Iraq entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. The application is entirely online, and you must get it approved before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for an Iraqi eVisa before travel | You must apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. The application requires a passport scan, a recent photo, and payment of the visa fee. Processing typically takes a few business days, so apply at least one week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity requirement | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines and immigration officers strictly enforce this rule, and you may be denied boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready to show. Without one, you may be refused entry or delayed at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask for this to confirm where you are staying. A simple booking confirmation from a hotel website works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses in Iraq. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it helps to have proof of at least $500 USD or equivalent for a short visit. | Recommended |
Apply before you fly
There is no visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders at any Iraqi airport. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
Print your eVisa
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa with you. Digital copies on your phone are helpful, but immigration officers often prefer a physical printout. Make two copies — one for check-in and one for immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Iraqi eVisa website (evisa.iq) and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF. Print two copies — one to present at check-in and one for immigration on arrival.
3
Fly to Iraq
At check-in, show your printed eVisa and passport. The airline will verify your visa before issuing a boarding pass. Most international flights arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL).
4
Go through immigration
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly and politely.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Customs is usually straightforward for tourists — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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$100 USD (approx. 130,000 IQD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 260,000 IQD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$300 USD (approx. 390,000 IQD) plus fees
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 390,000 IQD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 260,000 IQD) plus university fees
For international students enrolled at an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 650,000 IQD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires business registration and financial documents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Nigeria passport holders; non-refundable. | USD 75 (approx. USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay; pay at immigration. | USD 10 per day (max USD 200) |
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
Nigerian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid visa for a third country and a confirmed onward ticket, you may be allowed to transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen area may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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, as per International Health Regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk is present in some areas, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particularly in urban areas like Baghdad; may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those 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
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for NG 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
The eVisa fee is typically around $80 USD, but the exact amount may vary. You pay online during the application with a credit or debit card. There are no additional visa-on-arrival fees.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Iraq and apply for a new visa from abroad.
Yes. The Iraqi eVisa covers all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. You cannot get a visa on arrival at Erbil airport — you must have the eVisa before you fly.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include incomplete documents, passport validity issues, or security concerns. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable.
No, proof of funds is not required for the eVisa. However, it's wise to carry some cash (USD is widely accepted) or have a card that works internationally.
Safety varies by region. The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is generally safer for tourists. Baghdad and southern areas have higher risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.