Iraq entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Indian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Iraq in 2026. Apply online a few days ahead; approval usually takes 1–3 business days. Your passport needs at least six months of validity from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you must upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport — border officers will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into 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 routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show onward travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask for the address and phone number of where you are staying, especially if you are traveling solo. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with a visible balance. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay without working. | Recommended |
Security situation
Iraq has areas with active conflict and high security risks. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to regions near the borders with Syria and Iran.
eSIM is a lifesaver
Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates as soon as you land, so you have data for maps, translation, and contacting your hotel without hunting for a local SIM.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.iq, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Print a paper copy of the eVisa approval and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Iraq.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other entry points
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but expect a short queue.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional forms to fill on arrival.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. INR 4,150)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. INR 8,300)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. INR 16,600)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$100 USD (approx. INR 8,300)
Requires acceptance from an Iraqi educational institution.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. INR 16,600)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. INR 8,300)
For individuals enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. INR 41,500)
For foreign investors with significant business interests in Iraq. Requires proof of investment and approval from the National Investment Commission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard fee for Indian passport holders applying for Iraqi eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. INR 4,150) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $10 USD per day (approx. INR 830) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | $500 USD (approx. INR 41,500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Iraq generally require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Exceptions may apply for certain nationalities or if holding a visa for a third country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen area may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
- Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
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)RecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; 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
High levels of dust and pollution in urban areas may affect respiratory health.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas, especially in the north. 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 Citizenship
Al-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa issues in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for IN 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
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is paid online during application.
No. Indian citizens must have an approved eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for the exact validity period. Extensions are not available.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month period is counted from your date of entry into Iraq.
If you are transiting and not entering Iraq, you do not need a return ticket. But if you plan to enter the country, a return or onward ticket is mandatory.
It is not always checked at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals may require upfront payment.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
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.