Iraq entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Hong Kong passport holders need an eVisa to visit Iraq. The process is entirely online and straightforward — just ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for tourism or short visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need an eVisa to enter Iraq. Apply at the official eVisa portal before departure. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Iraq. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Baghdad and Erbil airports checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready — they will ask.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host speeds up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having $500–$1,000 equivalent avoids problems if questioned.Recommended
eVisa only — no visa on arrival
You cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the eVisa approved and printed before you fly. Airlines will check this before boarding.
Keep documents accessible
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them saved on your phone or printed — don't rely on having internet access at the counter.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.iq, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email as a PDF.
2
Print your eVisa and pack your documents
Print a copy of the eVisa approval email. Also print or save to your phone: your return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate.
3
Arrive at an Iraqi airport
Most travellers fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — no extra forms needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the immigration stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD)

Standard tourist visa for Hong Kong holders.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)

Allows multiple entries within validity.

Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 1,560 HKD)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.

work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 1,560 HKD)
For foreign workers with a local employer sponsor. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Hong Kong passport holders.$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD)
Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed beyond authorized period.$10 USD per day (approx. 78 HKD)
Overstay maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay.$500 USD (approx. 3,900 HKD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%

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

Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Iraq require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; 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 northern and southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to these areas.

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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles visa extensions for Kurdistan Region.

Practical information for HK 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 = 1,308.8 IQD
updated May 29
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
Police104
Medical122
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The eVisa fee is around $80 USD, but it can vary slightly. You pay online by credit card during the application. There are no additional visa fees at the airport.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approved visa by email as a PDF.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. The maximum stay is set at the time of approval — usually 30 days.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area for any reason, you'll need the eVisa.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
The eVisa is accepted at all international airports and most land borders, but check with the Iraqi embassy if you plan to enter overland from Turkey, Iran, or Jordan. Some land crossings may have different rules.
No vaccinations are officially required for entry. However, routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.