Iraq Entry Requirements - Required Travel Documents for Travel to Iraq

Passports valid for at least six months and an Iraq visa are required for most private American citizens. An Iraqi visa may be obtained through the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. Travelers should not rely on obtaining a visa upon arrival at an airport or port of entry in any region of Iraq. Visitors to Iraq who plan to stay for more than 10 days must obtain a no-fee residency stamp. In Baghdad, the stamps are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater.

Travelers arriving to Iraq via the Kurdistan Region are required to obtain a visa through the Iraqi Embassy. Immigration officials in the Kurdistan Regional Governorate (KRG) routinely allow Americans to enter Iraq without a valid visa, however, the airport-issued visa is not valid outside of the KRG and Americans will not be permitted to travel within Iraq with the KRG-issued document. In addition, it is difficult for Americans to obtain residency authorization outside the KRG without first obtaining a valid Iraqi visa. Americans working or living in Iraq without a valid visa are strongly advised to depart Iraq and obtain a valid Iraqi visa at a Government of Iraq Embassy or Consulate.

There is a 10,000 Iraqi dinar (USD 8) penalty for visitors who do not obtain the required residency stamp. In order to obtain a residency stamp, applicants must produce valid credentials or proof of employment, two passport-sized photos, and HIV test results. An American citizen who plans to stay longer than two months must apply at the Residency Office for an extension. Americans traveling to Iraq for the purpose of employment should check with their employers and with the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. for any special entry or exit requirements related to employment. American citizens whose passports reflect travel to Israel may be refused entry into Iraq or may be refused an Iraqi visa, although to date there are no reported cases of this occurring.

U.S. citizens who remain longer than 10 days must obtain an exit stamp at the main Residency Office before departing the country. In Baghdad, they are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater. Contractors in the International Zone may also obtain exit stamps at the Karadah Mariam Police Station (available Sunday and Wednesday, 10:00-14:00). Exit stamp fees vary from USD 20 to USD 200, depending on the length of stay, entry visa and other factors. Those staying fewer than 10 days do not need to get an exit stamp before passing through Iraqi immigration at the airport. Visitors who arrive via military aircraft but depart on commercial airlines must pay a USD 80 departure fee at the airport.

Iraq does not allow visitors with HIV/AIDS to enter the country. At this time there is no waiver available for this ineligibility. However, please inquire directly with the Embassy of Iraq before you travel for any changes.

Visit the Iraqi Embassy website for the most current visa information. The Embassy is located at 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; phone number is 202-742-1600; the fax is 202-333-1129.

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