Iraq entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. Valid for stays up to 30 days, it costs $75 USD. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Emirati citizens arriving by air.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Land at Baghdad or Erbil and head to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Pay the fee in USD cash — $80 for a single entry, $100 for multiple entry. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready; officers at Baghdad International Airport routinely ask for both before issuing the visa.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you plan to leave overland to Kurdistan or Turkey, show a bus or flight booking out of Iraq. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel bookings are checked at visa-on-arrival counters in Baghdad and Erbil. Have a printed confirmation showing your name, dates, and hotel address. If staying with friends or family, carry an invitation letter with their Iraqi ID copy. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — $75 USD or equivalent in Iraqi dinars. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Travel insurance check
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude Iraq. Before you go, confirm with your provider that you are covered. If not, consider a specialist insurer like SafetyWing or World Nomads that includes Iraq.
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. This is a separate queue from Iraqi nationals.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Pay the $75 USD fee. The officer will process your visa and affix a sticker in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then exit into the arrivals hall. There are no additional checks unless you are carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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~$80 USD equivalent
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD equivalent
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)No fee for UAE passport holders at entry points. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | USD 10 per day |
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
UAE passport holders transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available for UAE nationals.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels in urban areas, especially Baghdad; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern regions; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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-Karrada, near Al-Jadriya Bridge
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and photos.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, near Erbil International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
For visa extensions in Kurdistan Region; may have different procedures.
Practical information for AE 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 = 1,308.8 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Erbil International Airport (EBL). It is not available at land borders or seaports — you would need a visa in advance for those entry points.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It is a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the local immigration office before it expires.
Extensions are not guaranteed and are handled on a case-by-case basis. You would need to visit the Directorate of Residence in the governorate where you are staying. There is no standard extension fee or duration.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you are unsure of your plans.
It is not a formal entry requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Iraq are limited, and emergency evacuation can be very expensive. Many travel insurance policies exclude Iraq — check your policy carefully.
Visa on arrival is not available at land borders. You must obtain a visa from an Iraqi embassy or consulate before traveling if you plan to enter by land. Air arrival is the only way to use the visa-on-arrival facility.
Rejections are rare for UAE passport holders, but if it happens, you will be denied entry and placed on the next flight back. There is no appeal process at the airport. Ensure all documents are in order before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.