Iraq entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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 Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iraq. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and available at major airports. Here's what you need to know for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport and other major entry points. Have 75 USD cash ready for the fee — the visa counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Baghdad Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Iraq. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least 500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or IQD). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee.
Visa on arrival only at major airports
This facility is only available at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. If you arrive at any other airport or land border, you must have a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). Visa on arrival is processed at these airports only.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After landing, follow signs to the visa on arrival counter. Join the queue and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, the fee is approximately $75 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa stamped, go to the immigration queue. Show your passport and visa, and you'll be cleared to enter.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (for South Korean passport holders)
Visa on arrival is free; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (for South Korean passport holders)
Multiple entries allowed; extension possible.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (typically $100–$200 USD equivalent)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD equivalent
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD equivalent
For international students enrolled at an Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD equivalent
For foreign investors with significant business interests in Iraq. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for South Korean passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the permitted stay period. | 10,000 IQD (~$8 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | 500,000 IQD (~$400 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international transit area.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in some rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these 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-Karrada, 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 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for KR 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 = 1,311.01 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
The visa on arrival fee is approximately $75 USD (or equivalent in IQD). Pay in cash at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Iraq before the 30-day validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. If you enter via a land border or seaport, you must have a visa arranged in advance from an Iraqi embassy.
No, a sponsor or invitation letter is not required for the visa on arrival. You just need a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.
No, the visa on arrival is for tourism and short visits only. It does not permit employment. If you plan to work, you need a work visa arranged before travel.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties when leaving Iraq. The exact fine amount varies, but it's best to leave before your visa expires.
No, it's only available for certain nationalities. South Korean passport holders are eligible. Check with the Iraqi embassy if your nationality is not listed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.