Entry & Documents

Visa & eVisa Guide for the Kurdistan Region

A clear, independent overview of how visitors from around the world can enter the Kurdistan Region of Iraq — visa on arrival, applying in advance, and the all-important difference from Federal Iraq.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Visa rules change — always verify before you travel

The information below is a general guide for independent travellers and is subject to change. Eligibility, fees, and permitted lengths of stay can be updated at short notice. Always confirm the current requirements with official government sources and your nearest Iraqi embassy or consulate before booking. VisitKurdistan.com is an independent travel guide and is not a government body or visa-issuing authority.

The one thing every traveller should understand

The Kurdistan Region is an autonomous region of Iraq — not a separate country — but it runs its own entry procedures. In practice this means there are effectively two systems.

Entering the Kurdistan Region

Many nationalities receive a visa/entry stamp on arrival at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports. This permission is valid for the Kurdistan Region only.

Entering Federal Iraq

Travelling on to Baghdad, Basra, or other federal areas requires a separate Federal Iraq visa. Don't assume a Kurdistan Region stamp covers the whole country.

Who needs what — by where you're from

Exact eligibility lists change often, so treat the groups below as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Confirm your own nationality's current status before you book.

Visa on arrival (no advance application)

Passport holders from many Western and developed economies are commonly issued a free or low-cost entry stamp on arrival into the Kurdistan Region, typically valid for around 30 days.

Commonly includes nationals of the EU/EEA, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states — among others.

Apply before you travel (eVisa or embassy visa)

Travellers from many countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere are usually expected to arrange an entry permit in advance — either online where an electronic system is available, or through a sponsor, hotel, or tour operator.

If your passport is not on a visa-on-arrival list, plan to apply ahead of time and allow several weeks for processing.

Onward travel into Federal Iraq

A Kurdistan Region entry stamp does not, on its own, permit travel into the rest of Federal Iraq. To continue to Baghdad, Basra, or other federal-controlled areas you need a separate Federal Iraq visa. Federal Iraq has its own visa-on-arrival and electronic options, but availability varies by nationality and can change — check the current federal rules separately.

If your itinerary mixes the Kurdistan Region with Federal Iraq, check both sets of rules before you fly.

How to apply, step by step

Confirm which system applies to you

Check whether your nationality qualifies for a stamp on arrival, an electronic permit, or an embassy visa. When in doubt, contact your nearest Iraqi diplomatic mission.

Prepare your documents

You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date with blank pages, a recent passport-style photo, return or onward travel details, and proof of accommodation.

Apply through the official channel

Where an electronic visa is offered, complete the online form, upload your documents, and pay any fee. Only ever use official government portals — never third-party sites that add unexplained charges.

Carry your approval and arrive prepared

Travel with a printed copy of any approval, your accommodation details, and enough funds. Border officers make the final decision on entry in all cases.

Only ever apply through official government channels. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge extra "service" fees or promise guaranteed approval — they are not the issuing authority.

Good to know before you go

Passport validity

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry and has blank pages for stamps.

Where you can enter

The main international gateways are Erbil International Airport (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU). Entry is also possible at some land crossings.

Land borders

Overland entry — for example from Türkiye via the Ibrahim Khalil crossing — is possible for eligible travellers, but requirements and opening hours change. Verify locally before setting out.

Length of stay & extensions

Stamps are usually issued for a fixed period (often around 30 days). If you wish to stay longer, ask about extensions at a residency office well before your permit expires to avoid overstay penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kurdistan Region a separate country with its own visa?+

No. The Kurdistan Region is an autonomous region of Iraq, not a separate country. However, it operates its own entry procedures, so the stamp or permit you receive to enter the Kurdistan Region is administered regionally and is valid only for the Kurdistan Region — not automatically for the rest of Federal Iraq.

Does a Kurdistan Region entry stamp let me travel to Baghdad or the rest of Iraq?+

Not by itself. To travel from the Kurdistan Region into Federal Iraq you generally need a separate Federal Iraq visa. Federal Iraq has introduced its own visa-on-arrival and electronic visa options for many nationalities, so check those rules separately if your trip includes both areas.

How long can I usually stay?+

Entry is commonly granted for around 30 days, but the exact length depends on your nationality and the officer's decision at the point of entry. If you need longer, ask about an extension at a residency office before your current permission runs out. Rules change, so confirm the current period before you travel.

Is there an official eVisa for the Kurdistan Region?+

Entry arrangements are modernising, and electronic options exist for parts of Iraq. Because the systems and eligible nationalities change frequently, the safest approach is to confirm the current process through official government channels or your nearest Iraqi diplomatic mission before booking.

Will an Israeli stamp in my passport cause problems?+

Entry decisions rest with the authorities, and policies on this can change. If you have any concern about previous travel stamps, seek up-to-date advice from your nearest Iraqi diplomatic mission before you travel.

Where can I get the most reliable, up-to-date information?+

Always cross-check with official government sources and your own country's foreign-travel advisory, and contact the nearest Iraqi embassy or consulate. Visa rules can change at short notice, so verify everything close to your departure date.

This page is general guidance only and is subject to change — please verify the current rules with official sources before you travel. For more on planning your visit, see our practical travel tips or build a day-by-day route with the trip planner.