Iraqi passport holders are required to obtain a UAE e-visa before travelling to Dubai. Iraq is not on the UAE’s visa-on-arrival list, which means every Iraqi citizen — whether travelling for tourism, business, family visits, or shopping — must apply for a Dubai visa in advance. Known in Arabic as تأشيرة دبي للعراقيين, this e-visa is processed entirely online with no embassy visit, no queue, and no physical document submission required. Approval is sent directly to your email and presented at Dubai airport on arrival.
Do Iraqi citizens need a visa to enter Dubai?
Yes — a valid pre-approved UAE e-visa is mandatory for all Iraqi passport holders entering Dubai or any other UAE emirate. Iraqi nationals cannot obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport. The visa must be secured before you board your flight, and airlines operating out of Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Basra International Airport (BSR) will verify your visa during check-in. There are no exceptions for short stays, transit visits (unless remaining airside), or business travel.
UAE visa requirements for Iraqi citizens — documents needed
The document requirements for a Dubai visa from Iraq are simple. No bank statement is required for Iraqi applicants:
- Valid Iraqi passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. Ensure at least one blank page is available for the UAE entry stamp.
- Passport-size photograph: Recent colour photograph with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. Clear frontal view, no glasses or head coverings (except for religious purposes).
- Passport bio-data page scan: A high-resolution scan of your passport photo page. All four corners must be clearly visible with no blur, glare, or cropping.
- Return or onward flight ticket: Confirmed booking showing your planned departure from the UAE.
- Hotel booking or accommodation proof: A confirmed hotel reservation or invitation letter from a UAE-based host if staying with family.
Iraqi applicants do not need to provide bank statements, employment letters, or proof of salary for a standard Dubai tourist visa.
How much does a Dubai visa cost for Iraqi citizens?
| Visa Type | Stay | AED Fee | ≈ IQD | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry — 14 Days | 14 days | AED 375 | ≈ IQD 490,000 | 2–3 working days |
| Single Entry — 30 Days | 30 days | AED 400 | ≈ IQD 523,000 | 2–3 working days |
| Single Entry — 60 Days | 60 days | AED 600 | ≈ IQD 784,000 | 2–3 working days |
| Express — 30 Days | 30 days | AED 520 | ≈ IQD 680,000 | 12–24 hours |
| Express — 60 Days | 60 days | AED 850 | ≈ IQD 1,111,000 | 12–24 hours |
| Multiple Entry — 30 Days | 30 days | AED 800 | ≈ IQD 1,045,000 | 2–3 working days |
| Multiple Entry — 60 Days | 60 days | AED 1,200 | ≈ IQD 1,568,000 | 2–3 working days |
| Child (with parent) | Same as parent | AED 0 | Free | Same as parent |
Exchange rate: 1 AED ≈ IQD 1,307 (August 2026 — indicative only).
Which Dubai visa is right for Iraqi travellers?
For a first visit or short holiday, the 30-day single entry visa at AED 400 is the most popular choice. If you plan to spend more time exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the 60-day visa offers flexibility without re-applying. Iraqi families and businesspeople who visit Dubai regularly benefit most from the multiple entry visa, which allows unlimited entries for 30 or 60 days per stay. Need your visa fast? The express visa delivers approval in 12–24 hours.
How long does Dubai visa processing take for Iraqi nationals?
Standard Dubai visa applications from Iraq are processed within 2–3 working days from the time all documents are submitted correctly. UAE working days run Sunday to Thursday — Friday and Saturday are the UAE weekend. Applications submitted on Thursday evening may not begin processing until Sunday. During peak travel periods such as Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and the Dubai Shopping Festival, add 2–3 extra days as a buffer.
The express visa guarantees approval within 12–24 hours and is available for 30-day and 60-day visa types. Use the express option if your flight is booked within 48 hours or you simply need certainty.
How do I apply for a Dubai visa from Iraq?
- Select your visa type: Choose duration (14, 30, or 60 days) and entry type (single, express, or multiple entry) based on your travel plan.
- Complete the application form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Iraqi passport — spelling must match precisely.
- Upload your documents: Scan and upload your passport bio page and recent photograph as JPEG or PDF. Ensure files are clear, within size limits, and all passport corners are visible.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay securely online by debit or credit card. Save your payment confirmation number.
- Receive approval by email: Your approved e-visa arrives by email. Print a copy or save it on your phone — no physical sticker or stamp is added to your passport.
- Travel to Dubai: Present your e-visa alongside your Iraqi passport at Dubai immigration on arrival.
Why do Dubai visa applications from Iraq get rejected?
While most Iraqi applications are approved without issue, the following are the most common rejection reasons:
- Passport validity under 6 months: The leading cause of rejection. Always check your passport expiry before applying.
- Poor quality scans: Blurry, cropped, or glare-affected passport scans cause rejection. Use a flatbed scanner or high-resolution phone camera in good lighting.
- Name mismatch: Any discrepancy between your passport name and the name entered in the application triggers automatic rejection.
- Prior UAE overstay or ban: If you have previously overstayed a UAE visa or been deported, your new application will be refused. Settle all fines through the UAE ICP or GDRFA portal first.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unpaid fees will stall or reject your application. Review thoroughly before submitting.
Can Iraqi children travel to Dubai for free?
Children under the age of two travelling on their parent’s visa can enter Dubai at no additional charge. Children aged 2 and above require their own separate Dubai visa, applied for at the same time as the parent. Children travelling with only one parent should carry a notarised consent letter from the absent parent to avoid delays at UAE immigration.
Can I extend my Dubai visa if I am Iraqi?
Yes — Dubai tourist visas can be extended once for the same original duration without leaving the UAE, subject to eligibility. Apply for the extension through the UAE ICP portal or a registered typing centre in Dubai at least 2–3 days before your visa expiry. Extension fees apply separately. Overstaying without extension incurs daily fines of AED 50 and risks an entry ban.
Direct flights from Iraq to Dubai
Dubai is well connected to Iraq with regular direct flights from multiple cities. flydubai and Air Arabia operate direct routes from Baghdad International Airport (BGW) to Dubai International Airport (DXB), with a flight time of approximately 2.5–3 hours. Iraqi Airways also serves the Baghdad–Dubai route. Basra International Airport (BSR) has direct connections to Dubai via flydubai. Erbil International Airport (EBL) in the Kurdistan Region also offers direct flights to Dubai, making the UAE one of the most accessible international destinations for Iraqi travellers from all major cities.
Frequently asked questions — Dubai visa for Iraqi citizens
Can Iraqi citizens get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
No. Iraqi passport holders are not eligible for UAE visa on arrival. A pre-approved Dubai e-visa must be obtained before departure. Airlines will not board passengers without a valid UAE visa.
Do Iraqis need a bank statement for a Dubai visa?
No. A bank statement is not required for Iraqi citizens applying for a Dubai tourist visa. The required documents are a valid passport, photograph, passport scan, return ticket, and hotel booking.
How long can I stay in Dubai on a tourist visa?
You can stay for 14, 30, or 60 days depending on the visa type. The 30-day single entry is the most popular for first-time Iraqi visitors.
Can I travel to Abu Dhabi and other emirates on a Dubai visa?
Yes. A Dubai visa allows free movement across all seven UAE emirates — Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain — with no extra permits needed.
Is there a grace period after my Dubai visa expires?
Yes — there is a 10-day grace period after visa expiry to depart the UAE. Do not use this as extra holiday time — it is strictly for arranging your departure. Overstaying the grace period results in AED 50 daily fines and possible entry ban.
Can Iraqis living abroad apply for a Dubai visa?
Yes. Iraqi nationals residing in any country — UK, USA, Germany, Australia or elsewhere — can apply for a Dubai visa online using their Iraqi passport. The visa is delivered by email regardless of where you are when you apply.
Last updated: August 2026.