The US says do not travel to Iraq because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and limited ability to provide emergency services. The UK advises against travel to parts of Anbar, Ninawa and Sadr City.
Cooling and pleasant. November brings cooler weather and more rain in the north; lowlands and Baghdad are pleasant for sightseeing as tourist traffic rises, so book ahead. Expect wetter, colder conditions in Iraqi Kurdistan and mountain passes.
Come for the cradle of civilisation, Shia pilgrimage cities and the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. A first trip usually focuses on Baghdad, the north around Erbil, and one southern holy city such as Najaf or Karbala. This is not a casual destination, security conditions change and planning matters.
Why Visit Iraq?#
Iraq is a heavyweight history trip with genuinely unique landscapes. The payoff is huge if you travel with care and realistic expectations.
Ancient Mesopotamia. See Babylon’s ruins near Hillah and the Ziggurat of Ur near Nasiriyah. The scale is still impressive, especially with an informed guide.
Baghdad culture. Do museum visits and walks along the Tigris in Baghdad. The bucket list includes the Iraqi Museum and Mutanabbi Street.
Erbil Citadel. Erbil’s ancient citadel dominates the Kurdish capital and is known as a continuously inhabited mound. Pair it with bazaars and cafés in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
Kurdistan mountains. Head for green valleys, waterfalls and mountain drives around Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk. Rawanduz Gorge and Amedi are highlighted as classic northern stops.
Marshland boat trips. The Mesopotamian marshlands south of Basra are a reed-wetland world with traditional villages. Access depends on season and permits, and a local operator is essential.
Food and bazaars. Try masgouf, grilled river carp, best sampled riverside in Baghdad or along the Tigris. Baghdad and Erbil bazaars are good places for spices and sweets.
Things to Watch Out For#
Security. Violent attacks, terrorism and kidnapping make many areas unsafe.
Checkpoints. Expect security checks and documentation requests, and carry ID.
Heat and dust. Summer is extreme, and dust winds are a real factor.
Photography. Avoid photographing checkpoints or security sites, and ask first.
Food and water. Avoid tap water and be cautious with uncooked street food.
Who Is Iraq For?#
Nature lovers
You get Zagros mountain scenery in the north, plus reed marshes rich in birdlife.
Adventure seekers
Look to the Zagros foothills for rugged trekking, and marshland boat trips in the south.
Culture and history
Families
Family travel is most realistic in Kurdistan, while national security remains a concern.
Couples
Erbil’s citadel and Kurdish mountain villages suit quiet getaways and sunset views.
Digital nomads
Coworking and reliable internet are mainly in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, not nationwide.
What you need to get in#
Most travellers need a visa, and entry rules differ between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Federal Iraq no longer issues tourist visas on arrival, and you are told to apply for an e-visa on the Iraqi government portal at least a day before you fly. The Kurdistan Region runs its own e-visa and visa on arrival, and these are valid only inside the Kurdistan Region.
Federal e-visa
Apply on the Iraqi government portal at least a day before flying.
Passport and ticket
Six months validity is expected, and hold a return ticket.
Always verify visa requirements with the nearest Iraqi or Kurdistan regional consulate, as procedures can differ. Some areas require special permits, and travel to certain provinces may be restricted or advised against.
When to go#
The short answer is November to March for cooler, easier sightseeing weather. April to May and September to October are also described as pleasant shoulder seasons.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| November to March | Cooler and milder across most of the country | Northern areas can be snowy at higher elevations. |
| April to May | Warm, mostly dry, and comfortable for travelling | A good window for sites and northern highlands. |
| September to October | Warm with more manageable temperatures than summer | Good for ruins and highland excursions with moderate crowds. |
| June to August | Extreme heat across plains and the south | Limit outdoor time to cooler hours, if visiting. |
In the far south around Basra and the marshes, summer is described as brutally hot and humid, and best avoided without reliable air conditioning.
The classic trips and what they cost#
A typical first visit either uses Baghdad as a base for history day trips, or combines Baghdad with a Kurdistan loop around Erbil and Dohuk. Longer trips add Basra and the southern marshes.
Prices are rough totals for one person travelling alone, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Baghdad base, including Babylon, plus Najaf or Karbala | $1,200-$2,000 per person estimate shown). |
| 14 days | Baghdad, Babylon, Erbil, Dohuk or Akre, plus Nineveh if accessible | $2,000-$3,800 per person estimate shown). |
| 3 to 4 weeks | Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala, Erbil and Mosul area, then Basra and the marshes | $3,800-$6,500 per person estimate shown). |
Budget ranges given are about 65,000-91,000 IQD ($50-70) a day backpacking, 91,000-156,000 IQD ($70-120) mid-range, and 156,000-325,000 IQD ($120-250) for comfort. Kurdistan and major cities are noted as pricier, and private security and logistics can push costs higher.
Plan flexible days and book secure lodging and guided trips well in advance, as security conditions can change.
Iraq in a nutshell#
- Capital: Baghdad. Most travellers fly into Baghdad or Erbil.
- People: About 43 million people. More in [Iraq demographics].
- Language: Arabic and Kurdish are official, and English is understood by many people in cities. More help: [Arabic].
- Money: The currency is the Iraqi dinar. Cash is dominant, and cards are mostly limited to major hotels. [Dinar (IQD)].
- Daily budget: Typical daily costs are described as roughly $50-120 a day, or 65,000-156,000 IQD depending on style. Comfort travel is put at 156,000-325,000 IQD ($120-250) a day.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, plug types C and G. [Iraq plug types].
- Emergencies: Emergency numbers listed are 112 or 911 general, 104 police, 122 ambulance, 115 fire. More on [Iraq emergency page].
Don't forget to bring#
Conservative clothes
Dress conservatively in public, especially around shrines. Follow local rules at mosques and shrines, and remove shoes when required.
Cash in IQD and USD
Cash remains dominant and ATMs can be unreliable. Carry ample Iraqi dinar, and some USD as backup.
Plug adapter
Iraq uses 230V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types C and G. Bring an adapter that matches your devices.
SIM and passport
Tourist SIMs are available at airports or city shops. Carry your passport for SIM registration.
Basic medical kit
Bring a basic kit for minor issues, as services vary by location. Plan for heat and dust in warmer months.
Travel insurance with medevac
The safety section advises comprehensive travel insurance with medevac coverage. This matters more here than in easier destinations.
Good to know before you land#
- Shrine etiquette: Dress conservatively, remove shoes when required, and follow any gender-separated areas.
- Photography: Do not photograph checkpoints or security installations, and ask before photographing people.
- Money habits: Cards work in some hotels in Erbil and Baghdad, but cash is standard elsewhere.
- Tipping: Tipping is described as common, about 10% in restaurants.
- Getting around: Air travel is often preferred for long distances, with taxis and private hire common in cities.
- Sensitive topics: Avoid sensitive political or sectarian discussions, and follow locals’ cues.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Iraq guides#
First time in Iraq FAQs#
Is Iraq safe for tourists?
No, large parts of Iraq are described as high-risk, with terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks noted. The Kurdistan Region is described as comparatively more stable, but you still need to follow advisories.
Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Most travellers need a visa, and the rules differ between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Federal Iraq says tourist visas on arrival are no longer issued, and you should apply for an e-visa at least a day before flying.
What is the best time to visit Iraq?
November to March is listed as high season with cooler weather for sightseeing. April to May and September to October are also described as pleasant shoulder seasons.
How many days do I need in Iraq for a first trip?
The country overview suggests allowing 2-3 weeks for a first trip. A one-week itinerary exists using Baghdad as a base, while two weeks adds Kurdistan.
How much does a trip to Iraq cost per day?
Typical daily costs are given as roughly $50-120, or about 65,000-156,000 IQD a day depending on style. Comfort travel is listed at 156,000-325,000 IQD ($120-250) a day.