1. Why is a visa mandatory and which one should you choose?
As of 1 March 2025, Iraq has abolished its previous visas on arrival. Nationals of Poland – just like nationals of the other 36 privileged countries – must apply for an e‑visa before departure. The document is issued as a PDF file with a QR code, which you must print out and present to the airline at check‑in; without it you may be denied boarding. The e‑visa allows entry through all international airports (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) and main land border crossings.
If your trip is limited exclusively to the autonomous Region of Iraqi Kurdistan (KRI) – the provinces of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok and Halabja – you may choose a Kurdistan e‑visa or, under certain conditions, a visa on arrival in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah. This visa does not entitle you to continue travelling to southern Iraq; you will be refused passage at federal checkpoints without a full Iraqi visa.
2. Types and parameters of visas
Iraqi e‑visa (entire country)
Single entry, stay up to 30 days.
Entry must take place within 90 days of the date of issue.
Government fee: EUR 140–160 (exchange rates vary depending on the payment system).
Processing time: 1–3 working days in standard mode, as little as 12 hours in express mode.
Available as tourist and business variants; for business it is advisable to add a partner’s invitation, even though the system does not formally require it.
Kurdistan e‑visa (KRI only)
Single entry, stay up to 30 days.
Valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Government fee: 103,500 IQD (≈ USD 70); for online payment an additional 3,500 IQD transaction fee is charged.
Processing time usually 1–2 days; in some cases it is issued automatically after several minutes.
Alternatively, it can be obtained at the airport, but in high season queues do occur, so experts recommend the online version.
Special categories (journalist, NGO, religious activity) require submitting an application at the Embassy of Iraq in Warsaw; processing takes 7–14 days and involves the need to provide accreditation or an organisation letter.
3. Documents and technical requirements
Passport valid for at least six months after the planned departure date.
Colour scan of the biographical data page of the passport in good quality (min. 300 dpi).
Biometric photo on a white background (min. 300 × 400 px; for Kurdistan 400 × 600 px).
Optional: hotel reservation or invitation letter.
Children under 15 – certificate confirming five doses of polio vaccine.
You upload all files in a single form; once approved, you will receive an e‑mail with the decision. The visa is a PDF file – print it in colour in A4 format.
4. Insurance and health matters
Iraq – including its northern, relatively calmer region – requires solid insurance covering medical treatment and medical evacuation. Providers in Poland sell policies extended to include war risk; without such an extension, the insurer may refuse reimbursement. You must purchase insurance before departure and carry it with you in paper form or as a PDF on your phone.
5. Security – realities in 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to 15 of Iraq’s 19 provinces, especially Baghdad, Basra, Anbar, Nineveh and Karbala, where there is still a serious threat of terrorist attacks. Entry into Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok) is considered relatively safer, but even there you are advised to exercise maximum caution, avoid public gatherings and places linked to Iraqi security forces. Always monitor local announcements and alert apps (e.g. SafeTravel).
6. Extension of stay and penalties for overstay
The period of lawful stay is calculated from the date of the entry stamp. Exceeding 30 days is subject to a penalty of USD 100 per day and the obligation to obtain an exit visa from the Ministry of the Interior; more serious infringements may result in a ban on re‑entry. Want to stay longer? Submit an application for extension at least one week before your visa expires.
7. Step by step – how to obtain an Iraqi e‑visa
Complete the official online form (available in English); in the “port of entry” section, indicate the airport or land border crossing.
Upload scans of your passport and photo, and, if applicable, a hotel reservation / invitation letter.
Pay the fee by card (Mastercard / Visa); the system also accepts selected mobile wallets.
Receive an e‑mail confirmation with your application number; you can track the status online.
Download your approved e‑visa – a PDF file with a QR code. Print it and keep it with your passport.
At the border present your passport, e‑visa and insurance; the officer will take your fingerprint and stamp the date of entry.
With the express service, the entire process can be completed within 12 hours.
8. How to apply for a Kurdistan e‑visa
Go to the official KRG portal or use a trusted intermediary.
Upload a scan of your passport and a photo; verification usually takes 1–2 days.
Pay 103,500 IQD; download and print the PDF confirmation immediately.
Upon arrival in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah, go to the “Visa” desk for an entry stamp – this takes a few minutes.
9. Travel preparation – checklist
Passport at least 6 months’ validity and at least one blank page.
Printed e‑visa (Iraq or KRI).
Return ticket or onward ticket; airlines may verify it at check‑in.
Hotel reservation for the first nights or an invitation letter.
Travel insurance with war‑risk clause.
Funds – in KRI cash in USD or IQD; in Baghdad cards rarely work.
For children < 15 – polio vaccination certificate.
SafeTravel/MFA app – register your trip and enable crisis notifications.
10. FAQ – answers to the most common questions
Can I enter Baghdad with only a Kurdistan e‑visa?
No. This visa is valid only within the KRI. You need a full nationwide e‑visa for the rest of Iraq.Can an e‑visa be multiple‑entry?
No. The Iraq e‑Visa system issues single‑entry visas only.How long do I have to enter from the date of issue?
90 days in both systems (Iraqi and Kurdistan).What are the realistic processing times?
Typically 1–3 days; up to a week in high season. Express mode can be completed within 12 hours (Iraq) or a few hours (KRI).Is an Israeli stamp in the passport a problem?
Yes. The authorities may refuse boarding or entry at a federal border crossing.
Summary
In 2025, the only way for Polish nationals to enter Iraq legally is via an e‑visa issued online: a full (EUR 140–160) visa for the entire country or a Kurdistan visa (≈ USD 70) valid exclusively in the north. The key requirements are: passport valid for 6 months, correct scans, a printed PDF with QR code and insurance including war risk. Overstaying means a risk of a USD 100 per day fine and a re‑entry ban, and lack of the appropriate visa will prevent you from boarding the aircraft. Prepare your documents in advance, monitor MFA security alerts and enjoy less‑travelled, though still demanding, routes across ancient Mesopotamia. Selamat rêwiştin! (“Safe travels!”)