Iraq entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq. The visa allows stays up to 30 days and is available at major airports. Have the required documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iraqi airports | Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. Have your passport, a printed return or onward ticket, and cash (USD) for the visa fee — the exact amount varies and you should carry at least $100 USD. The visa is typically valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a printed return or onward ticket. Have a physical copy or a screenshot ready — showing it on your phone can be unreliable if the network is slow. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a printed address speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (US dollars). There are no card payment facilities at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation booking. Keep them easily accessible on your phone or printed out.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
When you land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or another major airport, head to the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control. Look for signs saying 'Visa on Arrival' or ask airport staff.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee (around $75 USD, cash only). You'll get a receipt and a visa sticker placed in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once through passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and head to the arrivals hall. You're now legally in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in IQD)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for a longer stay or if VoA is not available at your entry point.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; requires sponsorship or invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Latvia passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no maximum cap specified, but avoid overstaying. | 10,000 IQD per day (~$7 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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 Iraq
No transit visa needed
Latvia passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, direct transit is limited.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may have different rules.
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have separate regulations.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas, especially rural; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may affect respiratory health.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas, particularly in the north; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 Residence and Passports
Al-Karkh, near Al-Saadoon Street
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in IQD.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Near Erbil International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for Kurdistan Region; separate from federal Iraq.
Practical information for LV 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 = 1,311.08 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 for Latvian passport holders costs around $75 USD. You must pay in cash (US dollars are widely accepted). Keep the receipt until you leave.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. It cannot be extended, so plan your trip accordingly.
Yes, it's available at all major international airports, including Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL). Smaller airports may not offer it, so check ahead.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Iraq can be very high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.