Iraq entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. The process is entirely online, and you must apply before you travel. Plan ahead — approval can take a few days.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at evisa.iq before departure. The process takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Baghdad and Erbil airports will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Sri Lankan passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Baghdad International Airport enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Iraqi airports routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, having $500–$1,000 equivalent in cash or on a card avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
The eVisa system can be slow or glitchy. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress or missed travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel confirmations on your phone and in cloud storage. Internet access in Iraq can be patchy, so offline access is key.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.iq, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days, but can be longer. Apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — keep one with your passport and one in your luggage. Also save a copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at an Iraqi airport
At Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address — have it ready. The process is straightforward but can be slow.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional customs forms for most travellers. You're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$75 USD
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (institution-dependent)
Requires admission to an Iraqi educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed in Iraq. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Residence)
Duration of study, renewable annually
Varies (institution-dependent)
For those enrolled in Iraqi educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows stay for the study period.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Requires proof of investment and business registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Sri Lanka passport holders. | $75 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside. However, some nationalities may be exempt; check with the airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for transit without visa; confirm in advance.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers 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 Affairs
Al-Karkh, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa matters in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for LK 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
Typically 1–3 business days, but it can take up to a week during busy periods or if there are errors in your application. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to be safe.
No. Sri Lankan passport holders must have an approved eVisa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
The official fee is around $50–$80 USD depending on the type and processing speed. Check the latest on www.evisa.iq before applying.
No. The Iraq eVisa covers the entire country, including the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). You can enter through Erbil International Airport with the same eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again. Contact the Iraqi embassy if you're unsure why it was rejected.
The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply for a new eVisa.
It's not a legal requirement for the eVisa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Iraq can be expensive and limited. A good policy with medical evacuation coverage is a smart investment.
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.