South Korea entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Korea. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | You need an eVisa to enter South Korea. Apply at the official Korea eVisa portal at least a few weeks before your trip — processing can take 7–14 business days. Print the eVisa approval notice and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Korean immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a fixed itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 1,000 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Korean immigration rarely asks, but they can request proof of financial means on arrival. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter South Korea without an approved eVisa. Airlines will deny boarding if you don't have it. Apply well in advance.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight booking, and hotel confirmation on your phone. Incheon Airport has free WiFi, so you can access them if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to visa.go.kr and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and scans of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Check your email and the visa portal for the approval notice. Download the PDF and save it on your phone. Print a copy to keep in your carry-on.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a single folder.
4
At the airport in Iraq
The airline check-in agent will ask to see your eVisa and return ticket. Without them, you won't get a boarding pass. Show the printed or digital copy.
5
Arrival at Incheon or other Korean airport
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration. Have your passport and eVisa ready. The officer will scan your passport, stamp it, and wave you through. No separate visa sticker is issued.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostKRW 30,000 (~$25 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
CostKRW 50,000 (~$42 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-term Stay Visa (e.g., Work, Study)
Max stayVaries (up to 2 years)
ValidityUp to 2 years, renewable
CostKRW 100,000 (~$85 USD) application fee
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for single-entry tourist eVisa for Iraqi passport holders. | KRW 30,000 (~$25 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, tourist)For multiple entries within validity period. | KRW 50,000 (~$42 USD) |
| Stay extension (per extension)Possible for certain visa types; subject to approval. | KRW 60,000 (~$50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa validity. | KRW 100,000 (~$85 USD) per day, max KRW 3,000,000 (~$2,550 USD) |
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 generally need a transit visa to change planes in South Korea, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Holders of valid Korean visa or re-entry permit may transit without additional visa.
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 = 1,498.37 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
Typically 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The standard fee is around 40 USD, but it can vary. Check the visa.go.kr portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Korean immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
If you are transiting and not entering Korea, you do not need a return ticket. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa and a return ticket.
You will receive a rejection notice with a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents or insufficient funds. You can reapply, but you must address the issue first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.