Iraq entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Iraq. This applies at Baghdad International Airport, Basra, and Erbil. 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 | Get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Have USD cash ready — the fee varies by nationality and visa type (single entry around $75 USD). You'll fill in a form and provide a passport photo.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host help satisfy immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or Iraqi dinar) to cover your stay — around $50–$100 per day. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so cash is essential. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or IQD. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Iraq can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward flight and first night accommodation. Print or screenshot confirmations. Consider travel insurance and an eSIM.
2
Arrive at Iraqi airport
At Baghdad International Airport, Basra, or Erbil, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay visa fee and receive stamp
Pay the visa fee (cash in USD or IQD — check current rate before travel). The officer will stamp your passport. Keep the receipt.
4
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa stamp and any requested documents. Answer questions about your stay. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for Irish passport holders; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Not commonly issued on arrival; may require pre-approval from Iraqi embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Irish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no maximum cap specified, so avoid overstaying. | 10,000 IQD per day (~USD 7) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with your airline as some may require a visa for transit.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas, especially rural; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and avoid street food.
Traffic accidentsModerate risk
Road safety is poor; avoid driving at night and use reputable transport.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan region). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, visa copy, and proof of accommodation.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles extensions for visitors in Kurdistan; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for IE 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 visa fee varies. As of 2026, expect around $75–$100 USD or equivalent in Iraqi dinar. Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Check current rates before travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa at an Iraqi embassy before travel.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Confirm at the counter.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies at Erbil International Airport. The process is similar to Baghdad. No separate visa is needed for the Kurdistan Region.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Safety conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many travellers visit the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad safely, but risks exist. Travel insurance is essential.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at international airports. Land border crossings may have different rules. Check with the nearest Iraqi embassy if you plan to enter by land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.