Iraq entry requirements for Norway passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq at major airports like Baghdad International and Erbil. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Have $75–$100 USD in cash for the fee, plus two passport photos. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Airlines check this strictly before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have on hand
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the visa-on-arrival process. Keep printed copies in your carry-on.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to have on hand
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means for your stay.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). ATMs are available at airports but may not be reliable. Bring enough cash for the fee and a few days of expenses.
eSIM recommended
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no airport queue needed. This saves time and keeps you connected immediately.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Baghdad International (BGW) or Erbil International (EBL). At the visa-on-arrival counter, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee (typically around $75 USD, cash only). Get your visa sticker and proceed to immigration.
2
Immigration check
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There may be a customs check for goods over $500. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)

Available on arrival for Norwegian passport holders. Extension possible at immigration offices.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)

Not typically issued on arrival; apply at Iraqi embassy in advance for multiple entries.

work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows stay for the academic program.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Norwegian passport holders for stays up to 30 days.Free (0 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure.10,000 IQD (~8 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

Norwegian passport holders transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, check requirements.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic passports may have different rules.
  • Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have separate procedures.
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk

Risk present especially in rural areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

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

Road traffic accidentsHigh risk

Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution when traveling.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to these 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. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.

Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles visa extensions for Kurdistan Region. Expect delays; bring a local contact if possible.

Practical information for NO 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

The visa on arrival fee is around $75 USD, payable in cash (US dollars or Iraqi dinars). Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The maximum stay is not specified in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Check with Iraqi immigration upon arrival for the exact duration stamped in your passport.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies for the Kurdistan Region. You can get it at Erbil International Airport (EBL) with the same requirements.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus/ferry out if you're unsure of your plans.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
It's possible at some land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Jordan), but it's less reliable. Airports are the safest bet. Check with the nearest Iraqi embassy if you plan to enter overland.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.