Iraq transit visa: seven-day stay and non-stop transit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes a transit visa that lets the holder enter Iraq once within three months of issue and stay for no more than seven days, for example to cross the country by road on the way to a third country. The non-stop transit visa is narrower: it allows one passage through Iraqi territory, under the supervision of the competent authorities and without stopping, within three months of issue.

Both follow the general visa conditions: a passport valid for at least six months that allows onward travel or return, an application form with two photos, and no ground for refusal on health, security or similar reasons.

The Embassy in Washington charges USD 50 for a transit visa, in cash, and allows 15 business days because approval must come from the Directorate of Residency Affairs in Iraq. Other missions may charge different amounts; ask the mission responsible for your place of residence.

On 4 March 2026, as flights in the region were disrupted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a ministerial order of the Minister of Interior authorising heads of residency and passport sections at land border crossings to grant transit visas valid for seven days from entry to travellers wishing to cross Iraq and leave it. The authorisation was granted for one month, to be reviewed according to developments; check whether it is still in force before relying on it.

Iraqi visas cannot be extended once they expire. If a border closure prevented entry, the residency office at the border can annotate the visa and let the holder enter within seven days of the border reopening; otherwise a new approval and new fee are required.