Iraq entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Iraq. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $75 USD. 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 your visa on arrival at any Iraqi international airport. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and cash (USD) for the visa fee — around $75 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Croatian 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a printed return or onward ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Keep a paper copy handy. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed reservation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. While not always checked, officers at Baghdad International have asked for proof of sufficient money for the stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee of $75 USD must be paid in cash. US dollars are the only accepted currency. ATMs are available at airports but may not dispense US dollars. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is for airports only
This visa is only available at international airports. If you plan to enter Iraq by land from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, or Syria, you must obtain a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before flying
Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and a blank page. Print or save your return ticket and hotel booking. Get travel insurance and an eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at an Iraqi international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), Erbil International Airport (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU).
3
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After passport control, look for the visa counter. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready.
4
Pay the visa fee
The fee is $75 USD (cash only, US dollars accepted). Pay at the counter. You'll get a receipt.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the new visa at the immigration desk. You'll be asked your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Multiple entry visa on arrival; extension possible.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival for Croatian passport holders is free of charge. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | 10 USD per day (10 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at 200 USD. | 200 USD (200 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
Croatian passport holders transiting through Iraq do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may affect respiratory health.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the north; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
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 extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for HR 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 = 1,309.63 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 $75 USD. You must pay in cash, and only US dollars are accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid change issues.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), Erbil (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah (ISU). Land border crossings do not offer visa on arrival for Croatian passport holders.
No, Croatian passport holders do not need a sponsor or invitation letter for a tourist visa on arrival. You only need a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Iraq.
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 longer-term visa) at an Iraqi embassy before traveling.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation and hospital stays. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.