Iraq entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need a visa to enter Iraq. The most straightforward option is to apply for an eVisa online before you travel, which is valid for tourism and short visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq eVisaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; apply online well in advance. Apply online before travel | Irish passport holders must obtain an eVisa through the official Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before departure. Complete the online application, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Approval is typically issued electronically; carry a printed copy. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking anything. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show at the border. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Iraq before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but better to have proof. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Iraq. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form on arrival beyond standard immigration. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Irish citizens entering Iraq. | Not required |
Security situation
Iraq remains a high-risk destination. Check the latest travel advisories from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones and follow local security guidance.
eVisa is the only option
Irish citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Iraq. You must obtain the eVisa before travel. There is no embassy visa process for this route — the online portal is the way to go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online eVisa application
Go to the official Iraqi eVisa portal (evisa.mofa.gov.iq) and fill out the application form. You will need your passport details, personal information, and travel plans. Upload a digital passport photo and pay the fee online.
2
Wait for eVisa approval
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Check your email and the portal for updates. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa document or a reference number. Print a copy to carry with you.
3
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
When you land at Baghdad International Airport or another international entry point, proceed to immigration control. Present your passport and the printed eVisa (or show the eVisa on your phone if accepted). Have your accommodation details ready in case they ask.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport and grant you entry. Check that the stamp is correct and note your allowed stay duration before leaving the counter.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires an invitation letter from an Iraqi company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$200 (approx.)
Available for business or official purposes; requires sponsorship.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle-entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing time 3-5 business days. | $80 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)Available at major airports for some nationalities; not guaranteed for Irish citizens. | $80 (approx.) |
| Extension of stayPossible through the Directorate of Residence in Iraq; must apply before current visa expires. | $50 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Irish citizens transiting through Iraq (e.g., at Baghdad International Airport) must obtain a visa in advance. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Basra International Airport (BSR) · Erbil International Airport (EBL)
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 = 1,310.31 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
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. The official portal is evisa.mofa.gov.iq.
The fee is typically around $80 USD, but it can change. The exact amount is shown during the online application before you pay.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your visa. Overstaying can lead to fines or problems at departure.
If you are staying airside and not passing through immigration, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you will need the eVisa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
If rejected, you will receive a notification. You can reapply, but it is better to contact the Iraqi embassy or consulate for guidance. There is no guarantee of approval, so have a backup plan.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports and land border crossings that have immigration facilities. However, some land borders may have additional restrictions — check with local authorities or your travel advisor.
The security situation in Iraq is volatile. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to many parts of Iraq. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance and register with the Irish embassy in the region.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.