Iraq entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Baghdad International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard process for Cypriot travellers.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on ArrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you will get it when you arrive in Iraq.
Available at designated ports of entry
Cyprus passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Iraq. The visa is issued at the airport or land border. No prior application is needed.Required
Passport ValidityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Iraq.
Minimum 6 months remaining
Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq.Required
Blank Passport PagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to affix the entry stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp.Required
Return or Onward TicketAirlines and border officials may ask to see your departure booking before boarding or entry.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iraq within the allowed stay period.Required
Proof of FundsCarry cash or a bank statement to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit.
Sufficient financial means
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iraq. No specific amount is set by regulation.Recommended
Arrival DeclarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form.
Not required
No arrival declaration form is required for Cyprus passport holders entering Iraq.Not required
E-Visa ApplicationThere is no online visa application process for your nationality.
Not applicable
Iraq does not offer an e-visa for Cyprus passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method.Not required
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Exact change is appreciated.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport
Most Cypriots fly into Baghdad (BGW). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to fill out — basic info: name, passport number, purpose of visit, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, it's around $80 USD. Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Get your visa sticker and stamp
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport and stamp it. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. You'll be asked a few questions — keep answers short and consistent.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost$150

Requires a sponsor letter from an Iraqi company; apply at Iraqi embassy.

Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$300

Available through Iraqi embassy; requires invitation letter.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash only at Baghdad International Airport.$75
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Residence Affairs Directorate in Baghdad.$50
Exit fee (if overstay)Overstay fines are calculated daily and paid at the airport.$20 per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
Missing return ticket25%
Invalid passport validity20%

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

Cyprus passport holders transiting through Iraq for less than 24 hours and staying airside do not need a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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 ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioEssentialRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheriaRecommended
Health risks
COVID-19Moderate risk

Spikes occur; vaccination recommended.

TyphoidModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water.

RabiesLow risk

Present in stray dogs; avoid animal contact.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan Region) and south (Basra). No risk in Baghdad city centre.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Baghdad
Residence Affairs Directorate (Al-Jadriya)
Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun-Thu 8:00-14:00
Erbil
Kurdistan Region Directorate of Residence
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun-Thu 8:00-15:00

Practical information for CY 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police104
Medical122
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport. No pre-approval needed.
As of 2026, the fee is around $80 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars or Iraqi dinars. Exact change helps.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
The visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW). Other airports like Erbil (EBL) or Basra (BSR) may have different rules — check before you fly.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
No. For a tourist visa on arrival, no sponsor or invitation letter is required. Just the standard documents.
Safety varies by region. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many areas are stable, but some are not. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.