Travellers holding an ordinary Canadian passport must obtain a visa before travelling to federal Iraq. Visas on arrival are no longer available for Canadian citizens at Iraqi airports.
Follow these rules based on your destination and travel route:
- Passport validity. Your regular Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Iraq.
- Federal Iraq travel. For travel to federal destinations such as Baghdad, Basra, or Najaf, you must apply online before departure. The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ottawa confirms that visas on arrival stopped on March 1, 2025. You can submit your application through the official Iraqi Electronic Visa portal. Prepare your valid passport and a digital photo with a white background. Electronic visas are valid for 30 days for single or multiple entry. Print the approved visa to present at border control.
- Residence registration. If you stay in federal Iraq for more than 10 days, you must register your arrival with the Iraqi Residence Office at the Ministry of Interior, as noted in the Government of Canada Travel Advice.
- Kurdistan Region travel. If your visit is only within the Kurdistan Region, you must obtain a separate Kurdistan electronic visa online before you travel. A regional visa allows travel only inside the Kurdistan Region. It does not permit travel to federal Iraq without a separate federal visa.
- Consular assistance. Canadian citizens who need consular help or have questions about dual nationality should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ottawa.
Checked on 2026-10-08.