Iraq entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Maltese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq, which you can obtain online before you travel. The application is straightforward, but you'll need to prepare your documents and allow time for processing.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq eVisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Malta passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iraqi eVisa portal (evisa.mofa.gov.iq) at least several weeks before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamping. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Iraq. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient money for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iraq. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Malta passport holders entering Iraq. | Not required |
Security situation
Iraq has areas with active conflict and high security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to regions like Anbar, Nineveh, and parts of Kirkuk. Always follow local security guidance.
eVisa is not extendable
The Iraqi eVisa cannot be extended. Plan your stay carefully and make sure you leave before the expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Kurdistan Region note
If you plan to visit the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok), the eVisa is valid for entry there too. However, checkpoints between Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq are common — carry your passport and eVisa at all times.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Scan your passport bio page, take a digital photo, and gather your flight and hotel details. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Complete the online application
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and fill out the application form. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Upload the required documents and pay the fee online.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email regularly for updates. If approved, you'll receive an eVisa document (usually a PDF) — print it and keep a digital copy on your phone.
4
Arrive in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport or other entry points, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Carry your eVisa at all times
While in Iraq, keep a copy of your eVisa with your passport. Police or military checkpoints may ask to see it, especially outside Baghdad.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires an invitation letter from an Iraqi company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)
Available for business or frequent travellers; must be arranged through an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Paid online via the official Iraqi eVisa portal; fees vary by nationality and processing time. | $80 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)Available at certain entry points for some nationalities; check current policy before travel. | $80 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Iraq; subject to approval. | $50 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Malta passport holders transiting through Iraq require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt with airline documentation.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Basra International Airport (BSR) · Erbil International Airport (EBL)
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 = 1,310.31 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 to 5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee is set by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is paid online during the application. It varies depending on your nationality and visa type, but expect to pay around $50–$100. The exact amount is shown on the application portal before you pay.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before the visa expiry date. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to exit and re-enter with a new visa, or contact the Iraqi Directorate of Residence for guidance (though extensions are not granted for this visa type).
For tourism, a sponsor is not mandatory. However, if you're visiting family or for business, an invitation letter from your host or company can strengthen your application. It's not required for the eVisa, but it may be asked at the border.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Iraq. Airlines check visa requirements before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival for Maltese citizens, so you must have the eVisa in advance.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Iraq (even to a neighboring country), you'll need to apply for a new eVisa to return.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports and land border crossings that have immigration facilities. However, some land borders (like those in Kurdistan) may have separate procedures. It's best to enter through a major airport like Baghdad or Basra for a smooth process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.