South Korea entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Iraqi passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea, as there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option. Applications are submitted in person at the South Korean Embassy in Baghdad. The process requires careful document preparation and typically takes 5–10 working days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korean visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you must apply in person or through an authorized visa agency. Apply at embassy/consulate | Iraqi citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the nearest Republic of Korea embassy or consulate. The eVisa program is not available for Iraqi passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date well before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides and free of any markings. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration officers often require evidence of your departure plans. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds can help avoid delays at immigration. Sufficient financial means | You may be required to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea, such as recent bank statements or a sponsor letter. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Iraqi citizens entering South Korea. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to use the eVisa portal; it will not accept your application. Not eligible | Iraqi passport holders are not eligible for South Korea's eVisa program. You must apply through an embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No visa extensions
The South Korean visa for Iraqi citizens is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines, detention, and a future entry ban. Plan your trip dates carefully and leave before your visa expires.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 5–10 working days, but delays happen. Submit your application at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the South Korean embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. For Iraq, that's typically the South Korean Embassy in Baghdad. Call or email to confirm the exact application procedure, required documents, and whether you need an appointment.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, itinerary, financial proof, and employment/study letters. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
3
Submit your application in person
Visit the embassy or consulate with your complete application package. You'll likely need to attend an interview. Bring your original documents and be ready to answer questions about your trip purpose and plans.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the application fee at the embassy. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer if additional review is needed. Check the embassy's website for current processing times or ask when you submit.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the visa details (dates, name spelling) before leaving the embassy.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (single-entry) or $90 (double-entry)
Requires invitation letter from Korean company and proof of business purpose.
Work visa (E-7 specific activity)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60–$90
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2 or D-4)
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2 years)
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$60–$90
Requires admission to a Korean educational institution.
Marriage migrant visa (F-6)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60–$90
For spouses of Korean nationals; requires marriage certificate and proof of relationship.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa (Special Activity)
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$85 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$85 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Korean educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$85 USD) application fee
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of KRW 100 million (~$85,000 USD) in a Korean business.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (C-3-9 short-term general)Fees vary by embassy; payable in local currency or bank transfer. | $60 (single-entry) or $90 (double-entry) |
| Visa issuance fee (multiple-entry, if eligible)For those with prior travel to Korea or specific qualifications. | $90 |
| Visa application center service feeIf applying through a designated visa center (e.g., VFS Global). | $20–$30 |
| Expedited processing (if available)Not always offered; check with the embassy. | $30–$50 |
| Extension of stay (visa extension)For stays beyond the granted period; must apply before expiry. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
| Overstay penaltyFor overstaying beyond the visa validity; may include deportation. | Varies; up to ₩300,000 (approx. $225) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 South Korea
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders are not eligible for visa-free transit in South Korea. A visa is required even for airside transit, unless you qualify for the K-ETA (which is not available to Iraqi nationals).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or European Schengen states may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 30 days, but must apply for a K-ETA (not available to Iraqi nationals) or obtain a transit visa in advance.
- Crew members of international flights may be exempt under certain conditions.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; avoid undercooked seafood.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for IQ travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Iraqi passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before traveling.
No. South Korea does not offer an eVisa for Iraqi citizens. You must apply in person at a South Korean embassy or consulate.
Typical processing takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or conduct additional checks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is approximately $40–$60 USD, but it varies by embassy and can change. Contact the South Korean Embassy in Baghdad for the exact fee in local currency.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry. If it's not, you'll need to renew your passport before applying for the visa. The embassy will reject your application otherwise.
No. The visa issued to Iraqi citizens is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from future entry.
Yes. You must provide hotel bookings for your full stay or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. The embassy wants to know where you'll be staying and that you have a place to go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.