Iraq Visa on Arrival (Airport Visa)
The most practical method for Turkish citizens traveling to Iraq by air is the "visa on arrival" application obtained at the airport without going to the consulate in advance. However, this application does not operate the same way at all airports, does not cover all passport types, and is often confused with the electronic visa (e-visa). On this page, we clarify where, how, and with what documents the visa on arrival can be obtained.
What is Visa on Arrival, Who is it Valid For?
Visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival) is an entry permit obtained instantly by applying to the visa office before passport control after landing at the airport. There is no need to fill out a form, prepare a photo, or go to the consulate in advance.
To benefit from this application:
- You must hold a public passport (red)
- You must have a direct flight to an international airport in Iraq by air
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel completion
Holders of special (green), service (gray), and diplomatic (black) passports are already exempt from visas for up to 90 days within 180 days; the visa on arrival process does not concern them.
At Which Airports Can You Obtain Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival application is divided into two different administrative regions depending on the airport you are going to. This distinction directly affects the provinces where the obtained visa will be valid.
| Airport | Region | Validity Area of the Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Baghdad | Central Government | Valid in all provinces of Iraq |
| Basra | Central Government | Valid in all provinces of Iraq |
| Najaf | Central Government | Valid in all provinces of Iraq |
| Mosul | Central Government | Valid in all provinces of Iraq |
| Erbil | Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (IKRG) | Only Dohuk, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah |
| Sulaymaniyah | Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (IKRG) | Only Dohuk, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah |
With a visa obtained from Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, or Mosul, entry is possible to all provinces of Iraq (including the North). However, it is not possible to enter provinces outside the IKB (for example, Baghdad, Basra) with an entry permit obtained in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah; this transition is considered a "border violation" and may lead to sanctions such as detention, fines, or deportation.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
The biggest advantage of the visa on arrival is that it does not require a heavy document load:
- Passport — A valid public passport with at least 6 months of validity, undamaged
- Cash US Dollars — To pay the visa fee; credit cards do not work at most visa counters
- Return flight ticket printout (recommended) — While not mandatory, it is beneficial to have it to clarify the purpose of travel
- Hotel reservation printout (recommended) — May be requested to show accommodation plans
Note: There is generally no official requirement to fill out a form or submit a photo at the airport visa counter; the process largely proceeds based on the passport and cash payment.
How Much is the Visa on Arrival Fee?
Since the visa fee can be updated throughout the year, it is recommended to confirm before applying. The general trend is as follows:
- Payment is made only in cash US Dollars.
- Credit cards, debit cards, or Turkish Lira are not accepted at most counters
- It should be noted that worn or old series banknotes may cause issues at some counters.
Verifying the current amount just before travel prevents delays that may occur at the counter.
Visa Process Step by Step
- After getting off the plane, before reaching the passport control point "Visa Office" / "Visa Counter" follow the sign.
- Submit your passport at the counter and pay the visa fee in cash.
- Proceed to the passport control point with the receipt you were given or the visa stamped in your passport.
- The process usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the crowd.
Visa on Arrival at the Land Border Gate (Habur/Ibrahim Khalil)
For those crossing through Habur Border Gate by their own vehicle or on foot, the process is slightly different from the airport:
- The process is carried out at the passport control point at Ibrahim Khalil Customs; instead of a separate "visa office" counter, you deal directly with the passport police.
- Filling out forms or submitting photos is not required here either.
- Those crossing by vehicle must also have a photocopy of the vehicle registration (if the vehicle is not owned by them, a notarized power of attorney is required).
- The entry permit obtained from this gate is only valid within the IKB (Dohuk, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) borders; this permit cannot be used to enter central provinces.
Difference Between Visa on Arrival and E-Visa (evisa.iq)
These two methods are often confused; however, they are different processes:
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | E-Visa (evisa.iq) |
|---|---|---|
| Application time | At the airport, instant | Before travel, online |
| Documents | Passport + cash | Passport scan, digital photo, residence document |
| Payment | Cash USD | Online, with card |
| Processing time | Instant (15-30 min) | Usually a few business days |
| In applicable cases | Tourist, planned airline travel | Cases where a visa guarantee is required in advance, business trips |
Having prior approval with an e-visa eliminates waiting time at the airport; it may be preferred especially for business trips or for those who want to foresee the risk of visa denial.
Validity Period and Scope of Visa on Arrival
- Visa on arrival is generally single entry.
- The standard stay duration is 30 days, in some cases this period can be extended up to 60 days, but this is at the discretion of the authority.
- The validity area of the visa varies according to the airport it was obtained from (see the table above): A visa sourced from Baghdad/Basra/Najaf/Mosul is valid throughout the country, while a visa sourced from Erbil/Sulaimani is only valid in the IKR.
- If an extension is needed, it is necessary to apply to the relevant "Asayiş" (immigration) units within Iraq.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out a form in advance for the visa on arrival? No, there is generally no requirement to fill out a form in advance at the airport visa desk; the process is conducted through passport and cash payment.
Can I pay the visa on arrival fee with a credit card? The general rule is to pay in cash in US Dollars; credit cards are not accepted at most counters, so it is recommended to have sufficient cash on hand.
Can I go to Baghdad with the visa on arrival I obtained in Erbil? No. The entry permit obtained in Erbil and Sulaimani is only valid within the IKR borders; crossing into central provinces with this permit is considered a border violation.
Is a visa on arrival or an e-visa more secure? The e-visa reduces uncertainty because it allows you to obtain approval before your trip. Although a visa on arrival is faster and more practical, it depends on the instant decision of the counter.
Can I also get a visa on arrival when passing through the land border? Yes, there is a visa on arrival application for those passing through the Habur/Ibrahim Khalil border gate, but this visa is only valid in the IKB region.