IraqTurkey: Visa required

IraqTurkey

Do Iraq passport holders need a visa for Turkey?

Visa required

Yes. Iraq passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to Turkey.

A visa must be obtained in advance, typically from an embassy or consulate, before travel.

Source: mfa.gov.tr (checked July 17, 2026).

RequirementVisa required

Maximum stayLength of stay varies

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-14

Distance1,287 km, straight line (~2h 1m nonstop)

Visa-free access to Turkey135 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? Turkey passport holders visiting Iraq: Visa required.

Visa-free alternatives near Turkey

Iraq passport holders can visit these nearby destinations without a visa in advance:

Other visa-free destinations for Iraq passport holders

See all Iraq destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Iraq passport holders need a visa for Turkey?

Yes. Iraq passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to Turkey.

How far is Turkey from Iraq?

About 1,287 km in a straight line, roughly ~2h 1m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in Turkey?

Turkish lira (TRY).

What is the emergency number in Turkey?

112 / 177.

What time zone is Turkey in?

Istanbul (UTC+3).

What is the nearest airport to Ankara?

Esenboğa International Airport (ESB), about 71 km away.

How many countries can enter Turkey without a visa?

135 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Turkey visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

What nearby countries can Iraq passport holders visit without a visa instead of Turkey?

Lebanon, Syria, Egypt.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, historically known in the west as Mesopotamia, is a country in West Asia. Located within the Middle East, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The country covers an area of 438,317 square kilometres (169,235 sq mi) and has a population of over 46 million, making it the 58th largest country by area and the 31st most populous in the world. Baghdad, home to over 8 million people, is the capital city and the largest in the country.

CapitalBaghdad

RegionWestern Asia

Population47M

Area438,317 km²

CurrencyIraqi dinar (1 USD ≈ 1517.32 IQD)

LanguagesArabic, Aramaic, Sorani

Calling code+964

Drives on theright

TimezoneBaghdad (UTC+3)

Nearest airportBaghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base (BGW), 17 km

Emergency number104 / 115 / 122 / 911

UNESCO sites6

Income levelUpper middle income

GDP per capita$5,410 (2025)

Tourist arrivals892K (2013)

Climate in Baghdad

Warmest July, coolest January, driest May, sunniest July. Best time to visit: April, October.

Monthly climate normals for Baghdad, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	16.1°C	6.7°C	22mm	254h
February	18.4°C	8°C	24mm	245h
March	23.9°C	13°C	32mm	287h
April	30.5°C	18.1°C	2mm	316h
May	37.9°C	23.7°C	0mm	373h
June	41.8°C	27.7°C	0mm	395h
July	47.1°C	32.3°C	0mm	397h
August	43.1°C	29.1°C	0mm	375h
September	43.5°C	28°C	0mm	351h
October	35.3°C	19.5°C	0mm	318h
November	24.5°C	14.7°C	54mm	262h
December	18.3°C	8.2°C	9mm	270h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Iraq is a republic in the Middle East. It has an extremely rich history and culture that is still visible today, although accessing it may pose some challenges to visitors. It was once host to the region of ancient Mesopotamia, often called the "cradle of civilisation". After the rise of Islam, Baghdad became a center of learning and the arts during the Islamic Golden Age. Its holy cities of Najaf and Karbala now accept millions of pilgrims per year from throughout the Middle East.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ahwar of Southern Iraq
Assur
Babylon
Citadel of Erbil
Hatra
Samarra

Upcoming public holidays

October 3, 2026National Day

December 10, 2026Victory Day

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

Full source list on About.

About Turkey

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a smaller part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south; and the Aegean Sea, Greece, and Bulgaria to the west. Turkey is home to over 86 million people; most are ethnic Turks, while Kurds are the largest ethnic minority. Officially a secular state, Turkey has a Muslim-majority population. Ankara is Turkey's capital and second-largest city. Istanbul is its largest city and economic center. Other major cities include İzmir, Bursa, and Antalya.

CapitalAnkara

RegionWestern Asia

Population85.9M

Area783,562 km²

CurrencyTurkish lira (1 USD ≈ 49.39 TRY)

LanguagesTurkish

Calling code+90

Drives on theright

TimezoneIstanbul (UTC+3)

Nearest airportEsenboğa International Airport (ESB), 71 km

Emergency number112 / 177

UNESCO sites22

Income levelUpper middle income

GDP per capita$18,599 (2025)

Tourist arrivals16M (2020)

Travel guide

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a bi-continental country: an oft-repeated cliché about Turkey is that it is the bridge between Europe and Asia. This is true not only geographically, but also culturally, and many Turks value their European and Asian identities equally. Therefore, Turkey is the ultimate "exotic, but with a twist" destination for many: plenty of travellers to the country will find a charming novelty in every corner, yet at the same time, will have a feel of comforting familiarity, regardless of which direction or how far they are arriving from. Add the Turks' legendary warmth towards the visitors to the mix, and you get the idea.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ani
Aphrodisias
Arslantepe
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
City of Safranbolu
Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital
Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape
Ephesus
Gordion
Göbekli Tepe

Upcoming public holidays

October 29, 2026Cumhuriyet Bayramı

January 1, 2027Yılbaşı

March 10, 2027Ramazan Bayramı 1. Gün (Tentative Date)

Full source list on About.