Iraq entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official eVisa portal before you fly. Processing takes a few business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approval. Print the eVisa confirmation and keep a digital copy on your phone.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Zambian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Iraq can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying — having a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during the trip. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Iraq, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to www.evisa.iq and fill out the online application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, download the eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll show it at check-in and at Iraqi immigration.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them together in a folder or on your phone for quick access.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iraq
At Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other entry points, proceed to immigration. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the immigration stamp, collect your bags from baggage claim. Then proceed through customs — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. 1,350 ZMW)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 2,700 ZMW)
For frequent visitors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $75 USD (approx. 1,350 ZMW) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 180 ZMW) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Zambia passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Transit through Kurdistan Region airports may have different rules.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels in cities; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south; prophylaxis recommended for those 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
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Serves the Kurdistan Region; separate visa rules may apply.
Practical information for ZM 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 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. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is typically around $50-80 USD, depending on your nationality and the current rate. You pay online by credit card during the application.
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.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has issues. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Iraqi embassy if you need help.
No. Airlines check for a return or onward ticket before boarding. Immigration may also ask for it. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Safety varies by region. The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is generally safer than central Iraq. Check your government's travel advisories and register with your embassy. Travel insurance is essential.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.