The GSA
All country guides

Country guide

Iraq

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Conditional

Currency

Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

Time zones

UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 964

Drinking water

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised.

Travel tips

  • It is illegal to photograph military personnel and government buildings.
  • Check the local political situation before travelling – in general, only essential travel is recommended.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders.

VISAS ARE ISSUED:

  • If you are a Diplomat or have a service passport
  • If you would like to visit the Holy Places, confirmation from the Iraqi Authorities has to received first, BEFORE the visa is issued.
  • If you have an invitation from the Iraqi Authorities.

Passengers have to apply IN PERSON - no agent can apply on their behalf and no courier services accepted

WARNING: Travellers with Israeli stamps in their passports will not be granted entry into Iraq.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid passport (valid 6 months after return) with 2 blank visa pages.
  • Application form to be typed out.
  • 2 passport size photos (colour/recent)
  • Colour copy of the passport pages
  • Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iraq.
  • Proof of payment for the visa.
  • Flight details and itinerary

Visa processing time

Embassy of Iraq
803 Duncan Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
Tel: 012 362 2048/9
E-mail: iraqiembassy1.pretoria@gmail.com

SA representative

Representation accredited from Amman, Jordan

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1, 6; Mar 6, 20-22; May 1, 27-30; Jun 4, 16, 25; Jul 14, 25; Oct 3; Dec 10, 25

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 5 August 2026