Iraq entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Iraq. It allows stays up to 30 days and costs about USD 75. Have the required documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at any Iraqi international airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and a return ticket ready — the immigration officer will ask for both. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD); exact amount varies by nationality but expect around $75 USD.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 at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or IQD. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills to avoid rejection.
Visa on arrival is for airports only
This facility is only available at international airports. If you plan to enter Iraq by land (from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, or Syria), you must get a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Erbil International Airport (EBL), or Basra International Airport (BSR), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll find a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). The officer will process your application and issue a visa sticker.
3
Pass through immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, proceed to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep your return ticket and hotel details accessible in case they ask again.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now free to enter Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for a longer stay or multiple entries.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD
Suitable for frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)As of 2025, Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraqi airports and land borders at no cost. | Free (no fee charged at border for Chinese passport holders) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced but specific rates are not publicly standardized. Avoid overstaying. | Unknown (varies by duration and location) |
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
Chinese citizens transiting through Iraqi 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 valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice strict hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards pose significant risk.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, particularly in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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-Salhiya, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for the Kurdistan Region. Expect shorter processing times.
Practical information for CN 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 = 1,309.63 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 all international airports: Baghdad (BGW), Erbil (EBL), Basra (BSR), and Najaf (NJF). It is not available at land borders or seaports.
The fee is approximately USD 75, payable in cash. You can use US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Credit cards are not accepted, so bring crisp, non-marked bills.
The visa is valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it before issuing the visa.
No, visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you plan to enter by land from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, or Syria, you must obtain a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
No, it is not mandatory. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and evacuation insurance is wise given the security situation.
You will be denied the visa on arrival and likely refused boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.