Travel Documents Required: Uk To Iraq

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iraq, except for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), to which travel is advised against unless essential. If you choose to travel to Iraq, you must have a visa and a passport valid for at least six months on entry. British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq, but it is recommended that you obtain your visa prior to departure.

Visa requirements for UK citizens

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iraq, except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Even then, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI. If you choose to travel despite this advice, you must have a visa to enter Iraq.

To enter Iraq, your passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least six months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page. You must also pay any visa fees in US dollars by credit card, as cash is no longer accepted.

You may be eligible for a visit visa on arrival in Iraq, but you should check with the Iraqi Embassy in London or the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester before you travel. The government of the KRI has introduced a new e-visa process, which is only valid for travel in KRI.

If you are travelling to Iraq for business, you must provide an original Business Introduction Letter from your UK employer, printed on company letterhead. You will also need a letter of invitation from the country of destination, approved and transmitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you are a journalist, you will need to submit a letter from your news channel.

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

Passport validity

To enter Iraq, your passport must meet several validity requirements. Your passport must have an expiry date of at least six months after the date you arrive in Iraq and have at least one blank page. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet all the requirements. If they do not, you will need to renew your passport.

You will be denied entry to Iraq if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. It is also important to note that British passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Iraq. You may be eligible to get a visit visa on arrival in Iraq, but you must check with the Iraqi Embassy in London or the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester before you travel.

Safety advice for foreigners

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Even then, it advises against all but essential travel to KRI. The security situation in Iraq is volatile and could deteriorate with little warning. There is a high threat of terrorist attacks, violent crime, armed conflict, kidnapping, and terrorism. If you are a UK citizen, you should be extremely cautious and follow the safety advice outlined below:

• Always carry a form of photographic ID, such as your passport or residence permit, as it is illegal not to do so.
• Keep your travel documents up to date in case you need to leave Iraq at short notice.
• Avoid rallies, marches, processions, and large public gatherings, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Be aware that curfews and vehicle bans can be issued at short notice, especially during protests, civil unrest, religious holidays, pilgrimages, and political events.
• Be vigilant and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid potential targets such as airports, public transport, land border crossings, markets, stores, hotels, restaurants, government buildings, military establishments, residential compounds, religious sites, and political events. If you must visit them, always have an exit plan.
• Be aware that there is a heightened threat of attacks against Western interests, and foreign nationals are high-value targets.
• Take security precautions such as getting advice from a private security company, making arrangements for secure accommodation and transport, having contingency plans in place, staying up to date with local media, and considering pre-deployment training.
• If you are a journalist, be extremely cautious and take adequate security measures as authorities may detain you under allegations of inadequate paperwork.
• Be aware of local laws and customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. For example, it is illegal to drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the daytime, and there are severe penalties, including the death penalty, for certain crimes.
• If you plan to drive in Iraq, be aware that road travel is dangerous due to low driving standards, frequent accidents, fake vehicle checkpoints, carjacking, and robbery. Always keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up.
• Be cautious when approached by strangers in airports, and do not accept offers of help or transport.
• Be aware of scams and only deal with official government channels when applying for visas.
• Monitor local media and other sources for safety updates, as the security situation may change at short notice.

COVID-19 entry requirements

As of 25 May 2023, there are no COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iraq. This means that there are no longer any requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine, or entry forms.

However, it is important to note that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iraq except for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and against all but essential travel to KRI. If you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, you should research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance.

Other essential travel documents

• Visa: British citizens need a visa to enter Iraq. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah International Airport, or you can apply for an e-visa before travelling. However, it is recommended that you obtain your visa before departure, as entry is not guaranteed without one.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Iraq and have at least one blank page.
• Proof of funds: You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds for your trip.
• Proof of onward travel: You will need to show proof of onward or return travel, such as airline tickets.
• Documents for the next destination: Ensure you have all the necessary documents for your next destination if you are transiting through Iraq.
• Health documents: There are no specific vaccination requirements for Iraq, but it is recommended that you take the necessary precautions and consult a healthcare professional before your trip.
• Travel insurance: Make sure you have adequate travel insurance that covers your itinerary, planned activities, and any potential emergencies.
• Driving documents: If you plan to drive in Iraq, you will need an International Driving Permit, as well as photo identification and a legally certified copy of your visa and registration.
• Customs declaration: When entering or exiting Iraq, you must declare currency or items valued over 200,000 Iraqi dinars (10,000 US dollars) or the equivalent in other foreign currencies.
• Other identification: Keep a photocopy of your passport, visa, and registration in a safe place, as you may need to present these documents to local authorities.

Frequently asked questions