Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Electronic Visa System Expansion
Iraq has expanded its e-Visa platform for faster processing, allowing many nationalities to apply online for a 30-day single-entry visa ($77 fee). The system is now available for more countries, with approvals typically within 24-72 hours, making it easier for spontaneous travelers.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Iraq, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Iraq does not recognize passports from certain countries like Israel, so alternative documentation may be needed for affected travelers.
Always carry your passport as it's required for checkpoints and hotel check-ins throughout the country.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a limited number of countries, including Jordan, Turkey, and Bahrain, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. However, even visa-free visitors must register with local authorities within 10 days of arrival.
For extended stays, apply for an extension at the Residency Department in major cities like Baghdad or Erbil.
Visa Applications
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at international airports like Baghdad (BGW) or Erbil (EBL) for $77, valid for 30 days. For e-Visas, apply via the official Iraqi Ministry of Interior website, providing proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (at least $50/day).
Processing for e-Visas takes 1-5 days; always check for updates as policies can change based on security situations.
Border Crossings
Land borders with Turkey (Ibrahim Khalil) and Jordan (Al-Waleed) are open but require prior visa approval and may involve security checks. Air entry is recommended for first-time visitors due to streamlined processes at airports.
Expect thorough inspections at all entry points, including baggage scans and interviews about your itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for entry, covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and political risks given Iraq's security context. Policies should include at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and be from a reputable international provider.
Additional riders for adventure activities like desert tours in the south are advisable; costs start at $10/day.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Baghdad or regional directorates in Erbil and Basra, requiring a letter from your sponsor or hotel and proof of onward travel. Fees are around $50, and processing takes 3-7 days.
Overstaying can result in fines of $10/day or deportation, so plan ahead for longer cultural explorations.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Iraq uses the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Baghdad or Erbil by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at traditional eateries or street vendors for masgouf fish or dolma under 10,000 IQD, avoiding upscale tourist spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local souks in Mosul or Najaf offer fresh fruits, nuts, and ready-made meals at bargain prices year-round.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared taxis or buses between cities like Baghdad to Erbil for 20,000-30,000 IQD, which are far cheaper than private hires.
In urban areas, daily transport cards or apps for ride-sharing can cut costs by 40% for multiple trips.
Free Attractions
Explore ancient sites like Babylon ruins, Ziggurat of Ur, or walking tours in Erbil Citadel, which are often free or low-cost and provide deep cultural immersion.
Many mosques and historical markets have no entry fees, allowing budget travelers to experience Iraq's heritage without expense.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and malls in Baghdad and Erbil, but cash in small IQD notes is essential for markets, taxis, and rural areas.
Use ATMs in secure locations for withdrawals to get better rates; avoid airport exchanges due to high fees.
Group Tours & Discounts
Join organized group tours to southern marshes or northern mountains for 50,000 IQD/day including transport, which reduces individual costs significantly.
Student or senior discounts are available at some sites; multi-day packages often include meals and guides for better value.
Smart Packing for Iraq
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for women visiting religious sites like Karbala or Najaf; include long sleeves and scarves for cultural respect.
Layer for variable desert climates, with breathable cotton for heat and light jackets for cooler evenings in the north.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type C, D, and G plugs, a portable power bank for long days at ruins, offline maps like Maps.me, and a VPN for secure internet access.
Download Arabic/Kurdish translation apps and keep devices charged, as electricity can be unreliable outside major cities.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense sun exposure.
Include hand sanitizer, water purification tablets, and insect repellent for marsh areas; vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid are recommended.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for site visits, reusable water bottle with filter, quick-dry towel for hammam experiences, and IQD cash in small bills.
Bring passport copies, a money belt or secure pouch, and a scarf for dust storms in desert regions.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or closed-toe shoes for dusty archaeological sites like Hatra, and sturdy boots for hiking in Kurdistan's mountains.
Dust-proof and breathable options are key; avoid high heels due to uneven terrain in historic areas.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries, moisturizer for dry air, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, and a wide-brim hat for sun protection during outdoor explorations.
Pack lip balm with SPF and any feminine hygiene products, as availability varies in rural southern Iraq.
When to Visit Iraq
Spring (March-May)
Optimal season with mild temperatures of 20-30°C, blooming landscapes in Kurdistan, and comfortable weather for exploring ancient Mesopotamian sites like Nineveh.
Fewer crowds at festivals in Erbil and ideal for outdoor activities like boating in the Mesopotamian Marshes without extreme heat.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, best for indoor cultural visits to museums in Baghdad or air-conditioned sites in the north.
Avoid southern deserts; focus on high-altitude areas like Duhok for slightly cooler escapes, though expect peak heat in urban centers.
Autumn (September-November)
pleasant weather around 25-35°C with clear skies, perfect for hiking in the Zagros Mountains and touring southern shrines during harvest time.
Lower humidity and vibrant souks in Basra; great for photography at sunset over the Euphrates River with reduced tourist numbers.
Winter (December-February)
Cooler temperatures of 10-20°C, budget-friendly for visiting snow-capped peaks in Kurdistan or rainy-season marshes teeming with wildlife.
Ideal for religious pilgrimages in Najaf and Karbala with fewer crowds; pack layers for chilly evenings and occasional rain in the north.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD). ATMs available in cities; exchange USD cash for best rates. Cards accepted in urban hotels but cash preferred elsewhere.
- Language: Arabic (official in central/south), Kurdish (official in north). English spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations in Erbil/Baghdad.
- Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C (Europlug), D, and G (British three-pin) plugs; power outages common, so bring a surge protector.
- Emergency Number: Police 102, Ambulance 122, Fire 115; international +964 prefix for calls abroad
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants or 2,000-5,000 IQD for guides/drivers
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water unsafe in most areas. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities (look for "Saydalaya" signs); stock basic meds but bring prescriptions for chronic conditions.