Iraq entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Lebanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival when flying into Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and costs $75 USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
You get a visa on arrival at all Iraqi airports and land borders. Have 75 USD in cash for the fee — they don't take cards. The process takes 10–20 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your 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'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may not accept a phone screen.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their Iraqi phone number. Officers sometimes call the number to verify — if nobody answers, expect extra questions.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the visa counter. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is for air travel only
This visa on arrival is only available when arriving by air at international airports. Land border crossings from neighboring countries do not offer visa on arrival for Lebanese passport holders.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counter before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, it's $75 USD. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Answer any questions about your stay. Then collect your luggage.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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) for Lebanese passport holders

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) for Lebanese passport holders

Not commonly issued; may require prior approval from Iraqi authorities.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Lebanese passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraqi airports and land borders at no cost.Free (0 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official cap but may be negotiated at immigration.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

Lebanese passport holders transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk

Risk is present in rural areas and during warmer months; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated water and street food; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Baghdad, have high particulate matter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: moderate

Malaria risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan region) and south; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Baghdad
Baghdad Immigration Office
Al-Karrada, near Al-Jadriya Bridge
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Bring passport, visa copy, and proof of accommodation for extensions.

Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, near Erbil International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Kurdistan Region has separate procedures; check if visa covers both regions.

Practical information for LB 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 = 1,308.8 IQD
updated May 29
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
Police104
Medical122
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival costs $75 USD (or equivalent in Iraqi dinars). Pay in cash at the counter before passport control. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Iraq, including Erbil (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah (ISU). The process is the same as at Baghdad.
No, Lebanese passport holders do not need a sponsor or invitation letter for a visa on arrival. Just your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a visa at an Iraqi embassy before traveling.
Travel to Iraq carries significant risks due to security concerns. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, stay in major cities, avoid border areas, and register with your embassy.

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.