Middle East
Iraq
Mesopotamian ruins, Shia shrines and Kurdish mountains draw adventurous travellers, mostly with guides. Iranian strikes, militias and kidnap risk make federal Iraq high-risk in 2026; the Kurdistan Region is calmer, not immune.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa1 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyIQDUS$1 ≈ ع.د1,310.22Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English1/5RareDetails
- PlugsType C, D, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; tap water isn't safe and cholera outbreaks occur.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedMilitias have attacked LGBTQ+ people and blackmail is common.Details
- Internet50 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 72 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 IDP with your licence; most visitors hire a driver because of checkpoints and dangerous roads.
Where to go in Iraq
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Iraq
October–April; summers exceed 45°C with dust storms. Kurdistan is best March–May and September–October. Arbaeen pilgrimage (August–September) brings huge crowds to Karbala.
Good to know
Entry
- Federal Iraq has no visa on arrival: apply on the e-visa portal at least 24 hours ahead and hold a return or onward ticket.
- The Kurdistan Region issues its own e-visa or visa on arrival, valid only inside the Kurdistan Region.
- Non-visit visas require an HIV and hepatitis test within 10 days of arrival.
- Declare cash over USD 10,000 or IQD 200,000 when entering or leaving.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex relations bring 10–15 years in prison under a 2024 law.
- Carry your passport; ID checks at checkpoints are constant.
- Photographing checkpoints, soldiers or government sites can lead to detention.
Etiquette
- Women cover hair at Shia shrines; abayas are often lent at entrances.
- Eat, greet and pass things with your right hand.
- Accept tea and hospitality; Iraqis are famously generous hosts.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women.
Tipping
Not expected in cheap places; about 10% in nicer restaurants. Tip drivers and guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Iraq
- Republic of Iraq e-visa portal
- Kurdistan Region e-visa portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Iraq
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.