Iraq entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iraq in 2026. The process is entirely online and straightforward, but you must plan ahead — approval can take up to a week.
Apply for Iraq eVisaOfficial portal: Iraq eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Iraq. Apply at the official eVisa portal — processing takes a few business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iraq. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash (USD is preferred) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Iraq is a cash-heavy economy. | Recommended |
Security situation
Iraq has active conflict zones and a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed violence. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to many areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
eVisa is the only option
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iraq. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.iq. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a recent passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Once approved, print the eVisa confirmation. Also print or save on your phone: your return flight booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance policy.
3
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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$80 USD (approx. R1,400)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,600)
For frequent visitors.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. R1,750)
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
work visa
Work Visa (Iraq)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. R3,500) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iraqi employer. Requires labor ministry approval and contract.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. R1,750)
For enrolled students at recognized Iraqi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for South African passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. 850 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | $10 USD (approx. 170 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
South African passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Iraq, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19 (updated)Recommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Road traffic accidentsModerate risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards increase risk.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in northern and central regions. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency issues.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa matters in the Kurdistan Region.
Practical information for ZA 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's also an express option (24–48 hours) for an extra fee. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa costs around $50–$80 USD, depending on the current exchange rate and processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, 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'll need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet standards or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no refund on the fee.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all official entry points, including land borders from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, and Kuwait. But air travel is the most straightforward.
No mandatory vaccines for entry, but routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, polio) are recommended. Check with your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
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.