Iraq entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq, valid for stays up to 30 days at major airports. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports. The visa costs $75 USD and is valid for 30 days. Have the exact fee in cash ready — the exchange counter at the airport may not give you a good rate.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation 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 Iraqi host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a clear address speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before. Bring at least 100 USD in small bills.
Kurdistan Region is separate
If you're flying into Erbil or Sulaymaniyah (Kurdistan Region), the visa on arrival is still valid. But if you plan to travel to Baghdad or other parts of Iraq, you need a separate visa from the Iraqi federal government. Check before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport
After disembarking, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival. Have your passport, onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to fill out at the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Iraq. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 75 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Pay at the counter, get a receipt. Keep the receipt with your passport.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. It's usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer calmly. Then you're through.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD equivalent
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel; allows single entry and possible extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
For multiple visits; requires prior application at an Iraqi embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company; single or multiple entry options.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (university-sponsored)
For enrolled students at an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (investment-based)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Swiss passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at certain entry points, typically free of charge for short stays. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply but is not officially published. | 10,000 IQD (~USD 7) per day |
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have separate procedures.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedPolioRecommended
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in some rural areas, especially in the north; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
LeishmaniasisModerate risk
Transmitted by sandflies; risk in rural and semi-urban areas.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, particularly in the northern governorates (e.g., Erbil, Dohuk). Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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 Affairs
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region; separate procedures from Baghdad.
Practical information for CH 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
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), Erbil (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah (ISU). The process is the same at each.
The fee is approximately 75 USD. Bring exact cash in US dollars — they don't give change. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the Iraqi Ministry of Interior website. The cost is similar, but processing takes 3-5 business days. The visa on arrival is simpler for most travelers.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to certain regions (like Anbar, Nineveh, and parts of Kirkuk). For Baghdad and the Kurdish region, exercise caution. Check the latest travel advisory before booking.
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.