Entry requirements for Iraq

Iraq is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a millennia-old history, stretching from Sumerian cities to modern metropolises. Here you can see ancient mosques and bustling bazaars reflecting the region's complex history.

Before traveling to Iraq, it is important to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements. The visa regime depends on the traveler's nationality, as well as the purpose and duration of stay. For most countries, a visa is required to enter Iraq. Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival, while others require prior authorization. More details in the "Import of animals" section.

The main international flights to Iraq arrive at Baghdad and Erbil airports. Tourists transiting through should be aware of the border crossing rules and document requirements in advance. In the following articles, we will examine all the details to ensure your journey is comfortable and safe.

For a trip to Iraq, you need a visa, and you can apply for it in several ways. Depending on the purpose of the visit, travelers can choose a tourist, business, transit, or multiple-entry visa. The most convenient option is to apply for a visa to Iraq online in advance. This will save time, eliminate bureaucratic complexities, and ensure guaranteed entry into the country. For more detailed information on types of visas and the application process, please refer to the Visas section.

Since March 1, 2025, Iraq has changed its visa policy, canceling the issuance of visas on arrival for citizens of the European Union and several other countries. Now travelers from these countries need to apply for an electronic visa in advance through the official platform.

However, citizens of some countries can still obtain a visa on arrival at the Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport. These countries are:

The Kurdistan Region (Southern Kurdistan) provides a visa-free stamp for 30 days. However, this stamp is only valid in Kurdistan and does not allow travel to other parts of Iraq. For more information on the visa regime of Kurdistan, read the section "Visas"

Countries whose citizens can enter Kurdistan without a visa:

Although adults do not need a negative PCR test to enter Iraq, and vaccinations are not mandatory for obtaining a visa, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends getting a series of vaccinations before traveling to protect your health.

Recommended vaccinations:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) - recommended for all travelers born after 1956. If vaccination has not been done before, 2 doses are required.
• Diphtheria-tetanus - vaccination required every 10 years. Before traveling, it is important to check your vaccination card.
• Flu - seasonal vaccination recommended from November to April. It is especially important for children and travelers over 65 years old to get vaccinated.
• Hepatitis A - vaccination is recommended for all travelers, as the virus is transmitted through water and food.
• Typhoid - necessary for those who plan to eat and drink outside of major restaurants and hotels.
• Hepatitis B - vaccination recommended for all travelers.
• Rabies - especially important for those planning to travel through rural areas or be in close contact with animals, where the risk of bites and contact with bats is higher.
• Polio - all children should be vaccinated according to their age. Adults who have not completed the standard vaccination course are recommended to do so before the trip. Those who were vaccinated in childhood need a one-time booster.

Before traveling to Iraq, it is recommended to consult a doctor and get vaccinated in advance, as it may take several weeks to develop immunity

When applying for a visa and entering Iraq with children, special requirements for documents and vaccinations must be taken into account.

Visa for Children

• Children under 15 years old require a medical certificate confirming full vaccination against poliomyelitis (at least 5 doses of oral polio vaccine) to obtain a visa.
• To apply for a visa at the Embassy of Iraq, you need to provide:
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate (it is recommended to have the original with you).
  • If the child is listed in the parent's passport, the parent's visa will include a note about the joint trip.

When crossing the border of Iraq, it is mandatory to have:

• The child's birth certificate.
• The child's passport or the parent's passport in which the child is listed.
• A travel authorization for the child (if traveling without both parents):
  • If the child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized authorization from the other parent is required.
  • If the child is traveling with third parties, a notarized authorization from both parents is required.

Import of pets into Iraq is allowed, but certain requirements must be met:

• International veterinary passport with up-to-date information about the pet.
• Certificate of vaccination, including mandatory rabies vaccination done no later than 30 days, but no earlier than 12 months before entry.
• Veterinary health certificate issued no later than 10 days before the trip.

Animals undergo veterinary control at the airport or border. In some cases, an additional examination by a veterinarian may be required.

Knowledge of customs rules for entry and norms of import and export is extremely important for all travelers, even if the trip is not business-related. While most tourists focus on entry rules, exit norms from the country also require attention as they may significantly differ.

Items allowed for export:

Foreign currency: there are no restrictions on the export of foreign currency, but amounts exceeding $10,000 US dollars or their equivalent are subject to mandatory declaration.

Prohibited items for export:

• Narcotic substances and prohibited drugs.
• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special permission.
• Antiques, items of cultural heritage, and archaeological finds.
• Counterfeit goods and pirate products.
• Literature, audio and video materials that violate public morality or contain criticism of the government.

Restricted items for export:

• Some categories of goods require special permits or documents:
• Local currency (Iraqi dinar) - its export is restricted and possible only with the appropriate permission.
• Precious metals and stones may require obtaining a license or permission from the relevant authorities.
• Products of plant and animal origin are subject to sanitary and veterinary control.
• Medicines - in large quantities or prescription drugs require the presence of appropriate documentation.

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Head of Mission: His Excellency Ole Diehl
• Address Baghdad - Al-Mansour - Hunting Club Street Telephone 07901922526- 07901108793
• Email info@bagdad.diplo.de

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Head of Mission/Consul General: Mark Eichhorn
• Address Erbil - Kirkuk Street - Opposite Salahaddin University
• Telephone 004922817800413 - 07507907909
• Email info@erbil.diplo.de