Iraq entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. The process is entirely online, and you must apply before you travel. This applies for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You must apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official eVisa portal before departure. The application takes about 15 minutes and requires a digital passport photo and flight details. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Ugandan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — a simple booking reference on your phone may not be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iraq. Border officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you are traveling alone or on a first visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you are not traveling without means. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders at Iraqi airports. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this before you board.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone. Internet can be patchy at immigration counters, and having offline copies saves time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.iq, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50-80 depending on processing time). Processing usually takes 3-7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least one copy and save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
4
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
Follow signs to 'eVisa' or 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Present your passport and eVisa. You'll get an entry stamp. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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. 280,000 IQD)
Apply online before travel; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 560,000 IQD)
Good for multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
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; university-sponsored
Requires acceptance from an Iraqi educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
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
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university-sponsored
For those enrolled in an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; based on investment amount
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | $75 USD (approx. 280,000 IQD) |
| eVisa fee (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. 560,000 IQD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD (approx. 12,000 IQD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Uganda passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Some airlines may have agreements for short transits; confirm with carrier.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Dust and pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk present in some rural areas, especially in the north. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers 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-Karkh, 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 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for UG 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 = 1,308.9 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 3-7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. There's no official expedited option, but some agencies offer faster service for a fee.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50-80 USD. The exact amount depends on the processing time you select. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside Iraq.
If you're transiting through an Iraqi airport and not leaving the transit area, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa even for transit.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. There is no visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders at Iraqi airports.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
The eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports and most land borders. However, check the latest official guidance for the specific border crossing you plan to use.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.