Entry/Exit Requirements

Required Travel Documents:

1. Passport:  Valid for at least six months after dates of travel. 
2. Visa:  Apply with the Embassy of Iraq in Washington, D.C.,
   
   

Within 10 days of the date of entry into Iraq, most travelers must:

1. Obtain an arrival sticker
2. Submit a blood test (does not apply to tourist visa holders)
3. Obtain a residency stamp
   
   

Arrival Sticker:  The arrival sticker is available at a Residency Office in Iraq. Visitors who exceed the 10-day period can be fined USD $420 (subject to change). 

Blood Test:  All visitors and new residents to Iraq, with the exception of those travelling on a tourist visa, must have a blood test for HIV and hepatitis within 10 days of arrival or face a USD $125 fine. The test must then be repeated every 90 days while in Iraq. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at the airport upon arrival. In the Kurdistan Region, travelers only need to have this blood test if staying for more than 15 days.

Residency Stamp:  There is a USD $420 penalty for visitors who do not obtain the required residency stamp within their first 10 days in country.  Visitors staying less than 10 days do not require this stamp.  A U.S. citizen who plans to stay longer than two months must apply at the Residency Office for an extension.

Exit Stamp:  Before departing the country, U.S. citizens must obtain an exit stamp at a residency office.  Contractors in the International Zone (IZ) 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 $500, depending on length of stay, type of entry visa, and other factors.  Travelers who hold a tourist passport with no visa or an expired visa are required to purchase an exit visa for USD $80 and pay a fine of USD $45 for a total of USD $125 (subject to change).  The requirement and cost of an exit stamp may differ if the U.S. citizen passport holder has Iraqi ancestry.  Visitors who arrive via official aircraft but depart on commercial airlines must pay a USD $82 (subject to change) single entry visa departure fee at the airport.  Visitors who intend to return to Iraq will require a re-entry visa, also available through a local residency office.

U.S. Government Contractors:  The Government of Iraq’s requirements for entry and residency for U.S. government contractors differ.  Persons traveling to Iraq to work on U.S. government contracts should check with their contracting company and contracting officer’s representative to determine entry and residency procedures and requirements.  Contractors receive an Iraqi visa tied specifically to the contract and will be in violation of Iraqi immigration law if found to be violating the terms of the visa, including by overstaying.  The process for obtaining these visas can be lengthy, so such individuals should apply early and remain in close contact with their contracting company during the visa process.

Private U.S. Citizens Traveling for Work:  U.S. citizens traveling to Iraq for the purpose of employment should check with their employers and with the Embassy of Iraq in Washington, D.C. for any special entry or exit requirements related to employment. 

Residency Offices:  Each province has a Residency Office in the provincial capital.  In Baghdad, the main Residency Office is located near the National Theater.  In Basrah, the Residency Office is located on Kuwait Street in Ashar.  In Erbil, the Residency Office is located on 100 Meter Street, next to the General Directorate of Passport and Nationality, opposite Royal Empire Towers. 

Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) Entry/Exit Requirements:  As of the date of this report, immigration officials in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) were routinely allowing U.S. citizens to enter Iraq without a valid Iraqi visa; however, the airport-issued IKR visa is not valid outside the IKR, and U.S. citizens are not permitted to travel within the rest of Iraq with only the IKR-issued visa.  This visa is valid only in the IKR for a period of 15 days.  U.S. citizens who plan to stay for longer than 15 days require an extension to their visa; this can be obtained by visiting the local residency office.  In addition, it is difficult for U.S. citizens to obtain residency authorization outside the IKR without first obtaining a valid Iraqi visa.

Embassy of Iraq, Washington, D.C.:  Visit the Embassy of Iraq for the most current visa information.  The Embassy of Iraq is located at 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007; phone number is 202-742-1600; fax number is 202-333-1129.

HIV/AIDS:  Iraq has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on all visitors and new residents must have an HIV blood test during their first 10 days in country or face a USD $125 fine.  At this time, there is no waiver available for this ineligibility.  Please verify this information with the Embassy of Iraq before you travel.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.