Iraq entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iraq. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for UK citizens. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once you are in Iraq. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-visa before travelling to Iraq. Apply through the official Iraqi e-visa portal at https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Iraq. At least 6 months | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, empty page in your passport for the Iraqi border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready — border officials often ask to see it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iraq before your visa or passport validity expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient money for stay | You should be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iraq, though the amount is not officially specified. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for UK passport holders entering Iraq. | Not required |
Check UK government travel advice
The FCDO currently advises against all travel to parts of Iraq and all but essential travel to others. This affects your travel insurance and may impact your ability to get help if things go wrong. Always check the latest advice before you go.
E-visa is single entry
The e-visa is for a single entry only. If you leave Iraq (even to Kurdistan and back), you'll need a new visa to re-enter. Plan your itinerary so you don't accidentally exit the country.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-visa in hand.
3
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-visa. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at airline check-in and at Iraqi immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires employment contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires acceptance letter from Iraqi educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for UK passport holders; payable online. | $75 |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Optional for frequent travellers. | $100 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at certain entry points; check current policy. | $75 |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Baghdad or Erbil. | $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
UK passport holders transiting through Iraq require a visa, even if staying airside. However, if you remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours, you may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival at major airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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 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 = 1,310.31 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. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe. You'll get an email when it's approved.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. Check the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/) for the current fee. It's payable online by credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply, or contact the Iraqi Directorate of Residence Affairs for advice — but don't overstay.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports in Iraq, including Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil. For land borders, check with the Iraqi authorities — some crossings may not accept e-visas. It's safest to fly in.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders. Don't risk it — get the e-visa before you travel.
The Iraq e-visa covers the entire country, including the Kurdistan Region. However, if you're only visiting Kurdistan, you may be able to get a visa on arrival at Erbil airport — but this is subject to change. For the whole country, the e-visa is the safest option.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to certain areas of Iraq, and against all but essential travel to others. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking. Even with a valid visa, security conditions can change quickly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.