Iraq entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports in Iraq. You'll pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD) and need a few documents ready. This has been the case since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports and land borders. Pay the fee in USD cash — around $75 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready, as officers often ask for it.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — a mobile screenshot may not be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports frequently ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). No cards, no mobile payments. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills — marked or torn notes may be refused.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave and re-enter or arrange a different visa beforehand.
eSIMs work immediately on arrival
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no need to queue at an airport shop. Download the app and install the eSIM before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At Baghdad International Airport (BGW), the counter is just before passport control. Join the queue and have your passport, photo, and cash ready.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, photo, and cash. The officer will process the visa sticker. Payment is taken at the counter — no need to go to a separate bank window at most airports.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix the visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity period (usually 30 days). You can then proceed to passport control.
4
Pass through immigration
At the immigration booth, present your passport with the new visa sticker. You may be asked for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost75 USD (same as VoA)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost150 USD
Requires embassy application; good for frequent travellers.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (plus sponsor fees)
Requires a local employer sponsor and approval from Ministry of Interior. Suitable for professionals with job offers.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD
For enrolled students at Iraqi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or IQD) at port of entry. | 75 USD (exact amount, no additional currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstay. | 10 USD per day |
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
Greece passport holders transiting through Iraq airports (e.g., Baghdad, Erbil) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, many travellers opt for direct flights.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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, especially rural areas; use repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Baghdad, have high particulate levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan region) and south. 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 Passports
Al-Salhiya, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For visa extensions or residency issues; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles extensions for Kurdistan region; separate from federal Iraq.
Practical information for GR 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 = 1,311.01 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 standard fee is about 75 USD (or the equivalent in IQD). Pay in cash at the counter. Some airports may charge a small additional processing fee (5-10 USD). Always bring a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., through an Iraqi embassy).
All international airports: Baghdad International (BGW), Basra International (BSR), Erbil International (EBL), Sulaymaniyah International (ISU), and Najaf International (NJF). The process is the same at each.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for a long layover or to switch terminals), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before travel. No exceptions.
Not officially required for the visa on arrival, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
No. Only cash is accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Bring USD or IQD. ATMs are available at major airports but may not be reliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.