Iraq entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Iraq. This is the standard entry method for tourists and business travellers in 2026. Just have your documents ready at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Erbil, Basra). Have USD cash ready — the fee is around $75–$80 USD depending on your nationality. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may also check that your ticket matches the visa duration. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are arriving solo or on a tourist visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Iraq may request proof of funds at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Check your visa stamp before leaving the counter
After the officer stamps your passport, check that the entry date is correct. Mistakes happen. If you spot an error, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, you'll pay the visa fee in cash. US dollars are accepted. The fee is around $75–$100 depending on your nationality. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp for the correct entry date before walking away.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the visa stamp. You may be asked about your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. Then collect your luggage.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Netherlands passport holders)
Obtainable on arrival at designated ports of entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days per year
Validity1 year
CostFree (no fee for Netherlands passport holders)
Available on arrival for multiple entries; must meet conditions.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For those with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university-sponsored
For enrollment in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
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 Netherlands passport holders) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | Unknown (varies; typically 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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Iraq do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels in cities; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis 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 Residence and Passports
Al-Karrada, near Al-Jadriya Bridge
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, near Sami Abdulrahman Park
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for NL 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 = 1,309.06 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 fee is around $75–$100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Iraqi dinars are also accepted but the exchange rate may be less favourable.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa even for same-terminal connections.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Iraq, including Erbil and Basra. The process is the same.
No, there's no police registration requirement for Dutch passport holders on a visa on arrival. Just keep your passport with the visa stamp handy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.