Iraq entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Swiss citizens need an e-visa to enter Iraq for tourism or business. You can apply online through the official Iraqi e-visa portal, and once approved, you'll get a single-entry visa valid for stays of up to 30 days. Plan ahead — processing can take a few business days, so don't book flights until your visa is in hand.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to apply for and receive an approved e-visa before you travel to Iraq. Apply before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-visa through the official Iraqi e-visa portal before departure. The application is submitted online at evisa.mofa.gov.iq and must be approved prior to arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Iraq. At least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may require evidence that you have plans to leave Iraq. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Iraq after your visit. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry cash or bank statements to show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iraq, though the amount is not officially fixed. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival declaration form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Switzerland passport holders entering Iraq. | Not required |
Security situation
Iraq has areas with high security risks. Check the Swiss FDFA travel advisory for your specific destinations and register with the Swiss embassy in Baghdad on arrival.
E-visa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. Do not book non-refundable flights until your e-visa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for the e-visa
Go to the official Iraqi e-visa portal (https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel itinerary. Pay the visa fee online (typically around USD 60–100, depending on nationality).
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive an email with your e-visa approval. Check your spam folder — the email may come from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3
Print your e-visa
Print a copy of the e-visa approval to carry with you. You'll need to show it at check-in and to Iraqi immigration on arrival.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (or other international airports), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a security check and possibly a short interview about your purpose of visit.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business eVisa
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company
Multiple-entry eVisa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$200
Available for business travellers; requires supporting documents
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (university-sponsored)
For enrolled students at an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (investment-based)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist/business eVisa fee | $80 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at designated ports of entry; check eligibility | $80 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Baghdad or Erbil | $50 |
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
Transit visa required
Swiss citizens transiting through Iraq (even airside) must obtain a transit visa in advance. There is no visa waiver for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt
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)RecommendedPolioRecommended
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in some rural areas, especially in the north; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
LeishmaniasisModerate risk
Transmitted by sandflies; risk in rural and semi-urban areas.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, particularly in the northern governorates (e.g., Erbil, Dohuk). Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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 Affairs
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region; separate procedures from Baghdad.
Practical information for CH 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 = 1,310.31 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
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe. The official portal is https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/.
No. The e-visa is mandatory for Swiss citizens. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism or business. You must have the e-visa approved before you board your flight.
The fee is typically around USD 60–100, depending on your nationality and processing speed. The exact amount is shown on the e-visa portal when you apply.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave Iraq and re-apply for a new visa. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
No, Iraq does not require a yellow fever certificate for entry. However, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations (e.g., hepatitis A, typhoid) before travel.
If rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is usually non-refundable. Contact the Iraqi embassy in Bern if you need help.
The security situation varies by region. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against travel to certain areas (e.g., Anbar, Nineveh, and parts of Kirkuk). Check the FDFA travel advice before booking and register with the Swiss embassy in Baghdad upon arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.