Cyprus 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 Cyprus in 2026. You must apply for a visa before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver program for Iraqi nationals. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Cyprus visa at the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. You need a Schengen-type visa since Cyprus is not yet in the Schengen zone but follows the same visa rules. Processing takes 15 calendar days typically, start at least 3 weeks before travel.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Iraqi passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cyprus. Cyprus does not enforce the 6-month rule, but airlines may still check for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Larnaca and Paphos airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cyprus. Officers may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself during the stay. No fixed amount is published, but having at least €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Cyprus without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver program. Plan ahead and apply early.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Cyprus embassy or consulate
Submit your visa application at the nearest Cyprus embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and travel insurance. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy reviews your application. You may be called for an interview. After approval, the visa sticker is placed in your passport.
3
Arrive at Larnaca or Paphos airport
At passport control, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional checks for most travelers.
Download Cyprus 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€160 (approx. $174 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Cyprus Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Cyprus. Requires employer sponsorship and valid work contract.
student visa
Cyprus Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Cypriot institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Cyprus Investor Visa (Permanent Residence)
Permanent residence, renewable
€2,000 (approx. $2,170 USD) application fee plus investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing at least €300,000 in Cyprus real estate or business. Fast-track option.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-term visit. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €160 (approx. $174 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | €50 per day (max €500) |
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 Cyprus
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in Cyprus, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid UK visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsLarnaca International Airport (LCA) · Paphos International Airport (PFO)
Health & vaccines for Cyprus
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare cases reported, mainly in summer.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is generally good.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nicosia
Civil Registry and Migration Department
Leoforos Vyronos 28, 1096 Nicosia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Limassol
District Immigration Office Limassol
Leoforos Franklin Roosevelt 115, 3011 Limassol
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles local immigration matters.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalNicosia
LanguageGreek, Turkish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended in rural regions.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Iraqi nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to Cyprus. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver option.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks from the date of application. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
No. The visa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is typically around €80–€100 for a single-entry visa. Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
No. You must apply in person at the Cyprus embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Some countries may have a visa application center that handles submissions.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from entering Cyprus or the Schengen Area in the future. Always leave before your visa expires.
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.