Turkey 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 Turkey in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Iraqi citizens. The e-Visa is the standard route for tourism and short business trips.
Apply for Turkey eVisaFor eligible nationalities only. Check eligibility on the portal.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a Turkish eVisa at evisa.gov.tr before departure. The application takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD for Iraqi passport holders. Print the eVisa approval email or save the PDF on your phone — immigration officers at Istanbul and Antalya airports will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Turkey. Turkey does not require 6 months of remaining validity — just enough to cover your trip. Airlines at Baghdad and Erbil airports may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Istanbul Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you plan to leave Turkey by land or sea, carry a bus or ferry ticket as proof. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in Turkey. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking.com confirmation printed or on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you can cover your expenses. Turkish immigration rarely asks for a specific amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Iraqi citizens
Do not show up at the airport expecting to get a visa on arrival. You will be sent back. Apply for the e-Visa online before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, flight booking, and hotel confirmation as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. If you lose your printed copies, you can still show them at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to evisa.gov.tr, fill in your details, pay the fee (around $60 USD for Iraqi passport holders), and download the approved visa. Processing usually takes minutes, but apply at least 48 hours before your flight.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your e-Visa, passport copy, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Save digital copies on your phone as backup. Pack them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at Istanbul Airport or other entry point
At passport control, hand over your passport and e-Visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you leave. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct date.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Turkey 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
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (visa-free entry available)
Iraqi passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism. This option is for those who need a visa for other purposes or longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry available)
Not typically needed due to visa-free access, but available for frequent travellers. Apply at Turkish consulate.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApprox. TRY 1,500 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and application at Turkish consulate or within Turkey.
work visa
Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)
1 year, renewable
Approx. TRY 1,500 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Turkey. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Öğrenci Vizesi)
1 year, renewable annually
Approx. TRY 1,000 (approx. $40 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a Turkish university or educational program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni)
1 year, renewable
Approx. TRY 1,500 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For retirees or those with sufficient income to support themselves without working. Requires proof of income (e.g., pension) and health insurance. No age limit.
investor visa
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Permanent (citizenship after 3 years)
Minimum $400,000 USD real estate investment or $500,000 USD capital investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Turkey. Requires property purchase or capital investment. Leads to citizenship after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Iraqi passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within a 180-day period. | Free (visa-free for up to 90 days) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond the 90-day limit incurs fines. Pay at immigration office before departure. | TRY 50 (approx. $2 USD) per day, max TRY 1,000 (approx. $40 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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 Turkey
No transit visa needed
Iraqi passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Turkish airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases (check with airline).
Transit hubsIstanbul Airport (IST) · Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) · Antalya Airport (AYT)
Health & vaccines for Turkey
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food or water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, mainly in rural areas. Use insect repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Air quality in major cities like Istanbul can be poor, especially in winter. Those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low, mainly in southeastern rural areas near the Syrian border. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Istanbul
Istanbul Provincial Migration Administration
Hürriyet Mahallesi, Dr. Cemil Bengü Caddesi No: 1, 34870 Kartal/İstanbul
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for residence permit applications and extensions. Bring passport, photos, and proof of address.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Migration Administration
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 1, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalAnkara
LanguageTurkish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months with notarised translation.
Money
CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 46.73 TRY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers generally avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Turkey — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
Most applications are approved within minutes. But apply at least 48 hours before your flight to avoid any issues. The fee is around $60 USD, payable by credit card.
The e-Visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days within a 90-day period. Check your visa approval letter for exact dates.
No. The e-Visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Turkey and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a residence permit from within Turkey before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at passport control. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa.
If you are transiting and do not leave the international transit area, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to enter Turkey (even for a few hours), you need an e-Visa.
Overstaying can result in a fine, a ban from re-entering Turkey, or both. The fine is calculated per day overstayed. Leave before your visa expires.
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.