Iraq entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports in Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and costs about $75 USD. Have your documents ready before you travel in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at major airports in Iraq. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and cash (USD) for the fee — around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the immigration counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Baghdad or Erbil will deny entry if it's close to expiring. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports ask for a printed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a physical copy or a clear digital version on your phone — they won't accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have hotel booking confirmation | While not always checked, having a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers may ask where you're staying — have the address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). There are no ATMs or card payment facilities at the visa counter. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Keep documents handy
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation booking at any point. Keep a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone easily accessible.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or another international airport in Iraq. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD).
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. You'll then proceed to passport control. Keep your documents handy in case they ask again.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in IQD)
Apply at Iraqi embassy before travel for longer stay or multiple entries.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee, plus sponsorship)
For those with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee, plus investment proof)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
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 charged at border for Russian passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply if you exceed the permitted stay. | 10,000 IQD (~$7 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at 500,000 IQD. | 500,000 IQD (~$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
Russian passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iraq may enter the country during transit.
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
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas, especially rural; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, near Al-Saadoon Park, Baghdad
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, near Erbil International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for RU 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 = 1,310.12 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
Yes, 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.
The fee is approximately $75 USD. It's best to have the exact amount in US dollars. Some airports may accept Iraqi dinars at a similar rate. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so you must leave before it expires or apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, for a visa on arrival at the airport, you do not need a sponsor or invitation letter. However, if you plan to work or stay longer, you'll need a different visa arranged in advance.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Iraq and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your trip.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and having insurance gives you peace of mind. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.