Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Iraqi citizens?

Iraqi passport holders can obtain visa-on-arrival in 17 countries: Madagascar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Lebanon, Macao (SAR China), Maldives, Mozambique, Palau, Rwanda, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Djibouti, and Niue. Requirements vary by destination, so verify current conditions with the destination's embassy before travel.

Can Iraqi passport holders get an e-visa for Turkey or UAE?

Yes. Iraqi citizens can apply for e-visas to both Turkey and the United Arab Emirates online before travel. Turkey's e-visa is processed through the official government portal, while the UAE offers online visa applications through approved channels. Processing times typically range from 3-7 business days. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.

Is military service mandatory for Iraqi citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Yes, military service is mandatory for Iraqi male citizens aged 18-45. Males of conscription age may face restrictions on passport issuance or renewal until they complete service or obtain an exemption. Exemptions exist for sole family providers, students, and certain medical conditions. Contact the Iraqi Ministry of Interior or nearest Iraqi consulate for specific documentation requirements.

What documents are required to apply for an Iraqi passport?

Required documents include: valid Iraqi national ID (civil status ID), birth certificate, citizenship certificate, four recent passport-size photos (white background), completed application form, and proof of payment. Males must provide military service documentation (completion certificate or exemption). Applications are submitted to the Directorate of Nationality or Iraqi embassies abroad. Processing takes 2-8 weeks depending on location.

Can Iraqi citizens travel to Europe or the Schengen Area?

Iraqi passport holders require a visa to enter all Schengen countries and the UK. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy/consulate of your main destination country. Required documents include valid passport, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, return tickets, and financial means. Approval rates vary; processing takes 15-30 days.

Which countries completely ban entry for Iraqi passport holders?

Based on current data, Israel does not permit entry for Iraqi passport holders due to political tensions and lack of diplomatic relations. Syria, while technically requiring a visa, has highly restricted entry due to ongoing conflict. Always verify current entry policies with embassies, as restrictions change based on diplomatic relations and security situations.

Can Iraqi passport holders transit through Dubai or Qatar without a visa?

For Dubai (UAE): Iraqi citizens can obtain a transit visa or tourist e-visa for layovers. Qatar offers visa-on-arrival for Iraqi nationals for stays up to 30 days, which covers transit periods. However, airline policies vary—some require visa confirmation before boarding. Contact your airline and verify current UAE/Qatar entry requirements before booking transit flights.

How has the Iraqi passport ranking changed over the years?

The Iraqi passport has fluctuated significantly: it ranked 81st globally in 2006 (15 visa-free countries), dropped to 115th in 2021 (28 visa-free), and improved to 104th in 2025 (29 visa-free). The ranking remains among the weakest globally due to security concerns, diplomatic relations, and regional instability, though slight improvements have occurred through bilateral agreements.

Do Iraqi passport holders have the right to work in visa-free countries?

No. Visa-free access typically allows tourism only, not employment. Iraqi citizens must obtain work visas or permits to legally work abroad, even in visa-free destinations. Malaysia, for example, grants visa-free entry for tourism but requires separate work authorization. Always check specific country immigration and labor laws. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future entry bans.

Iraq Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 29 Countries

The Iraq passport currently ranks 104th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 29 destinations worldwide. Iraqi passport holders face significant travel restrictions compared to many other nationalities, reflecting the country's limited international mobility. Historically, the passport's ranking has fluctuated between 81st and 115th place since 2006, with visa-free access ranging from 27 to 31 countries. Despite its low ranking, the Iraqi passport provides essential travel documentation for citizens seeking international opportunities, though most destinations require advance visa applications.

Global Rank

#104

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Iraq passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

149

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Iraqi Citizens

Popular destinations where Iraq passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Malaysia	Up to 90 days	MY
Turkey	Up to 90 days	TR
Jordan	Up to 90 days	JO
Lebanon	Up to 180 days	LB
Iran	Up to 90 days	IR

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Iraq passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

9 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

17 countries

🔐 ETA Required

3 countries

Sri Lanka
Kenya
Seychelles

💻 E-Visa

48 countries

❌ Visa Required

149 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Iraq's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 23 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Iraq Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq

🔗

U.S. Department of State - Iraq Travel Advisory

🔗

UK Foreign Office - Iraq Travel Advice

🔗

Global Affairs Canada - Iraq Travel Advice

🔗

Australian DFAT - Iraq Travel Advice

Compare Iraq Passport with Other Passports

See how Iraq's passport compares with other MIDDLE EAST in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Iraq (You are here)	#104	29	28/100	52/100
Lebanon	#96	44	28/100	28/100
Iran	#98	41	12/100	8/100
Palestinian Territory	#99	39	8/100	60/100
Yemen	#103	31	8/100	8/100
Syria	#105	26	3/100	47/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Iraqi passport holders can visit 9 countries visa-free: Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Malaysia, Micronesia, Suriname, Zambia, Tunisia, and Iran. Additionally, 17 countries offer visa-on-arrival, and 47 countries provide e-visa/online visa options. The Iraqi passport ranks 104th globally with 29 visa-free destinations.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Iraq's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Iraq Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 29 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 180 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Iraq's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 23 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Iraq Passport with Other Passports

See how Iraq's passport compares with other MIDDLE EAST in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Iraq (You are here)	#104	29	28/100	52/100
Lebanon	#96	44	28/100	28/100
Iran	#98	41	12/100	8/100
Palestinian Territory	#99	39	8/100	60/100
Yemen	#103	31	8/100	8/100
Syria	#105	26	3/100	47/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Iraq passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Iraqi Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Iraq's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Iraq Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Iraq Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Iraqi passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Iraqi citizens?

Can Iraqi passport holders get an e-visa for Turkey or UAE?

Is military service mandatory for Iraqi citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

What documents are required to apply for an Iraqi passport?

Can Iraqi citizens travel to Europe or the Schengen Area?

Which countries completely ban entry for Iraqi passport holders?

Can Iraqi passport holders transit through Dubai or Qatar without a visa?

How has the Iraqi passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Iraqi passport holders have the right to work in visa-free countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Iraq passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Iraqi Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Iraq's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Iraq Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Iraq Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Iraqi passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Iraqi citizens?

Can Iraqi passport holders get an e-visa for Turkey or UAE?

Is military service mandatory for Iraqi citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

What documents are required to apply for an Iraqi passport?

Can Iraqi citizens travel to Europe or the Schengen Area?

Which countries completely ban entry for Iraqi passport holders?

Can Iraqi passport holders transit through Dubai or Qatar without a visa?

How has the Iraqi passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Iraqi passport holders have the right to work in visa-free countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings