Iraq entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. Queue at the immigration counter at Baghdad International Airport or other designated entry points, and pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD). This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Iraqi airports and land borders. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and a confirmed return ticket ready — immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil routinely ask for both. The visa costs around $75 USD (cash only, bring exact change) and is valid for 30 days.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines at Malta International Airport will check this before letting you board — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Baghdad and Erbil airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Iraq. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter often ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask to see proof you can cover your stay — cash is preferred at land borders. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or IQD. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Check entry points
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport and some land borders. Not all entry points offer this facility. Confirm with your airline or the Iraqi embassy before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Baghdad International Airport (or other designated entry points), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the dedicated counter.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the visa and your boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD equivalent
Apply at Iraqi embassy in advance for a longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of study, renewable annually
Varies; university-sponsored
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Malta passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | 10,000 IQD (~7 USD) per day |
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 Iraq
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 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 consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north. 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 and Borders
Al-Karrada, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa issues in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for MT 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
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
The fee varies. Typically it's around $75–$100 USD (or equivalent in IQD) for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash at the counter. Check with the Iraqi embassy or your airline for the exact current amount.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the Iraqi Residency Directorate in Baghdad or the local police station.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to apply at the Residency Directorate in Baghdad or at a provincial immigration office before your visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs extra.
Visa on arrival is available at most international airports and some land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Jordan). However, availability at land crossings can change. Check with the nearest Iraqi consulate before traveling overland.
No, a sponsor or invitation letter is not required for the visa on arrival. You just need a valid passport, return ticket, and the fee.
Safety conditions vary by region. The UK and US governments advise against all but essential travel to many parts of Iraq. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
No. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
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.