Iraq entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Finnish passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Iraq for tourism or business. The application is completed online through the official Iraqi eVisa portal, and there is no visa-on-arrival option for Finnish citizens. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq eVisaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; apply online well in advance. Apply online before travel | Finnish citizens must obtain an eVisa from the official Iraqi eVisa portal before departure. The application is submitted online and the approved eVisa must be presented upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date before booking anything. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Finnish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSome airlines may require more than one blank page, so it's safer to have 2. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details. Proof of departure from Iraq | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iraq before your visa or permitted stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at the border. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Iraq, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any separate arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Finnish citizens entering Iraq. | Not required |
No visa on arrival for Finnish citizens
Do not assume you can get a visa at the airport. The eVisa is the only option, and you must have it approved before you fly. Airlines will not let you board without it.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it is close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Security situation
Iraq has areas of active conflict and high risk of terrorism. Check the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs travel advisory and register your trip with the embassy. Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk regions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for the eVisa
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and create an account. Fill in the application form with your passport details, travel dates, and personal information. Upload your photo and pay the fee online.
2
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Check your email and the eVisa portal for updates. You may be asked to provide additional documents.
3
Receive your eVisa
Once approved, you will receive an electronic visa document. Print it out and keep a copy on your phone as backup. You will need to show it at check-in and at Iraqi immigration.
4
Arrive in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other entry points, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
For frequent travelers; apply at Iraqi embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (university-sponsored)
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
~$500 USD (investment-dependent)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $50,000+) in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Finnish citizens applying online. | $60 |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)May be available at major airports; check current policy. | $75 |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Baghdad. | $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
Finnish citizens transiting through Iraq require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Basra International Airport (BSR) · 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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Malaria risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid street food.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and reckless driving pose significant risks. Avoid travel at night.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, particularly in the northern governorates (e.g., Erbil, Dohuk) and southern marshes. 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 Borders
Al-Salhiya, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region. Expect shorter queues than Baghdad.
Practical information for FI 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 usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. The official portal will show the exact fee when you apply. Expect to pay around $50-100 USD for a standard tourist eVisa.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you will have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, even for transit you will need an eVisa unless you stay airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with your airline if you are transiting without leaving the airport.
Finnish citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. If you arrive without an eVisa, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Do not risk it.
The standard eVisa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Iraq, you will need to apply for a new visa each time.
The security situation in Iraq is volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many areas are off-limits to foreigners, and travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.