China entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. You must apply at a Chinese embassy or visa application centre before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Iraqi nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter China. Start your application at the China Visa Application Service Center (visaforchina.cn). Processing takes 4-5 working days for standard service, or 2-3 days for express. Submit your passport, a completed application form, a recent passport photo, and your flight itinerary.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in China. Chinese immigration does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for it. Carry a photocopy of your passport's photo page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from China | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone. If you're entering overland, a bus or train ticket out of China works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Immigration may ask for it at the border. If staying with friends, a simple letter with their address and phone number is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Chinese immigration rarely asks for this, but it's safer to have it ready. A daily budget of $100 USD is a reasonable benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Iraqi passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chinese embassy or visa centre before you travel. Start the process at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for processing and any delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or visa centre
Visit the Chinese embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the completed application form, your passport, a passport photo, and any supporting documents (like flight and hotel bookings). Pay the visa fee. Processing usually takes 4–7 working days.
2
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy or visa centre to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before you leave.
3
Arrive at a Chinese airport and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're in.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostCNY 1,200 (~$165 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply at Chinese embassy in Baghdad or Erbil.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostCNY 1,800 (~$248 USD)
For frequent travelers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30-60 days, extendable once
Validity3-6 months
CostCNY 1,200-1,800 (~$165-248 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company; allows extension.
Student visa (X visa)
Max stayDuration of study, extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostCNY 1,200 (~$165 USD)
For enrolled students; requires admission letter from Chinese institution.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) for visa; plus work permit fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in China. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of study (up to 5 years)
~CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) for visa; plus tuition fees
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur Visa)
1-5 years, renewable
~CNY 1,200-2,000 (~$165-275 USD) plus investment requirements
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (varies by region). Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence eligibility.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Iraqi passport holders; processing time 4-5 working days. | CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; requires additional justification. | CNY 1,800 (~$248 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies to all visa types; pay at exit or immigration office. | CNY 500 (~$69 USD) per day, max CNY 10,000 (~$1,380 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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 China
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in China, even if staying airside. Apply at Chinese embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen area may qualify for 24-hour transit without visa at some airports.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have frequent smog; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Avian influenza (H7N9)Low risk
Sporadic cases reported; avoid contact with live poultry and markets.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas. No risk in major cities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early and have all forms filled in advance.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.79 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. China does not offer visa on arrival for Iraqi nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Chinese embassy or visa centre before you travel.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Expedited service may be available for an extra fee — check with the embassy or visa centre where you apply.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Typically, a single-entry tourist visa costs around 60–100 USD. Check the specific embassy or visa centre website for the exact amount.
Yes, you generally need to provide a confirmed return or onward flight booking as part of your visa application. Immigration may also ask to see it when you arrive.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office before your visa expires. Approval is at their discretion.
You must renew your passport before applying for a Chinese visa. The visa will not be issued if your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining from your entry date.
No. China does not offer an e-visa for Iraqi nationals. You must go through the standard embassy/visa centre application process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.