International (BGW), Basra International (BSR), Erbil International (EBL), or Sulaymaniyah International (ISU). Visa on arrival is only available at these airports.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the visa on arrival counter. You'll fill out a short application form and pay the fee (typically around $75 USD, cash only). Have exact change in USD.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and fee. The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 10–20 minutes. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You then proceed to passport control for entry. Keep the visa sticker intact — it's your proof of legal stay.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Apply at Iraqi embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fees)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at designated ports of entry. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with your airline as some may require a visa for connecting flights.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas, especially rural; use repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; avoid night travel.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan Region). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those areas.
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 Borders
Al-Salhiya, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles extensions for Kurdistan Region; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for CA 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 fee is typically around $75 USD, payable in cash (exact change preferred). Some airports may accept Iraqi dinars, but USD is safest. Fees can vary slightly by airport.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is only available at Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah airports. If you fly into another airport, you must have a visa arranged in advance from an Iraqi embassy.
The visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports covers the Kurdistan Region. For travel to other parts of Iraq, the same visa on arrival applies — but check with your airline as policies can change.
The visa on arrival is for tourism and short business visits. If you're working for a company or staying longer, you need a work visa arranged in advance.
Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of travel insurance ready. Immigration may ask for any of these. Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmations.
The Government of Canada advises against non-essential travel to Iraq due to security risks. If you do travel, register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and check travel advisories regularly.
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.