Trip checklist: Iraq

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

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Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Iraq.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit.

Before you go

• 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.

• Passport validity

  At least 6 months after arrival, with at least 1 blank page (UK FCDO). GSA says 6 months after return with 2 blank pages for embassy visas. Passports with Israeli stamps are refused.

• 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.

• 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.

• Return or onward ticket

  Return or onward ticket required; airlines may refuse boarding without one (UK FCDO).

• Proof of funds

  Not published. Declare currency over IQD 200,000 or USD 10,000 equivalent (UK FCDO).

• Accommodation or invitation

  Not published for the federal e-visa. The Kurdistan Region e-visa may need a registered local sponsor (Wikipedia).

• 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.

• Confirm with the embassy

  Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

• Republic of Iraq Electronic Visa (Ministry of Interior) https://evisa.iq/en/
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq/entry-requirements

Research sources

1. 1. Republic of Iraq Electronic Visa (Ministry of Interior) (Official, evisa.iq) https://evisa.iq/en/
2. 2. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq/entry-requirements
3. 3. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Iraq
4. 4. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
5. 5. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2749-iraq-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/iraq. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.