Iraq entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq at all international airports and most land borders. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iraqi airports | US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. Have $75 USD in cash ready for the visa fee. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Iraq. Airlines at US departure gates will check your passport validity before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready. Airlines also enforce this before boarding your flight to Iraq. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. This is rarely checked for US passport holders but keeps the conversation short. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Iraq is a cash-heavy economy — credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Safety First
The US State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. If you decide to travel, register with the US Embassy in Baghdad and have a solid security plan.
Cash is King
Carry enough USD cash to cover the visa fee ($75) and at least a few days of expenses. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs exist but are unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Visa on Arrival Counter
After landing at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL), follow signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). The fee is typically around $75 USD. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive Your Visa Sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker and place it in your passport. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to Passport Control
Go to the immigration officer with your passport (now with visa sticker), boarding pass, and any supporting documents. They may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now legally in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD equivalent
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for a longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Iraq. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)US citizens currently receive visa on arrival at certain ports of entry at no cost. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply if you exceed the permitted stay; maximum cap may apply. | ~10,000 IQD per day (~USD 7) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
US citizens transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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
Risk exists in some regions, especially rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards pose risks.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan Region) and south; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 Affairs
Al-Salhiya, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for US 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 visa fee is approximately $75 USD. Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but some counters accept Iraqi dinars. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, all international airports (Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, Najaf) and most land borders (like the Ibrahim Khalil border from Turkey) offer visa on arrival for US passport holders. However, land borders can be slower and less predictable.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable — you must leave or apply for a different visa before it expires.
No, US passport holders do not need a sponsor or invitation letter for a tourist visa on arrival. Business travelers may need a letter from their host company.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
The US State Department currently advises against travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Check the latest travel advisory before booking. If you do go, register with the US Embassy in Baghdad.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your current visa expires.
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.