Iraq entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. Apply online before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for an Iraq eVisa | Apply online at the official Iraq eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Lao passport holders — no visa on arrival or visa-free entry is available. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss or confiscation at checkpoints. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host ready. Officers at land borders and airports may ask for it, especially if you're traveling solo or on a short stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or a debit/credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of funds if you look underprepared — $500–$1,000 equivalent is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Apply for your eVisa well in advance
Processing times can be unpredictable. Apply at least 10 days before your departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything
Save your eVisa, flight tickets, and hotel booking both on your phone and as printed copies. Internet access may be unreliable at immigration counters.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa website (evisa.iq) and complete the application. Upload a digital passport photo and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, gather: passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at an Iraqi airport
At Baghdad International Airport or other major airports, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional arrival forms to fill. Head to the exit.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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 stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 1,350,000 LAK)
Apply at Iraqi embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 2,700,000 LAK)
Requires additional documentation and justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Laotian passport holders applying online. | $75 USD (approx. 1,350,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. 180,000 LAK) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Laotian travelers transiting through Iraq airports (e.g., Baghdad, Erbil) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Baghdad, have high particulate levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for LA 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 = 1,310.31 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 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option listed on the official site.
The official eVisa fee is not publicly listed on the website. Expect to pay around $50–$80 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. The passport must also be valid for 6 months from your date of entry.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
It is not officially required for the eVisa, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be extremely expensive. Many travel insurance policies exclude Iraq, so check the fine print.
Yes, eSIMs from providers like Airalo work in Iraq. They activate as soon as you land, so you don't need to queue at the airport for a physical SIM. Check compatibility with your phone before you go.
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.