To visit both Baghdad and Erbil, you need a federal Iraq visa. A federal visa covers all of Iraq, including Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. A regional Kurdistan visa is valid only in the northern governorates. It does not allow you to enter Baghdad or other federal areas.
Movement between Baghdad and Erbil
- From Baghdad to Erbil. Travellers who enter federal Iraq on a valid federal visa can travel north to Erbil by road or flight. Kurdish regional checkpoints check passports and federal visas before granting entry.
- From Erbil to Baghdad. You cannot enter Baghdad with a Kurdistan regional visa. Security checkpoints between Erbil and federal territory inspect documents and turn back travellers who lack a federal entry permit. Entering federal Iraq without a federal visa violates immigration law.
Entry points
- Arriving in Baghdad. Baghdad International Airport operates under federal authority. You must hold a federal visa before arrival or qualify for a visa on arrival. You can apply on the official Iraqi Electronic Visa Portal.
- Arriving in Erbil. Erbil International Airport issues and accepts regional entry permits. As noted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Kurdistan regional visas are valid for travel in the Kurdistan Region only. If you land in Erbil and intend to travel south to Baghdad, you must obtain an approved federal Iraq visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Nationalities that cannot use the online portal must apply through an Iraqi mission, such as the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, D.C..
Checked on 2026-10-08.