Is Baghdad safe?
High risk. Iranian-linked strikes, militias, terrorism and kidnapping persist in 2026, though daily life in central districts is busy. Use a fixer, avoid protests and check advice before booking.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-08-28.
- Homicide rate in Iraq: 9.5 per 100,000 people (2013, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Iraq: 27.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115.
Safety in Baghdad at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Armed militias, car bombs and abductions are rare but possible, and checkpoint delays are constant. Petty theft and phone snatching occur in crowded markets. |
| At night | Cafés in Karrada and Mansour stay open late, but the streets feel less safe after dark. Take hotel-arranged taxis rather than walking. |
| Solo women | Very conservative outside the main hotels; solo foreign women draw attention. Wear loose clothing, cover hair at shrines and use trusted drivers. |
| Other risks | Drone and rocket strikes aimed at the Green Zone or US sites; Extreme summer heat with long power cuts; Dust storms and poor air in spring and summer |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Airport touts offering rides; pre-arrange a pickup instead
- Taxi drivers quoting dollar prices several times the local fare
- Fixers adding undisclosed commission to guide and entry fees
Take care
- Green Zone edges and protests near Tahrir Square: clashes and live fire
- Airport road at night: checkpoints and militia activity
- Outer districts and highways north and west of the city
Calmer areas to stay
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.
How Baghdad compares in Iraq
Quick answers
Is Baghdad safe for solo female travelers?
Very conservative outside the main hotels; solo foreign women draw attention. Wear loose clothing, cover hair at shrines and use trusted drivers.
Is Baghdad safe at night?
Cafés in Karrada and Mansour stay open late, but the streets feel less safe after dark. Take hotel-arranged taxis rather than walking.
What is the crime rate in Baghdad?
Armed militias, car bombs and abductions are rare but possible, and checkpoint delays are constant. Petty theft and phone snatching occur in crowded markets. Nationally, Iraq records 9.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2013).
What number do I call in an emergency in Baghdad?
Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115.
More about Baghdad
Going to Baghdad solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Baghdad meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Iraq e-visa portal
- UK FCDO travel advice: Iraq
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.