Iraq entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq in 2026. Queue at the immigration counter at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa sticker before baggage claim.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at major Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Erbil, Basra). Have a printed invitation letter from an Iraqi sponsor or hotel, plus a confirmed return ticket. Pay the fee in USD cash — around $75–$100 depending on your nationality.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swedish passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny your visa on arrival. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or sponsor letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Iraqi sponsor ready. Immigration may ask for this during the visa on arrival process. A booking from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough USD cash to cover your stay — $50–$100 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration rarely asks, but having a bank statement or ATM card showing available funds helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). There are no card terminals at the immigration counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is single-entry
The visa you receive at the airport is valid for a single entry. If you leave Iraq (even to a neighbouring country), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Baghdad International Airport (or Erbil, Sulaymaniyah), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The officer will process your application and tell you the fee (typically around $75 USD, payable in cash – US dollars are widely accepted). Pay and receive a receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Walk to the passport control booth. Hand over your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamped entry card (if given) – you'll need it when leaving.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now legally in Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (for Swedish passport holders)
Available on arrival at airports and land borders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (for Swedish passport holders)
May be issued on arrival; confirm with Iraqi embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Swedish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry at no cost. | Free (no fee required for Swedish passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines or detention; avoid overstay. | Unknown (no official rate published) |
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
Swedish passport holders transiting through Iraq do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some 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.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan Region). 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-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Kurdistan Region has separate procedures; check if visa covers both regions.
Practical information for SE 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 = 1,309.06 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 typically around $75 USD, payable in cash. US dollars are widely accepted at the counter. Have the exact amount or small bills to avoid change issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a residence permit) from the Iraqi immigration authorities before your visa expires.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at major international airports (Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah). Land border crossings may have different procedures – check with the nearest Iraqi embassy before attempting to enter by road.
No, Swedish passport holders do not need a sponsor or invitation letter for the visa on arrival. A hotel booking confirmation is sufficient for accommodation proof.
Safety conditions vary by region. Check your government's travel advisories (e.g., Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs) before booking. Many travellers visit Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) without issues, but central and southern Iraq have higher risks.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.