City in Erbil Governorate, Iraq
Is Erbil safe?
Calmer than federal Iraq, but Iranian missile and drone strikes have hit Erbil since July 2026, and militias, kidnap risk and sudden security changes persist.
Is Erbil safe?
Calmer than federal Iraq, but Iranian missile and drone strikes have hit Erbil since July 2026, and militias, kidnap risk and sudden security changes persist. Keep an exit plan and avoid US-linked sites.
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 Erbil at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Low street crime for the region. Real risks are drone or missile attacks, terrorism and tensions with militia groups. |
| At night | The center, Ankawa and 100 Meter Road stay lively late. Take Baly or Careem or a hotel taxi instead of walking. |
| Solo women | More relaxed than the rest of Iraq: many women drive and work, but dress modestly and expect stares. Taxis from apps are safest at night. |
| Other risks | Missile and drone strikes with little warning; Landmines off marked roads in the mountains; Summer heat above 45°C |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting dollar fares well above the local rate
- Shops inflating prices for foreigners; check before buying
Take care
- US-linked sites, bases and the airport area: targeted by drone strikes
- Roads toward Mosul, Kirkuk and the Iranian border: checkpoints and tensions
- Rural mountain areas with unexploded mines
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 Erbil compares in Iraq
Quick answers
Is Erbil safe for solo female travelers?
More relaxed than the rest of Iraq: many women drive and work, but dress modestly and expect stares. Taxis from apps are safest at night.
Is Erbil safe at night?
The center, Ankawa and 100 Meter Road stay lively late. Take Baly or Careem or a hotel taxi instead of walking.
What is the crime rate in Erbil?
Low street crime for the region. Real risks are drone or missile attacks, terrorism and tensions with militia groups. Nationally, Iraq records 9.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2013).
What number do I call in an emergency in Erbil?
Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115.
More about Erbil
Going to Erbil solo?
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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.