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e-VisaHistoryAdventureOff the beaten path

Iraq

Cradle of Mesopotamia; Kurdistan (Erbil) far safer than the rest of the country.

Capital
Baghdad
Currency
Iraqi dinar (IQD) — USD widely used
Flight from Douala
~14-22h (1-2 stopovers)
Time difference
GMT+3 (+2h vs Cameroon)

Iraq is Mesopotamia: the citadel of Erbil (one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth), the ruins of Babylon, the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. But let's be clear: large parts of federal Iraq are under 'do not travel' advisories. The autonomous Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah) is markedly safer and is the only realistic gateway for a tourist. For Cameroonians: federal e-visa via the evisa.iq portal, and Kurdistan runs its own regime (online visa or a 30-day stamp valid only within the region).

Formalities

The visa, step by step

e-Visa
How to apply
Allowed stay
short stay (Kurdistan: up to 30 days)
Cost
federal e-visa ~USD 150-160; Kurdistan visa ~USD 75
Processing
federal e-visa: ~24-72h

How to apply

Since March 2025, visa on arrival is abolished for federal Iraq: e-visa mandatory BEFORE departure via the official evisa.iq portal. The Kurdistan Region runs its own system (online visa via the regional government, or a free 30-day stamp valid only within the region). Check your eligibility before paying.

Required documents

  • Passport valid ≥6 months
  • Bio-page scan + photo
  • Accommodation & round-trip ticket
  • Proof of funds

Good to know

  • •Kurdistan (Erbil) is markedly safer than federal Iraq, but its visa/stamp is valid ONLY within the region.
  • •Large areas of federal Iraq are under 'do not travel' advisories: research before any movement.
  • •An Israeli stamp in the passport can lead to refusal of entry.
How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker
330 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight
Comfort
780 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

540 000 FCFA–900 000 FCFA

~14-22h with 1-2 stopovers to Erbil (often via Istanbul, Cairo, Dubai or Amman).

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨168 000 FCFA
🍽️78 000 FCFA
🚕48 000 FCFA
🎟️90 000 FCFA
Hostel
12 000 FCFA–24 000 FCFA
Mid-range
36 000 FCFA–66 000 FCFA
Nice hotel
78 000 FCFA–150 000 FCFA
Tailored

Budget simulator

Comfort level
Estimated total budget
870 000 FCFA
Must-sees

What to do there

1

Erbil Citadel

One of the world's oldest inhabited sites, UNESCO.

2

Qaysari Bazaar

Historic market at the foot of the Erbil citadel.

3

Rawanduz Gorge & Gali Ali Beg

Mountains and waterfalls of Kurdistan.

4

Lalish

Sacred Yazidi temple nestled in the mountains.

5

Amadiya

Spectacular clifftop village north of Duhok.

6

Babylon (federal Iraq)

Mythical ruins — only if security allows.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

  1. D1

    Arrival in Erbil, check in, citadel at sunset.

  2. D2

    Erbil: citadel, Qaysari bazaar, museums.

  3. D3

    Day trip to Rawanduz Gorge and Gali Ali Beg.

  4. D4

    Drive to Duhok, mountain scenery.

  5. D5

    Amadiya and clifftop villages.

  6. D6

    Lalish, Yazidi temple, return to Erbil.

  7. D7

    Last shopping in Erbil, return flight.

✓

Travel checklist

A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.

Travel checklist — Irak

Before you leave

What to pack

Visa sources: evisa.iq · gov.krd

Indicative data (June 2026), reliability moyenne. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.

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