Iraq entry requirements for South Korea passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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

South Korean passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iraq. You can apply online through the official Iraqi e-visa portal before you travel. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Electronic visa (e-visa)You must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival.
Apply before travel
South Korean passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival in Iraq. Apply online through the official Iraqi e-visa portal at evisa.mofa.gov.iq. The e-visa is not extendable.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling.
At least 6 months
Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iraq.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a completely blank page in your passport for the Iraqi border officer to stamp.
At least 1 page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iraq before your visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsBorder officials may ask how you'll support yourself; a bank statement helps.
Sufficient for stay
Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iraq.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for South Korean passport holders entering Iraq.Not required
Security situation
Iraq has areas with significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, and avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones.
Apply early
The e-visa system can be slow or glitchy. Don't wait until the last minute — submit your application at least 10 days before departure to allow for delays.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.mofa.gov.iq/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes a few business days — apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa. Print a physical copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and to Iraqi immigration officers.
3
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (or other entry points), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your return ticket and hotel details handy in case they ask.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$120

Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company and approval from Ministry of Interior.

Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$200

For frequent travelers; requires proof of previous travel to Iraq or strong business ties.

work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD equivalent
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD equivalent
For international students enrolled at an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD equivalent
For foreign investors with significant business interests in Iraq. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, standard processing)Required for most travelers; apply online before arrival.$60
eVisa (single entry, urgent processing)Faster processing option.$100
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at some ports of entry for certain nationalities; check eligibility.$75
Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Directorate of Residence in Iraq; max extension up to 3 months.$50
Exit fee (if staying over 15 days)Charged at airport/land border when departing.$20

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
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 Iraq

Transit visa required

South Korean passport holders transiting through Iraq require a transit visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Crew members on duty
  • Diplomatic passport holders with valid diplomatic 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk

Risk present in some areas, especially during warmer months.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these regions.

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 matters.

Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.

Practical information for KR 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police104
Medical122
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times or if additional review is needed. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee is set by the Iraqi government and is payable online during the application. Check the official e-visa portal for the current amount — it's typically around $50–$100 depending on nationality and visa type.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international zone of the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter Iraq proper, even for a short stop, you must have the e-visa.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Iraqi immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
No, the e-visa must be obtained before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for South Korean passport holders at Iraqi airports.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Iraq, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.

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.