United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates in 2026. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Iraqi citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a UAE eVisa through the ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Processing takes 2–5 working days. You need a scanned passport photo, a copy of your passport bio page, and a confirmed flight booking.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you cannot show one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Officers sometimes ask for this at the counter, especially if you are a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. UAE immigration does not enforce a fixed minimum, but they may ask if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Start the process at least a week before your flight.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in the UAE, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to smartservices.ica.gov.ae and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print two copies — one for your carry-on, one in your checked bag. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Prepare documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket confirmation, hotel booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in an easily accessible folder.
4
Arrive at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter the UAE.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Good for multiple short trips.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds and prior travel history.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) plus property value of AED 1 million+
For those investing in UAE real estate. Requires property worth at least AED 1 million and proof of ownership.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (sponsored by employer)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles visa process and costs.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus tuition
For students enrolled in accredited UAE institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Iraq passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; no official cap but can accumulate. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Visa extension (30 days)Possible once via immigration office or online. | AED 600 (~$163 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 United Arab Emirates
Transit visa required
Iraq passport holders need a transit visa to leave the airport or stay overnight. For airside transit under 24 hours, no visa is needed if staying in the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may obtain a visa on arrival for transit.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and crowded spaces can spread colds and flu.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and residency matters.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services and extensions.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The fee varies but expect around 300–400 AED.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the UAE. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel — a return or onward ticket. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UAE and re-enter with a new eVisa.
Bring your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket confirmation, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access at immigration.
It is not always checked at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high, and insurance covers emergencies and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.