Iraq entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
US citizens need a visa to enter Iraq, and the good news is you can get an eVisa online before you travel. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready. Here's what you need to know for 2026.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq eVisaUS citizens need a visa to enter Iraq; the eVisa is the standard way to get one. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa through the official Iraqi eVisa portal before departure. The application is submitted online and the eVisa must be approved prior to travel. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIraqi border officials need a blank page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence of your departure plans. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Iraq before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof can avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iraq, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Iraq. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your stay carefully; you cannot extend your visa. Not possible | The eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave Iraq before the visa expiry date. | Not required |
Security situation
Iraq has areas with significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, and avoid non-essential travel to high-risk regions.
eVisa is mandatory
US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You must apply for and receive your eVisa before you travel. Don't attempt to enter without it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online and submit. Processing typically takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy or save it on your phone—you'll need to show it at check-in and to Iraqi immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
When you land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or another entry point, head to the immigration desk. Present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your return ticket ready in case they ask.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Work visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires employment contract and security clearance.
Student visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires acceptance letter from Iraqi educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Iraq. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeStandard fee for US citizens; payable online. | $75 (single entry) |
| eVisa application fee (multiple entry)Optional if multiple entries needed. | $100 |
| Visa on arrival (if not pre-approved)Available at major airports; subject to approval. | $75 |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Baghdad or Erbil. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
US citizens transiting through Iraq (including airside) must obtain a transit visa in advance. No visa-free transit is available.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Basra International Airport (BSR) · Erbil International Airport (EBL)
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk exists in some regions, especially rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards pose risks.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the north (Kurdistan Region) and south; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for US 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 = 1,310.31 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
Processing usually takes a few business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/.
The fee is set by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is paid online during the application. Check the eVisa portal for the current amount—it's typically around $50–$100, but confirm before applying.
No, US citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Don't rely on getting one at the airport—you'll be denied boarding without it.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before your visa expires. Check the validity dates on your eVisa and plan your stay accordingly.
You'll need to renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Iraq.
No, Iraq does not require a yellow fever certificate for US citizens. However, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor for any recommended vaccinations before traveling.
The eVisa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Iraq, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa each time. Check your eVisa details for specifics.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.