# Iraq airport arrivals: Baghdad (BGW) and Erbil (EBL)

> The two Iraqi airports foreigners actually fly into. Baghdad is bureaucratic; Erbil is smooth. Here is the arrival playbook for each.

- Published: 2026-07-20
- Updated: 2026-07-22
- Author: Airport Exit
- Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/blog/iraq-airports-baghdad-erbil-arrival-guide

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[Baghdad International (BGW)](/airports/bgw-baghdad) and [Erbil International (EBL)](/airports/ebl-erbil) are the two Iraqi airports most international travellers pass through. Both have improved dramatically in the last few years. Both still have quirks that catch first-timers.

## Baghdad (BGW)

BGW has a two-stage security setup: you clear the outer checkpoint (12 km from the airport), then the terminal. On arrival, you must exit through the same buffer zone. The official taxi service from the airport is the only realistic option for most visitors — expect $30–50 to central Baghdad. Prearranged hotel transfer is strongly recommended and usually costs the same.

## Erbil (EBL)

Erbil is a completely different experience — modern, calm, and the taxi rank is well organised. Fixed fare to central Erbil is IQD 25,000–35,000 (about $17–25). Careem operates in the Kurdistan Region and works reliably at EBL, typically IQD 20,000–30,000.

## Practicalities

- Visas on arrival are available for many nationalities at both airports but rules change — check before you fly.

- USD is widely accepted in Baghdad; the Kurdistan Region uses IQD but USD is fine in most hotels.

- Do not photograph the security perimeter at BGW.

Related: [Aqaba (AQJ)](/airports/aqj-aqaba), [currency at Erbil](/currency-at/ebl-erbil).

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