Ireland 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
If you hold an Iraqi passport, you need a visa to visit Ireland in 2026. You must apply before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA. Start early: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Ireland. Apply at the Irish visa application centre in your country of residence. Processing takes 8 weeks — apply well before your travel date.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Ireland. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Irish law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Ireland. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around €50–€70 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Ireland without a visa. There is no visa-on-arrival, no eTA, and no waiver. Apply well in advance.
Visa application centres in Iraq
The only visa application centres are in Baghdad and Erbil. You must attend in person to submit biometrics. Book your appointment early — slots can be limited.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the Irish visa website (visas.inis.gov.ie) and fill out the online application. You'll get a summary form to print and bring to your appointment.
2
Book an appointment at the visa centre
In Iraq, the visa application centre is in Baghdad (and sometimes Erbil). Book an appointment online through the VFS Global or TLScontact website. Slots fill up, so book as soon as you have your documents ready.
3
Attend the appointment
Bring your printed application form, passport, photos, and all supporting documents. You'll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The staff will check your documents and send them to the Irish embassy.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 2-4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can track your application online. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Travel to Ireland
At Dublin Airport (or any Irish port of entry), go to the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The immigration officer may ask about your plans — answer honestly and briefly.
Download Ireland 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
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
General Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€1,000 (approx. $1,090 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer from an Irish employer. Requires a labour market test and minimum salary threshold.
Apply student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in a recognised course. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years initial, renewable
€1,000,000 minimum investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Leads to long-term residency and citizenship path.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centre. | Varies by location (approx. $30–$50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Ireland
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders generally require a transit visa to pass through Ireland en route to another country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)
Health & vaccines for Ireland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use tick precautions.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; early treatment effective.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dublin
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Main office for visa and immigration queries; appointments may be required.
Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 YN60
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles registration and extensions for residents in the Cork region.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalDublin
LanguageIrish, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 2-4 weeks. During busy periods (summer, holidays) it can take 6-8 weeks. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
Yes, you fill out the application online at visas.inis.gov.ie. But you still need to attend an in-person appointment at the visa application centre in Baghdad (or Erbil) to submit biometrics and documents.
The standard visa fee is about €80 for a single-entry visa, and €100 for a multiple-entry visa. There's also a service fee charged by the visa application centre (around €30-€50). Check the VFS Global website for exact amounts.
Yes. You need to show bank statements for the last 3-6 months. There's no fixed minimum, but you should have enough to cover your entire stay — accommodation, food, transport. A rough guide: at least €50-€70 per day.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa or permission before your current visa expires — but this is rarely granted for short-stay visits.
You can appeal the decision within 2 months. The appeal costs €80. You'll need to address the reasons for refusal in your appeal letter. Alternatively, you can reapply with stronger documentation.
Yes, Iraqi passport holders need a visa even for transit through Ireland. There is no transit visa exemption. You must have a valid Irish visa or a visa for the UK (if transiting via the UK-Ireland common travel area).
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.