Iraq entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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 African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. The process is entirely online and straightforward, but you must plan ahead — approval can take up to a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least 7 days before your flight. The system issues single-entry visas valid for 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your 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'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Baghdad and Erbil airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host in Iraq can speed up immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying — have the address and contact number handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or IQD) to cover your stay — around $50–$100 per day. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Baghdad and Erbil. | Recommended |
Security situation
Iraq has active conflict zones and a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed violence. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to many areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
eVisa is the only option
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.iq. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a recent passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Once approved, print the eVisa confirmation. Also print or save on your phone: your return flight booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance policy.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. R1,400)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,600)
For frequent visitors.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. R1,750)
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. R3,500) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires labor ministry approval and contract.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. R1,750)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | $80 USD (approx. R1,400) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon exit. | $10 USD (approx. R175) per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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 African passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19 (updated)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards increase risk.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and central regions. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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 Borders
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency issues.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa matters in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 1,309.63 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's also an express option (24–48 hours) for an extra fee. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa costs around $50–$80 USD, depending on the current exchange rate and processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet standards or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no refund on the fee.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all official entry points, including land borders from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, and Kuwait. But air travel is the most straightforward.
No mandatory vaccines for entry, but routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, polio) are recommended. Check with your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.