🇮🇶 Iraq visa for Canada citizens

Most Western passports get you a visa on arrival, but it's a gamble. Expect 30 days, and have $75 cash ready.

Who Gets In and How

Getting into Iraq as a tourist isn't as complicated as it used to be, but it's far from straightforward. For citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries, you're generally looking at a visa on arrival. The process typically involves presenting your passport at immigration, filling out a form, and paying a fee. This has been the standard, but always have a backup plan. Some nationalities do require pre-arranged visas, which means applying through an Iraqi embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby one. This can take weeks. It's a good idea to check the latest requirements with the Iraqi embassy nearest you before booking anything. For some nationalities, there's a visa-on-arrival option that costs $75 and grants 30 days of entry. Always carry enough USD cash to cover this; card machines are rare.

How Long Can You Stay, Really?

The standard tourist visa, whether obtained on arrival or beforehand, usually grants you 30 days. This is typically a single-entry permit. If you plan to leave Iraq and re-enter, you'll need a double-entry visa, which isn't always straightforward to obtain. The biggest gotcha here is how your stay is logged. You'll get an entry stamp, and upon departure, an exit stamp. Ensure these match up. Overstaying is where things get sticky. While official penalties can vary, expect fines that can add up fast. A common figure mentioned is around $50 per day for overstaying, but this can escalate. More critically, an overstay can lead to detention and deportation, making future travel to Iraq much harder, if not impossible. Always be mindful of your exit date.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

This is a massive grey area. Officially, a tourist visa is for tourism only. Working remotely for a foreign company while on an Iraqi tourist stamp isn't explicitly legal and could technically be seen as a violation. However, enforcement is inconsistent. Most immigration officials are more concerned with your passport and entry/exit stamps than with what you're doing on your laptop. You won't find many digital nomads openly advertising their remote work from Baghdad cafes. The risk is low, but not zero. If you're discreet and aren't attracting attention, you're unlikely to face issues. But if authorities specifically investigate your activities, it could become a problem. Don't expect to find co-working spaces or readily available high-speed internet outside major hotels and some cafes.

What's Changed Recently?

Iraq has been trying to boost tourism and ease entry for foreigners. The introduction of an eVisa system has been a significant step. This system aims to streamline the application process for certain nationalities, allowing you to apply online before you travel. The fees for the eVisa have been around $75, similar to the on-arrival fee. However, the rollout has been gradual, and its availability can fluctuate. Some reports suggest expansions to more nationalities, while others indicate temporary suspensions due to security concerns or technical issues. Always check the official Iraqi Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites for the most current information on eVisa eligibility and application procedures. The situation can change with little notice.