Iraq entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq in 2026. This applies at major airports like Baghdad International and Erbil. Have your passport, a return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iraqi airports | Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Najaf airports. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. The visa costs $75 USD (cash only, no card accepted at the counter).Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs to 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 Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you risk being 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. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A booking from Booking.com or similar works fine. | 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 checks this for Saudi passport holders, but it's safer to carry proof. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). ATMs are available but may not always work. Bring enough cash to cover the visa fee and any unexpected expenses.
Check your visa stamp carefully
Before leaving the visa counter, verify the validity dates and personal details on the stamp. Mistakes can cause problems later. If something looks off, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Airport
Fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). These are the main entry points for visa on arrival.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival Counter
After passport control, look for the visa on arrival counter. Queue up and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). Exact amount varies, but budget around $75-100 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive Your Visa Stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity period and ensure it's correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to Immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration desk. Show your passport with the visa stamp and your return ticket if asked. You'll get an entry stamp.
6
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from baggage claim. Then proceed through customs. Keep your documents handy in case of random checks.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available at Iraqi embassies; same conditions as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at Iraqi embassy.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
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 Labour.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For students enrolled at an Iraqi university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Saudi nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraqi airports and land borders at no cost. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies after exceeding authorized stay; maximum cap may apply. | 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
Saudi Arabian nationals transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated water and food. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in urban areas may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in northern 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
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and proof of address.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions in the Kurdistan Region. Expect shorter queues than Baghdad.
Practical information for SA 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
Visa on arrival is available at major international airports like Baghdad International (BGW) and Erbil International (EBL). It may not be available at land borders or smaller airports. Always confirm with your airline or the Iraqi embassy before traveling.
The fee is typically around $75-100 USD, payable in cash (USD or IQD). Exact amounts can change, so bring extra cash. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
The visa on arrival usually allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check the stamp in your passport for the exact validity. Extensions are possible but require a visit to an immigration office.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Directorate of Residence in the governorate where you are staying. The process takes a few days and costs around $50-100 USD. Start the process before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. If leaving by land, have a bus or taxi booking confirmation showing your exit plan. Immigration may ask for it.
Not officially required for visa on arrival, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be high, and insurance covers emergencies. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
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.