Iraq entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
German passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival when entering Iraq. This is valid for stays up to 30 days and is available at major airports like Baghdad and Erbil. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few key documents ready before you travel.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou must get this online visa before you fly — there is no visa-on-arrival for German passport holders. Apply before travel | German citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival via the official Iraqi e-visa portal at https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/. The visa is required for entry; overstay is not permitted and the visa cannot be extended. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the e-visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a flight out of Iraq booked, as border officers sometimes ask for it. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving a bank statement or cash on hand can help if they question your ability to support yourself. May be requested | No specific amount is mandated, but be prepared to show sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for German citizens entering Iraq. | Not required |
Security situation
Iraq has active conflict zones and security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to areas like Mosul, Anbar, and the Syrian border.
Visa on arrival only at airports
This facility is only available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Erbil International Airport (EBL). If you arrive by land or sea, you need a visa from an Iraqi embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival desk. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will process your visa (usually takes 5–10 minutes).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, it's around $75 USD. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a visa sticker. Then proceed to passport control, show your passport, and you're in. Total time: 15–30 minutes.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-visa)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApprox. $100
Requires an invitation letter from an Iraqi company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Multiple-entry visa (e-visa)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostApprox. $200
For frequent travelers; requires supporting documents and prior approval.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a work permit and sponsorship from the employer.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the Residence Directorate in Baghdad or Erbil; fees vary. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | Included in airfare |
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
German citizens transiting through Iraqi airports (e.g., Baghdad, Erbil) without leaving the international transit area do not require a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Health & vaccines for Iraq
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas, especially rural; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially 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 Citizenship
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 08:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region. Often faster than Baghdad.
Practical information for DE 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
No. German passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports like Baghdad and Erbil. No pre-approval needed.
Up to 30 days. If you need longer, you'll have to apply for an extension at the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in Baghdad or Erbil.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must apply in person at the Residency Department in the province where you're staying. Extensions are usually granted for 30 days and cost around $50–$100 USD.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands, and local hospitals may require upfront payment.
No. Visa on arrival is only available at airports. Land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Iran) require a pre-arranged visa from an Iraqi embassy.
USD is widely accepted. Bring crisp, new $100 bills. The fee is around $75 USD. Have smaller bills for change.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.