Iraq entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Najaf). The process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land. This information is current for 2026.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Erbil, Basra). Have $75 USD in cash ready for the fee. You'll need a sponsor letter or an invitation from an Iraqi host or company — without it, you'll be denied entry.Check visa requirements | 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 won't board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Accommodation proof | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Iraq. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Iraq is a cash-heavy economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring $75–$100 in small bills. There are no ATMs before immigration, and credit cards are not accepted.
Visa on arrival is for airports only
This facility is only available at international airports. If you enter Iraq by land (e.g., from Turkey, Iran, or Jordan), you must have a visa arranged in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before landing
Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), hotel booking (screenshot), and insurance (if you have it) easily accessible on your phone or printed. Keep your passport in your hand luggage, not checked.
2
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' at the airport
After deplaning, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance'. At Baghdad International Airport, this is before passport control. At Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, it's a separate counter near immigration.
3
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Pay the fee (around $75 USD, cash only — bring exact change in US dollars). The officer will issue a sticker visa valid for 30 days. This takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the main immigration queue. The officer will stamp you in. You're now legally in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for UK passport holders; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
May be issued on arrival for UK passport holders; subject to immigration officer discretion.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at certain ports of entry; no fee is charged. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~10,000 IQD per day (~USD 7) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and not leaving the airport.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south; prophylaxis recommended for travellers 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
General 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, photos, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region; expect shorter processing times.
Practical information for GB 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 = 1,309.15 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
The visa on arrival costs approximately $75 USD. You must pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It is not extendable, so you must leave Iraq before it expires.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you plan to enter Iraq by land (e.g., from Turkey, Iran, or Jordan), you must obtain a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
The visa on arrival is valid for the entire country, including the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). You do not need a separate visa for the Kurdish area.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a visit visa) at an Iraqi embassy before you travel.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to certain areas (e.g., Anbar, Nineveh, Salah al-Din provinces, and areas near the Syrian border). For Baghdad, Basra, and the Kurdistan Region, the advice is more nuanced. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.