Iraq Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
British nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Iraq for up to 60 days at a cost of $75 USD. However, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to most of Iraq, with slightly different advice for the Kurdistan Region in the north. The security situation across much of the country remains very serious.
United Kingdom passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Iraq ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Baghdad International Airport and Basra International Airport for those travelling against FCDO advice. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil issues its own visas at Erbil International Airport separately from the Baghdad federal government. Carry USD cash for the fee as card payments are unreliable.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Iraq: What You Need to Know
The FCDO advises against all travel to most of Iraq due to ongoing threats from terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), encompassing Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk governorates, has a separate entry system and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel there. British nationals have been targeted in kidnapping operations.
Practical Tips
If you travel despite FCDO advice, register with the FCDO and arrange a comprehensive security briefing with your organisation or employer before arriving. Maintain a very low profile. The Iraqi dinar (IQD) is the local currency but USD is widely accepted. Medical facilities are severely limited outside major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for UK citizens to travel to Iraq?
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to most of Iraq due to terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping threats. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) has a separate, slightly more permissive FCDO advisory of against all but essential travel. Check current FCDO advice before making any plans.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Iraq?
UK nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Iraq for up to 60 days at a cost of approximately $75 USD, available at Baghdad and Basra airports. The Kurdistan Regional Government issues separate visas at Erbil International Airport. Both are subject to the FCDO advisory against travel.
Is the Kurdistan Region of Iraq safer than the rest of Iraq?
The Kurdistan Region (KRI) has a significantly better security record than southern and central Iraq and has its own well-established security forces. However, the UK FCDO still advises against all but essential travel to the KRI, and the security situation can change rapidly, particularly near the borders with the rest of Iraq and Iran.
What currency is used in Iraq?
The Iraqi dinar (IQD) is the official currency throughout Iraq. In the Kurdistan Region, both Iraqi dinar and US dollars are widely accepted. USD is preferred for many larger transactions. UK pounds sterling are not commonly exchanged outside major cities.