Iraq: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Iraq. You can stay up to 30 days per visit.
Visa required before arrival. Federal Iraq issues e-visas through its official portal, evisa.iq. Visit visas on arrival in federal Iraq were suspended from 1 March 2025. The Kurdistan Region runs a separate e-visa system. South Africa's place on the e-visa eligible list could not be confirmed on the portal; Wikipedia's South African citizens table lists eVisa. All major Western governments advise against all or most travel.1245
Iraq is one of 51 countries where South Africans apply online before travelling. See them all.
Travel advice
Travel not advised
The UK advises against all travel to large parts of Iraq, and against all but essential travel to the rest, including Baghdad, Basra and the Kurdistan Region.
We show UK and US government advice because they publish detailed, regularly updated assessments. Checked 5 October 2026.
Read the full advice: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Before you travel
Purpose of visit
Tourism and visits. A South African visa agency says embassy visas in Pretoria are issued mainly for official travel, pilgrimage to holy places (with prior Iraqi approval) or on invitation from Iraqi authorities.6
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Passport validity
How to apply
Federal Iraq: apply online at evisa.iq at least 24 hours before travel (UK FCDO). You need a valid passport and a digital photo with a white background; the approved visa is emailed to you to print and show at the border. The UK FCDO and Wikipedia give the fee as about USD 160. Kurdistan Region: separate e-visa at visit.gov.krd (Wikipedia: IQD 100,000, a registered local sponsor may be needed). Embassy route: GSA says applicants must apply in person at the Iraqi Embassy in Pretoria with a letter from Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; single entry USD 40, multiple entry USD 100.1246
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Where South Africans apply
Online at evisa.iq (federal Iraq) or visit.gov.krd (Kurdistan Region). For embassy visas: Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, Pretoria. Tel 012 362 2048/9. Email iraqiembassy1.pretoria@gmail.com (GSA). In person only; agents cannot apply for you.6
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Return or onward ticket required; airlines may refuse boarding without one (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Proof of funds
Not published. Declare currency over IQD 200,000 or USD 10,000 equivalent (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Accommodation or invitation
Not published for the federal e-visa. The Kurdistan Region e-visa may need a registered local sponsor (Wikipedia).4
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
No Iraqi yellow fever rule captured. HIV and hepatitis blood tests are required for stays other than visit visas, within 10 days of arrival (UK FCDO). Iraq is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Arrival forms
Not published by official sources
Extending your stay and overstaying
Not published by official sources
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
What changed
Sources
Official
The destination's own government
Other government
Official advice from other governments
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
Commercial
Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies
- 6The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.