Middle East

Is Iraq safe?

Capital: BaghdadArabic, Kurdish, ArmenianUpdated October 2026

L4Do not travel

Is Iraq safe?

Iranian missile and drone strikes have hit Iraq, including Erbil, since July 2026, on top of militia, terrorism and kidnap threats. Most foreigners travel with fixers.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-08-28.
Homicide rate: 9.5 per 100,000 people (2013, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 27.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115.
Solo women: Very conservative; solo foreign women draw attention. Wear loose clothing and cover hair at shrines. Kurdistan is more relaxed.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Iranian strikes on US-linked sites, including in Kurdistan
Terrorism and kidnapping, especially in former Islamic State areas
Protests, curfews and road closures at short notice
Landmines and unexploded weapons in rural and border areas

Common scams

Strangers at airports offering rides; pre-arrange a trusted pickup

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.

Safety by place in Iraq

Place	Safety
Baghdad	2/5 · High risk
Erbil	2/5 · High risk
Karbala	2/5 · High risk

Quick answers

Is Iraq safe for tourists?

Iranian missile and drone strikes have hit Iraq, including Erbil, since July 2026, on top of militia, terrorism and kidnap threats. Most foreigners travel with fixers.

Is Iraq safe for solo female travelers?

Very conservative; solo foreign women draw attention. Wear loose clothing and cover hair at shrines. Kurdistan is more relaxed.

What is the emergency number in Iraq?

Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.