Iraq entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and available at all major international airports. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Iraqi airports and land borders. Have USD cash ready — the fee is around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at Baghdad International.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Basra airports routinely ask for a 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 host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying outside Baghdad. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Iraqi dinars. ATMs at the airport may not work, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa on arrival allows one entry. If you leave Iraq (even for a day trip), you'll need to get a new visa on return. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or any other major Iraqi airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually separate from the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to fill out. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight number, and address in Iraq. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around $75 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Have it ready in US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Some airports accept credit cards, but cash is safer.
4
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Be polite and patient.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and name are correct before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
6
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. The officer will stamp you in. You're officially in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 (USD 0)
Available on arrival for Bahraini passport holders; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Not commonly issued on arrival; may require pre-approval from Iraqi embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored, typically $200–500 USD
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a job offer and sponsorship from the employer.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of study, renewable annually
Varies; university fees apply
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; investment threshold required
For individuals investing a significant amount in an Iraqi business or project. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Bahraini passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the permitted stay period; no maximum cap specified. | 10,000 IQD per day (approx. USD 7) |
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
Bahraini passport holders transiting through Iraq do not require 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 diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have separate regulations.
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)RecommendedCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially rural areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution when traveling by road.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, particularly 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 Borders
Al-Karada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for BH 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
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You cannot extend it. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The fee is around $75 USD. It's best to have exact change in US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Some airports may charge a small additional processing fee. Credit cards are not always accepted.
Yes, all major international airports in Iraq offer visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. This includes Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), and Erbil International Airport (EBL).
No, a sponsor or invitation letter is not required for a visa on arrival. You just need a valid passport, return ticket, and the visa fee.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Safety conditions vary by region. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many travelers visit Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) without issues, but Baghdad and other areas have higher risks. Always have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you're entering by land from a neighboring country (e.g., Turkey, Iran, Kuwait), you must arrange a visa in advance at an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.