Iraq entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq. The process is entirely online and you must apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at the official eVisa portal before departure. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive the approved visa by email. Print two copies — one for the airline check-in counter and one for Iraqi immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Rwandan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iraq. Airlines at Kigali International Airport will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Iraqi immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight at Baghdad International Airport. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready showing you leave Iraq within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host. Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmation or the host's contact details handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around $500 USD equivalent in cash or a bank statement — to cover your expenses. Iraqi immigration rarely checks this, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply for the eVisa well in advance
Processing can take up to 5 business days. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least a week before your flight. Without an approved eVisa, you won't be allowed to board.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also carry printed copies in your carry-on. Immigration may ask to see them, and having backups avoids problems.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.iq and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $40-60 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Iraq.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or other entry points
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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$75 USD (approx. $75 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry fee (eVisa)Standard single-entry eVisa fee for Rwanda passport holders. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; single entry only. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Iraq must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels in urban areas; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers 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 Passports
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring all documents.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for Kurdistan region; separate from federal Iraq.
Practical information for RW 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 typically takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF.
The fee is around $40-60 USD, depending on the type of visa. You pay online with a credit card during the application.
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 traveling.
Transit rules vary. If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you may not need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have a long layover, you'll need the eVisa. Check with your airline.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa on arrival for Rwandan passport holders at Iraq airports. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iraq can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Roaming can be expensive and unreliable. A local SIM or eSIM is much cheaper and more reliable. eSIMs from providers like Airalo activate instantly on landing.
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.