Iraq entry requirements for Austria 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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most international airports and land borders in Iraq, valid for stays up to 30 days. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you travel.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and allows single entry. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always requested, having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or IQD) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or ATM receipt showing at least $500–$1,000 can satisfy an officer who asks about finances. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (US dollars). There are no ATMs or card payment facilities at the visa counter. Bring exact change if possible.
Travel insurance recommended
While not always checked at immigration, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and evacuation is expensive.
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. You'll see a queue for foreign passport holders.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer will process your visa. The fee is typically around $75 USD (cash only, exact change preferred).
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then join the immigration queue for passport control. Have your boarding pass and any arrival card ready.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria 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
Cost75 USD (exact amount in USD)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for longer stay or multiple entries.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (exact amount in USD)
Requires prior application at Iraqi embassy; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Austrian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at certain entry points at no cost. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply if you exceed the permitted stay. | 10,000 IQD (~7 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at this amount. | 500,000 IQD (~340 USD) |
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with the airline as some may require a visa for connecting flights.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iraq may exit the airport.
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 regions, especially rural areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated water and food; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards pose risks; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to 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.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for AT 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 = 1,309.15 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 on arrival fee is around $75 USD. Pay in cash (US dollars accepted). Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30 days expire. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, the visa on arrival is valid for all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). You can enter through Erbil or Baghdad with the same visa.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at most international land borders, including the Ibrahim Khalil border from Turkey. The process is similar to airports.
No, proof of funds is not required for the visa on arrival. But having a credit card or some cash is always sensible.
No, there is no e-visa system for Iraq. The visa on arrival is the standard method for Austrian passport holders.
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.