France entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter France in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the French consulate or visa application centre in Iraq. Submit your application through France-Visas portal, then attend an in-person appointment. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — apply 3–6 months before travel.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire Schengen stay | Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area. France does not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa and entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket leaving the Schengen zone before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Budget airlines check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a signed attestation d'accueil from your host if staying with friends or family. Immigration may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash showing at least €65 per day of your stay. French border police rarely check this for visa holders, but carry proof in case they ask. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa appointments in Baghdad and Erbil can be booked up weeks ahead. Start the process at least 2 months before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Biometrics are mandatory
You must appear in person to give fingerprints and a photo. This cannot be skipped or done by a travel agent.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmation, insurance, bank statements, and the completed visa application form.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil. Slots can fill up weeks in advance — book early.
3
Attend the interview
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the fee.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days in busy periods. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates and personal details are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Travel and enter France
At the border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Be ready to answer questions about your trip.
Download France 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)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a French educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Long-stay work visa (VLS-TS salarié)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For employment with a French company. Requires a valid work contract and employer sponsorship. Leads to residency.
Apply investor visa
Talent Passport - Investor
4 years, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum €300,000 investment). Includes family reunification.
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (no work allowed). Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (national visa)For stays over 90 days, e.g., work or study. | €99 (≈$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied upon exit; maximum cap may apply. | €30/day (≈$33 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 France
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders generally need an airport transit visa (VAT) to transit through France, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country
- Holders of a valid visa for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, or South Korea
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices suffice; risk from undercooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris - Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments often required.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône - Service des Étrangers
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residency matters.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days during peak seasons. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date.
You apply at the French Embassy in Baghdad or the French Consulate in Erbil. You must attend in person for biometrics.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 120,000 IQD). Children 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
No. Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area.
You need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) for stays over 90 days. Apply at the French embassy — the process is different and requires additional documents like proof of purpose (study, work, family reunion).
Yes, immigration officers can ask. Have bank statements or a sponsor letter ready. The general guideline is €65 per day of stay.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa issued by another member state, you can enter France as long as the visa is still valid and covers the dates of your stay.
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.