Is it safe to travel to Iraq right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Iraq’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Iraq set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Iraqi Embassy in the UK.

Entry to Saudi Arabia

British nationals who are trying to leave Iraq via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.

See ‘Entry requirements’ for Saudi Arabia.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Iraq, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Iraq.

You are no longer able to get a visit visa on arrival in Iraq. You must apply for a visa on the e-visa portal of the Government of Iraq at least 24 hours before you travel. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 60 days. Ensure that you have a return ticket in place or a ticket out of Iraq to a third destination. Without such a ticket in place, there is a risk of the airline refusing boarding.

e-visa for Kurdistan Region

The government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has introduced a new e-visa process. You can find the details and apply on the e-visa portal of the Kurdistan Region Government. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival. Both types of visas are valid for travel in KRI only.

Weapon Authority Cards

Make sure you have the right documents when you arrive in Iraq, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) if you are carrying weapons.

Foreign nationals have been arrested for failing to provide the correct documentation when requested.

HIV and hepatitis test

You must have a blood test for HIV and hepatitis unless you’re travelling on a visit visa. You must take the test within 10 days of arrival and repeat it every 90 days while you’re in Iraq. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at the airport when you arrive.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Iraq. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into or out of Iraq

On entering or exiting Iraq, you must declare:

• all local currency over 200,000 Iraqi dinars
• all currency or items valued over 10,000 US Dollars or the same value in any other foreign currency

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Iraq.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Federal Iraq

Canadian passport holders must have a visa to enter Iraq. If you are travelling by air via Baghdad International Airport, the visa must be obtained at an Iraqi Embassy or Consulate or online before travelling.

After 10 days in the country, you must register your arrival with the Iraqi Residence Office (Ministry of Interior). After three months in Iraq, you must apply for a one-year residence permit.

You will be subject to additional screening measures prior to being issued an Iraqi visa if your passport contains an Israeli visa or border stamp. This does not apply to Canadians travelling to the region of Kurdistan.

Electronic visa portal – Iraqi Ministry of Interior

Kurdistan Region of Iraq

You must obtain an electronic visa for Kurdistan online before travelling. If you plan to travel outside of Kurdistan to other regions of Iraq, you must obtain a distinct Iraqi visa prior to travelling.

If you leave federal Iraq or Kurdistan without a valid visa you may have to pay a fine upon departure.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).