Iraq entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. The eVisa covers tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Iraq eVisa | Apply online at the official Iraq eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Kenyan passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in, and Iraqi immigration enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's safer to have a recent statement or cash equivalent to $500 USD. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa system can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel confirmation on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed copies, you'll have backups.
No visa on arrival for Kenyans
You cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. Airlines will check this before letting you board.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.iq. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa as a PDF by email. Print at least one copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Iraq.
3
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other international airports, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. Expect a short wait.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the eVisa. Check the stamp shows the correct entry date and duration. You're then free to enter Iraq.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. 9,750 KES)
Standard tourist visa; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and sponsorship from Iraqi employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (institution-sponsored)
Requires admission to an Iraqi educational institution.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
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
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students enrolled in Iraqi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Requires proof of investment and approval from the National Investment Commission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry tourist eVisa fee. | USD 100 (USD 100) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be applied at embassy. | USD 100 (USD 100) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | USD 200 (USD 200) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of USD 500. | USD 10 per day (USD 10) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Erbil International Airport (EBL) · Basra International Airport (BSR)
Health & vaccines for Iraq
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk present in some areas, especially rural; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
LeishmaniasisLow risk
Sandfly-borne; risk in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in northern and central regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these 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 Passports
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for KE 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 = 1,308.8 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 3–5 business days, but it can be longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and reapply.
There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
The official fee varies — check evisa.iq for the current amount. It's typically around $50–$80 USD. Payment is online by credit card.
Iraq does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, check routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) with your doctor before travel.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports in Iraq. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the Iraqi embassy if you're arriving by road.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the eVisa support team for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.