Iraq entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq in 2026. Just show up at a major airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. The visa is single-entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days single entry. Processing takes 3–5 working days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Spanish 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they will not let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host with their Iraqi ID number. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are a solo traveller or arriving late at night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card showing available balance. ATMs are scarce outside major cities, and some hotels require cash payment on arrival. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). No credit cards, no ATMs at the counter. Have the exact amount ready — change may not be available.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
This visa allows one entry into Iraq. If you leave (even to a neighboring country), you'll need a new visa to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), and Erbil International Airport (EBL). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the visa counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and address in Iraq. Keep it simple — no need for a detailed itinerary.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process payment and stamp your visa. Have USD or IQD ready — credit cards are not accepted.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer will check and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're now legally in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in IQD)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel; allows longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in IQD)
Suitable for multiple visits; must be obtained in advance from an Iraqi embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in IQD)
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for Spanish passport holders at designated entry points. | Free (no fee charged at border) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; maximum cap may apply but is not publicly specified. | 10,000 IQD per day (~$7 USD) |
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
Spanish passport holders transiting through Iraq do not require 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 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk is present in some regions, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Baghdad, can have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in rural areas, particularly in the north and south; prophylaxis recommended for travelers 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-Saadoon Street, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region; expect processing time of 1–3 days.
Practical information for ES 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
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for a different visa type at an Iraqi embassy before travel.
Visa on arrival is only guaranteed at the three major international airports listed above. Land borders and smaller airports may not offer this facility, so plan your entry accordingly.
No, for a standard tourist visa on arrival, you don't need a sponsor or invitation letter. Just your passport, fee, and onward ticket.
No, only cash is accepted — either US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Have the exact amount ready to avoid change issues.
Safety varies by region. The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is generally considered safer than central/southern Iraq. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) are recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines are advised depending on your itinerary. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
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.