Iraq entry requirements for Iceland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. You apply online before traveling, and approval is tied to your passport number — no embassy visit needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Border officials rarely ask, but it's better to have it than to be turned back.Recommended
eVisa is not extendable
The Iraqi eVisa cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face fines or trouble at the airport. Plan your exit date carefully.
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa
Immigration officers at Baghdad airport often ask for a paper copy. Digital copies on your phone are accepted, but a printout avoids any hassle if your phone dies or has no signal.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Iraqi eVisa website (evisa.iq). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Iraq.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
Most flights from Iceland connect through Istanbul or Doha. At Baghdad airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs — there's usually a green channel for nothing to declare. Outside, you'll find taxis and ride-hailing services.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 IQD)

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 IQD)

Good for frequent travelers; each stay limited to 30 days.

Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–500 USD)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.

work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (application fee varies)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (minimum investment required)
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Minimum investment amount varies. Provides residency and potential for renewal.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa application feeStandard single-entry eVisa fee for Iceland passport holders.$50 USD (approx. 6,500 IQD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically issued for 30 days.$50 USD (approx. 6,500 IQD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD (approx. 13,000 IQD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying.$10 USD per day (approx. 1,300 IQD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete documentation30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
No return ticket20%

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

No transit visa needed

Iceland passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with the airline as some may require a visa for any stopover.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Iraq may transit without additional visa.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk

Present in some regions; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

High levels in urban areas, especially Baghdad; may affect those with respiratory conditions.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk exists in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. 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 Passports
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 08:00–14:00

Handles visa issues in the Kurdistan Region; separate procedures may apply.

Practical information for IS 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
updated May 19
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
Police104
Medical122
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is paid online and is non-refundable if rejected.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official border crossings, including the Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports and land borders from Turkey, Iran, and Jordan.
No vaccines are officially required for entry. But the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Safety varies by region. Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) are generally safer than other areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with security evacuation coverage is a good idea.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.