Iraq entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders

Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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

Zimbabwe passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. You apply entirely online before you travel, and approval usually takes a few days — but apply at least two weeks early to avoid stress.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Iraq. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and arrival.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Iraq
Immigration officers will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave Iraq within your visa validity. Have a printed copy or digital version ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Iraqi host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have evidence of enough funds for your stay — cash (USD is widely accepted), credit card, or bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if questioned.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Zimbabwe passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, flight booking, and hotel confirmation in your email and on your phone. Internet access can be patchy, so download them for offline access.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.iq, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee (around $80 USD). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one to present on arrival, one as backup.
3
Arrive at an Iraqi airport
Most travellers fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). At immigration, present your passport and printed eVisa. They may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking — have them ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your eVisa copy with you during your stay — some hotels or checkpoints may ask to see it.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 80 (approx. USD 80)

Standard tourist visa for single entry.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 150 (approx. USD 150)

Allows multiple entries within validity.

work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Iraq)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university-sponsored
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Zimbabwe passport holders applying for an eVisa to Iraq.USD 80 (approx. USD 80)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay.USD 10 per day (max USD 300)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%

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

Zimbabwe passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside. However, some airlines may allow transit without visa for short connections; check with the airline.

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 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 urban areas; may affect those with respiratory conditions.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. 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 Borders
Al-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa-related issues; bring all original documents.

Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles extensions for Kurdistan region; separate from federal Iraq.

Practical information for ZW 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 = 1,311.08 IQD
updated Jun 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 vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
Rejections happen, often due to incomplete documents or errors in the application. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no official appeal process, so double-check everything before submitting.
The eVisa covers all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk). You don't need a separate visa for that area.
The eVisa is primarily for air arrivals. Land border entries (e.g., from Turkey or Iran) may not be accepted — check with the Iraqi embassy before planning a land crossing.
Routine vaccines (MMR, polio, tetanus) are recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines are also advised. No vaccine is mandatory for entry, but check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.