Iraq entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing at any international airport in Iraq. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah). Have $75 USD in cash ready for the fee. You will need a sponsor letter from an Iraqi host or company — without it, you will be denied entry.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iraq. Airlines check this strictly before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Iraqi host confirming where you will stay. Officers sometimes ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Iraqi dinars. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring exact change to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The standard 30-day visa cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential issues at departure. Plan your exit date carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport in Iraq
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International (BGW), Basra International (BSR), Erbil International (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah International (ISU). Domestic flights from Kurdistan to central Iraq do not require a separate visa.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
Follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the fee (around $75 USD, cash only — have exact change in USD or IQD).
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
The officer will issue a stamp or sticker in your passport. Then go to the immigration queue for entry processing. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. 70 EUR)
Obtainable at Iraqi embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 140 EUR)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer typically sponsors
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university may assist
For those enrolled in an Iraqi educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival fee (single entry)Payable in USD or Iraqi dinar at the port of entry. | $75 USD (approx. 70 EUR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. 9 EUR) |
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
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Iraq 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
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssential
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; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Dust and pollution in cities may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north; consider prophylaxis and use mosquito nets.
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 Residency Affairs
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and photos.
Erbil
Erbil Residency Directorate
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
For visa issues in Kurdistan; may have different procedures.
Practical information for BG 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 = 1,311.08 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 fee is approximately $75 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars or Iraqi dinars are accepted. Have exact change if possible.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at international airports. Land border crossings require a visa obtained in advance from an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
No. The visa on arrival issued at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports allows you to travel to the rest of Iraq. Similarly, a visa issued in Baghdad or Basra is valid for Kurdistan.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive.
Yes, for short business trips. If you're planning to work for a local employer, you need a work visa arranged in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.