Iraq entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · August 5, 2026
eVisa or visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ethiopian passport holders must obtain an eVisa before flying to Iraq — there's no visa on arrival as of 2026. You'll apply online, get approved in a few business days, and then show the printed eVisa at immigration. Plan ahead because airlines won't let you board without it.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Ethiopian citizens. Apply online before travel | Ethiopian passport holders must obtain an e-visa through the official Iraqi e-visa portal at https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ before arrival. The visa is not issued on arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel date, or you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIraqi border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport; having extra blank pages is safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven if not always checked, having an onward ticket can prevent problems at check-in or border control. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, Iraqi immigration or your airline may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit, just in case. May be requested | There is no official minimum amount specified, but be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked by an immigration officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before or upon arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Iraq based on current regulations. | Not required |
eVisa Required Before Boarding
Airlines will not let you board without an approved eVisa. Apply well in advance — processing delays happen.
Keep Digital Copies
Save your eVisa, flight itinerary, and hotel booking as screenshots on your phone. If your printer fails, you still have proof.
Transit Visa Needed for Connections
Even if you're just changing planes in Iraq, Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa. Check with your airline before booking a connection through Baghdad or Erbil.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–80 USD) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email — print it and save a digital copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Print the eVisa approval email, your flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Save digital copies as backups. Keep your passport, eVisa, and return ticket together in a folder for easy access at immigration.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other entry points
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit — they may ask where you're staying and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms are required. If you're connecting to another flight, follow transit signs — but note that Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa even for airside connections, so check with your airline in advance.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires an invitation letter from an Iraqi company and approval from the Ministry of Interior
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$30 (approx.)
Must show onward ticket and hotel booking if leaving the airport
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi company. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; university covers fees
For students enrolled in an Iraqi university. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; investment-based
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Requires proof of investment and approval from the National Investment Commission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeSingle-entry, valid for 30 days from issue | $50 (approx.) |
| Extension fee (if applicable)Extensions are rarely granted; apply at the Directorate of Residence in Baghdad | Varies |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers | None |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iraq
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders must obtain a transit visa before arrival if they need to leave the international transit area. Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours at Baghdad International Airport.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may stay airside for up to 24 hours without a visa.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Basra International Airport (BSR) · Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Health & vaccines for Iraq
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including Ethiopia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk in rural areas; use repellents and consider prophylaxis.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk present in rural areas, especially in northern and southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Baghdad
Directorate of Residence and Citizenship
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visas for Kurdistan region; separate from federal Iraq.
Practical information for ET travellers
Country basics
CapitalBaghdad
LanguageArabic, Kurdish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIraqi dinar (IQD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,310.31 IQD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. The fee is around $50–80 USD, paid online by credit card.
No. Ethiopian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight out of Iraq, or a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country. A flexible ticket works.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new eVisa.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.