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Iraq Border Crossing

Iraq Border Crossing – Getting there and away This page is a collection of information, stories, questions and answers about crossing the Iraqi border. Did you ever cross a land border into or out of Iraq If so, please let us know of your experience below. What documents are necessary for a traveler from your [...]

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Iraq Border Crossing – Getting there and away

This page is a collection of information, stories, questions and answers about crossing the Iraqi border.

Did you ever cross a land border into or out of Iraq If so, please let us know of your experience below.

What documents are necessary for a traveler from your country to enter Iraq? What types of visa is needed? How much money does it cost? Can you get a visa at the border? What transportation options does a traveler have after crossing the border to Iraq?

If you are planning on going to Iraq and have questions about crossing the border, feel free to ask them in the below comment form.

Reader questions about crossing the border to and from Iraq

I’m a US citizen who has lived in Iraq for 2 years. I’m going to Israel this summer. How do I go in and then get back to my home in Iraq?? Can I get a second US passport to do this?

As far as going to Israel, unless you are Jewish and have a Jewish name (seriously, this works wonders) expect to go through a lengthy interrogation process that runs upwards of 10 hours. Though don’t worry too much, they will more than likely let you in.

The problem comes when reentering Iraq. If you show any sign of having gone to Israel, officially speaking, they probably will not let you in. It is possible to receive an additional temporary passport for the reasons of visiting both Israel and other Arab countries who do not allow the entry of travelers who have been to Israel. Apply for this at the nearest US consulate to you. But be warned: the immigration officials in Arab countries that do not have good relations with Israel look for ALL signs of having visited Israel, not just a stamp in your passport. In point, if you have unanswered entry or exit stamps (an exit stamp from one country in your passport that does not correspond with an entry stamp from an adjacent country) you can expect problems when returning to Iraq. Also, for what it could be worth, trying to have Israel not stamp your passport is a luxury of the past. So if you do get a temporary second US passport, be sure to use it very wisely.

For more information, go to Can I visit Arab countries with an Israeli stamp in my passport.


Iraq travel guide

Filed under: Border Crossing, Iraq

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3694 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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