Iraq entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports and land borders in Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil). Have your passport, a passport photo, and the visa fee in USD cash ready — expect around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Apply online | 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 Return ticket | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a booking speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). ATMs at the airport may not work or charge high fees. Bring $75-100 in crisp US dollars.
Check your visa validity before leaving the counter
After receiving your visa sticker, double-check the dates. Mistakes happen. If the validity is shorter than 30 days, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other major airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around $75 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Some airports accept Iraqi dinars at a similar rate. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick a visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. It's usually valid for 30 days from issue.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival for French passport holders. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid for multiple entries
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Not typically issued on arrival; apply at Iraqi embassy in advance for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (approx. 100-200 USD equivalent)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in Iraq.
work visa
Work Visa for Iraq
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. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa for Iraq
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Iraq. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa for Iraq
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
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 on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for French passport holders for stays up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply if you exceed the permitted stay. Pay at immigration before departure. | 10,000 IQD (~8 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at 500,000 IQD. | 500,000 IQD (~400 USD) |
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
French passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iraq may exit the airport during transit.
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
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north. 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 Passports
Al-Karrada, 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
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region. Expect shorter processing times.
Practical information for FR 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 = 1,308.79 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, at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), Erbil International Airport (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU). Land borders like the one from Turkey at Ibrahim Khalil also offer visa on arrival for French passport holders.
The standard fee is $75 USD, payable in cash (US dollars or Iraqi dinars). Some airports may charge a small service fee. Have exact change to avoid delays.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave Iraq and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at an Iraqi embassy before travel.
No, for a standard tourist visa on arrival, no sponsor or invitation letter is required. Just your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel to certain regions. Check current travel advisories before booking. In major cities like Baghdad and Erbil, tourist infrastructure exists but security can change quickly.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Yes, a screenshot or PDF on your phone is acceptable. But having a printed copy as backup is wise in case your phone battery dies or there's no signal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.