Iraq entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports in Iraq, valid for stays up to 30 days. The process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Najaf). Pay the fee in USD cash — around $75 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a printed hotel booking and your passport photo ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Portuguese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary or e-ticket ready. Without one, you may be refused 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 may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you cannot show means to support your stay, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is cash only — no cards accepted. Bring $75 USD in crisp bills (or the equivalent in Iraqi dinars). Exact change helps avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is airport-only
This facility is only available at Iraqi airports. If you plan to enter by land or sea, you must get a visa from an Iraqi embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the queue at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is typically around $75 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Pay in US dollars or Iraqi dinars.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the passport control queue. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. You may be asked a few questions about your stay.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're in.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD equivalent
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for a longer stay or if VoA is not available at your port of entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company or organization.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a significant amount in an Iraqi business or project. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Portuguese passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost for stays up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed upon departure; 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
Portuguese passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
- Passengers with a valid visa for Iraq may enter the country during transit.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particularly in urban areas like Baghdad; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting 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 Passports
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region. Separate from federal Iraq procedures.
Practical information for PT 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
No, you can get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Iraq. No need to apply beforehand.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
The fee is around $75 USD, payable in cash (US dollars or Iraqi dinars). Exact change is preferred.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you plan to enter by land or sea, you'll need to get a visa from an Iraqi embassy before travel.
You need your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not required but recommended.
Safety conditions vary by region. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many areas are stable, but some remain high-risk.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
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.