Iraq entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. As of 2026, you must apply online before traveling.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Baghdad or Erbil will deny boarding if it's close to expiry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Iraqi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may check it before letting you through. | 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 where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour or sponsor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe amount to show. | Recommended |
eVisa Required Before Boarding
Airlines will not let you board without an approved eVisa. Apply well in advance — processing delays happen.
Keep Digital Copies
Save your eVisa, flight itinerary, and hotel booking as screenshots on your phone. If your printer fails, you still have proof.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to www.evisa.iq, fill out the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50-80 USD) with a credit card. Processing takes 3-7 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Print the eVisa approval email, your flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Other Entry Points
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit. Keep your documents handy.
4
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms are required.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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$50 USD (approx. 1,500 ETB)
Standard eVisa; must leave before expiry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 3,000 ETB)
For frequent travellers; subject to approval.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and Iraqi sponsor.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; university-sponsored
Requires admission to an Iraqi institution.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi company. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; university covers fees
For students enrolled in an Iraqi university. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; investment-based
For individuals investing in Iraq's economy. Requires proof of investment and approval from the National Investment Commission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa entry feeStandard single-entry eVisa fee for Ethiopian passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. 1,500 ETB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically issued for 30 days. | $50 USD (approx. 1,500 ETB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; limited availability. | $100 USD (approx. 3,000 ETB) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 300 ETB) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Ethiopian 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 in advance.
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, including Ethiopia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Moderate risk
Risk in rural areas; use repellents and consider prophylaxis.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk present in rural areas, especially in northern and southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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 Citizenship
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 visas for Kurdistan region; separate from federal Iraq.
Practical information for ET 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 = 1,310.31 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 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. The fee is around $50-80 USD, paid online by credit card.
No. Ethiopian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight out of Iraq, or a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country. A flexible ticket works.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new eVisa.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.