Start City
Baghdad
End City
Baghdad
Number of Nights
3
- Visa.
- Tipping.
- International flights.
- any optional tours.
The best time to visit Iraq is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) as the temperature is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green. Most parts of Iraq have a desert climate with mild winters and sweltering summers. In the mountainous region of Kurdistan, the climate is cold and rainy (or snowy) in winter and warm and sunny in summer. You can visit Iraq throughout the year, except in the summer when the temperature generally exceeds 40 degrees and it becomes almost impossible to do anything.
Iraqi Kurdistan is generally considered a safe region to visit as it has its borders separate from the rest of the country. It is protected by the Peshmerga, a fighting force supported by foreign aid.
In recent times, Southern Iraq has also become safe for tourists to visit. Since the complete fall and destruction of ISIS, many research and tourism companies have organized successful tours without any issues.
There are currently no Covid restrictions at all.
The official currency used in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar. Credit cards are acceptable at the majority of hotels, upscale shops, and restaurants. ATMs are also available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.
There is no specific dress code in Iraq, but it is advisable to dress modestly and cover your legs. While there is no need to wear full-sleeved shirts or a mid-thigh “manteau” like in Iran, it is recommended to cover your arms a bit more in conservative cities like Mosul and Basra. You don’t have to cover your hair, and in Baghdad, you may see young girls wearing T-shirts. However, women are required to wear an abaya to enter mosques. If you don’t have one, you can purchase it from one of the shops around the site. In the holy cities of Kerbala and Najaf, the area around the shrines of Imam Ali and Hussein is considered sacred and requires a more extensive dress code.
Yes, it is recommended you have insurance before traveling to Iraq, pls contact your local insurance company for more details.
you can’t enter Iraq without a visa, however Following Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq in March 2021, the Iraqi government has taken steps to ease the visa application process for travelers. As a result, Visa on Arrival (VOA) is now available for citizens of certain countries, making it more convenient for them to enter Iraq. These countries include:
- UK, USA, Russia, China, France, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
- European Union countries: Belgium, Austria, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, Latvia, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Spain
- Side note: If you plan on visiting Kurdistan, it is important to note that the visa you receive from the Kurdish autonomous region does not allow you to enter federal Iraq. Thus, if you intend to visit federal Iraq, you should plan to arrive there instead. Previously, you could only obtain a visa on arrival if you flew to Baghdad, Najaf, or Basra. However, the rules have changed recently and now you can get a visa on arrival at any land border if you are entitled to one.
It is possible to enter Iraq with a work visa, but you will need to provide additional documentation such as a letter from your employer and a work permit. And it is better to make sure you have at least 6 months before your visa expires whatever its type is.
There are regular public transportation options, including minibusses and shared taxis, available between cities in Iraq. For foreign travelers navigating within cities, taxis are the best option. The Careem app is recommended for transportation within Baghdad as it is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. If you want a hassle-free experience, you can have a tour organized for you by a local or foreign travel agency. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can arrange for just your transportation and accommodation. It is worth noting that package tours in Iraq tend to be expensive.
It’s customary (and not mandatory) to tip in Iraq, the amount varies based on service and experience.
In Iraq, the power outlets use types D, G, and C with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.
Alcohol consumption is not widely advertised but is not entirely prohibited in Iraq. Baghdad and the Kurdish cities in the northern part have bars, discos, and nightclubs. cities like Mosul, Basra, and Kirkuk have bars and alcohol shops, You can find the alcohol shops in the Christian quarters of Karrada and on Sadoun Street in the capital. Since the prices of drinks in bars are high, people often prefer to drink discreetly in their cars or at home.
you plan to travel independently around Iraq; however, it is encouraged to have someone with you who can translate Arabic if you do not speak it. Although Google Translate is helpful in these situations, it may not be sufficient for more complex issues. In many cases, you will need to provide proof of a local contact waiting for you at your destination. Therefore, it is highly recommended to travel with locals who can assist you and help avoid any potential troubles.
The official used in Iraq is Arabic but Kurdish is used in the Northern parts
Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+3).
If you plan to travel to Iraq and need to use your mobile phone, you’ll be glad to know that international roaming is available. It means that you can use your phone to make calls, send messages, and access the internet while you’re in Iraq. However, it’s crucial to check with your mobile service provider beforehand to ensure that you’ll have adequate coverage and to know the rates you’ll be charged for using your phone while abroad. This way, you can avoid any unexpected charges and stay connected with your loved ones or colleagues.
While you’re in Iraq, you can extend your visa by visiting the Iraqi Immigration and Passport Office. It’s crucial to apply for an extension well before your visa expires.
It is possible to apply for certain types of visas, such as tourism and business, through the Iraqi government’s visa portal.
The cost of an e-visa varies based on the visa type and duration of stay. It’s important to review the Iraqi government’s visa portal for current pricing.
The cost of an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. Make sure to check the Iraqi government’s visa portal for current prices.
The processing time for an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. To avoid any delays, it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
No, if you are not a citizen of an eligible country, you will need to apply for a visa at the Iraqi embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.
Before traveling to Iraq, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and A, typhoid, polio, and tetanus. As there is a risk of contracting these diseases in Iraq.
In case of an emergency in Iraq, dial 112 for police or 115 for ambulance. Keep your embassy’s contact information handy.
It is advisable to seek permission before taking pictures of people or religious sites in Iraq.