Iraq entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad, Basra, or Erbil airports in Iraq. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iraqi airports | New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. Have USD cash ready — the fee is around $75 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. The visa counter is before immigration, not after.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines at check-in will enforce this strictly — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they may not accept a verbal explanation. | 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're staying, especially if you're a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Iraq is a cash-heavy country — ATMs are unreliable outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount in good condition. ATMs are available after customs, but not before.
Visa on arrival not available at land borders
If you plan to enter Iraq by land from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, or Syria, you must obtain a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy. Visa on arrival is only at the three major airports listed above.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at a designated airport
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), and Erbil International Airport (EBL). Do not expect this service at land borders or smaller airports.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around USD 75–80 (cash only, US dollars accepted). Have the exact amount in good condition. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. You can then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Obtainable on arrival for New Zealand passport holders.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, 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
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)New Zealand passport holders currently receive a free visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | 10,000 IQD (~7 USD) per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | 300,000 IQD (~200 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Iraq do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk is present in some areas, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice strict hygiene.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards pose significant risk.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travel 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 Affairs
Al-Salhiya, 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 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for NZ 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 fee is around USD 75–80. You must pay in cash, preferably US dollars in good condition. Credit cards are not accepted.
No. Visa on arrival is only available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), Basra International Airport (BSR), and Erbil International Airport (EBL). Land borders generally require a visa in advance.
The visa is typically valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
For tourism, a hotel booking confirmation is sufficient. For business, you may need an invitation letter from an Iraqi company. Check with your host before travelling.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, it is not mandatory for the visa on arrival. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Iraq can be very high.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa 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.