Iraq entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and available at major airports. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you'll need a few key documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply online at the official Iraq eVisa portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — border officers check this before issuing the visa on arrival sticker.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines enforce this strictly — you will be denied boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host. Border officers may ask where you are staying — having a booking speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it helps if questioned about your ability to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is single entry
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry only. If you leave Iraq and want to re-enter, you'll need a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). Visa on arrival is available at these airports. Other land borders may have different rules.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After disembarking, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, the fee is around $75 USD. Exact amount may vary slightly. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp for the correct validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the visa stamp to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions about your stay. Answer clearly and politely.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 (Qatari nationals exempt)
Apply at Iraqi embassy or consulate before travel if you prefer a pre-arranged visa.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid for multiple entries
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (Qatari nationals exempt)
Available for Qatari nationals; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Qatari nationals exempt)
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires work permit approval and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For students enrolled at an Iraqi university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Qatari nationals receive a free visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for Qatari passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the permitted stay period. Pay at immigration before departure. | 10,000 IQ (~$7 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative overstay fine is capped at 500,000 IQ. | 500,000 IQ (~$340 USD) |
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
Qatari nationals transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, check specific requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in some rural areas, particularly in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to affected 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, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for Kurdistan region. Often faster than Baghdad.
Practical information for QA 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 = 1,308.8 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
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Erbil International Airport (EBL). Other airports may not offer this service. Land borders have different rules — check with the nearest Iraqi embassy if you're entering by road.
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $75 USD. Pay in cash — USD or IQD is accepted. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa at an Iraqi embassy before you travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Iraq can be very high.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.