Iraq entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2025, this is the standard procedure for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah). Have 80 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport exchange counters charge terrible rates. You'll need a sponsor letter or an invitation from an Iraqi host, or a confirmed hotel booking that provides a sponsor reference number.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this strictly at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in your luggage. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound flight booking | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready — showing a flight reservation on your phone is risky if the network is slow. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a notarized invitation letter from your Iraqi host. The visa-on-arrival officer may ask for a sponsor reference number linked to your accommodation. Without it, you could be turned away at the visa counter. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring $75 USD in crisp bills (or the equivalent in Iraqi dinars). ATMs are available after immigration, but not before.
Visa valid for entire country
The visa on arrival you get at any Iraqi airport is valid for all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. No separate visa or permit is needed to travel between regions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport and pay the fee (around $75 USD). They'll give you a receipt and a visa sticker. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will affix the visa sticker to a blank page in your passport and stamp it. Check the validity period (usually 30 days). Then proceed to passport control.
4
Pass through passport control
Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer briefly and honestly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Polish citizens
Obtainable on arrival at major airports; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Must be applied for in advance at an Iraqi embassy; not available on arrival.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company; apply at embassy.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at Iraqi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Polish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraqi airports free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) for Polish citizens |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official cap known, but avoid overstaying. | 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
Polish citizens transiting through Iraqi airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) may have different rules; check with airline.
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
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months; 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
Dust storms and pollution in cities can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some 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, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Bring passport, visa-on-arrival stamp, and 2 passport photos for extension.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, near Erbil International Airport, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Kurdistan Region office; extension process may differ slightly from Baghdad.
Practical information for PL 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 is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once you're inside Iraq by visiting the Residency Directorate in Baghdad or your local police station. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can add another 30 days.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Iraq, including Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), Erbil (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah (ISU). The process is the same at each.
Visa on arrival is also available at most land border crossings, but the process can be slower and less predictable. If you're entering overland, it's safer to get an e-visa in advance (if available) or check with the nearest Iraqi embassy.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies for the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). The visa is valid for all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. No separate visa is needed.
No, the visa fee must be paid in US dollars (USD) or Iraqi dinars (IQD). Euros and pounds are not accepted. Bring crisp, clean USD bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $10 USD per day of overstay, and you may face delays at the airport when leaving. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Safety varies by region. The Kurdistan Region is generally safer than central/southern Iraq. Check your government's travel advisories (e.g., UK FCDO, US State Department) before booking. Travel insurance with security evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.