Iraq entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq at major airports like Baghdad International and Erbil. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival. Have your passport, a recent passport photo, and the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD) ready. 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 stay. Airlines enforce this strictly — 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 return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). ATMs are available at airports but may not be reliable. Bring enough cash for the fee and a few days of expenses.
eSIM recommended
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no airport queue needed. This saves time and keeps you connected immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Baghdad International (BGW) or Erbil International (EBL). At the visa-on-arrival counter, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee (typically around $75 USD, cash only). Get your visa sticker and proceed to immigration.
2
Immigration check
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There may be a customs check for goods over $500. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival for Norwegian passport holders. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
Not typically issued on arrival; apply at Iraqi embassy in advance for multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows stay for the academic program.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Norwegian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (0 USD) |
| 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
Norwegian passport holders transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, check requirements.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may have different rules.
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have separate procedures.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present especially in rural areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution when traveling.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to these 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-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for Kurdistan Region. Expect delays; bring a local contact if possible.
Practical information for NO 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 = 1,310.31 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 USD, payable in cash (US dollars or Iraqi dinars). Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The maximum stay is not specified in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Check with Iraqi immigration upon arrival for the exact duration stamped in your passport.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies for the Kurdistan Region. You can get it at Erbil International Airport (EBL) with the same requirements.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus/ferry out if you're unsure of your plans.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
It's possible at some land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Jordan), but it's less reliable. Airports are the safest bet. Check with the nearest Iraqi embassy if you plan to enter overland.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.