Iraq entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq, valid for stays up to 30 days. Have these documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah). Pay the fee in USD cash — $75 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a printed invitation letter from an Iraqi sponsor or hotel ready; officers at Baghdad airport are strict about this.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs to 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'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may check it before stamping your visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or sponsor letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Iraqi sponsor (host) showing your address and contact details. Officers at Baghdad International Airport are known to ask for this before approving the visa on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — showing cash or a card with a decent balance works. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). There are no card payment facilities at the counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Iraq and want to return, you will need to apply for a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the queue at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). The fee is around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the passport control booth. Show your passport with the visa and your boarding pass. You'll be allowed through.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Japanese passport holders)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Iraqi embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Japanese passport holders)
Available on request; may require prior approval.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (typically $100–$200 USD equivalent)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a work permit and sponsorship from the employer. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $50,000+) in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for Japanese passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; maximum cap may apply. | 10,000 IQD (~$7 USD) per day |
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
Japanese passport holders transiting through Iraqi airports do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
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-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedPolioRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk is present in some areas, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Dust storms and pollution can cause respiratory issues; consider wearing a mask if sensitive.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas, particularly in the north and south. Prophylaxis is recommended for travelers to those 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 Residency Affairs
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for JP 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 = 1,308.79 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 is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so you must leave before it expires.
The fee is around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash (USD or IQD) at the airport counter. Keep the receipt.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Erbil International Airport (EBL). Other land borders may have different rules.
If you are transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to exit the transit area, you will need a visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, it is not mandatory for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical care can be expensive and evacuation may be needed.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before the 30-day validity expires. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a different visa type in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.