There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Iraq Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Iraq – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Iraqi Dinar (IQD) £1 ≈ IQD 2,017 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payment options are limited in Iraq. Most transactions are done in cash, and credit cards are only accepted in some larger hotels and businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Iraq but appreciated for good service. A small tip of 5-10% in restaurants is common. Taxi drivers may expect a small tip or rounding up of the fare. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is illegal in Iraq, and alcohol consumption is restricted to private settings. Alcoholic beverages are generally not available in public spaces or restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is officially banned in indoor public places, including public buildings, but the ban is poorly enforced and smoking remains very common. |
| Republic Day (14 July) |
A national holiday with parades and celebrations |
|---|---|
| Ashura (Varies) |
A religious holiday observed with mourning ceremonies, especially in Shia communities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 104 (Police), 122 (Ambulance), 115 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Karwa |
| Other: | Travel to Iraq is not recommended at this time due to security risks. It's essential to stay informed about the political and safety situation before making travel plans. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Iraq, Iraq
Climate varies by region: Kurdistan's mountains suit hiking in summer and snow in winter, the south is extremely hot May to September, sightseeing in Baghdad and the south is best March to April and October to November
Arbaeen pilgrimage: millions of pilgrims walk to Karbala, hotels and transport in Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad are fully booked and roads closed
Security situation and entry rules vary by region and can change at short notice; check official travel advisories before planning
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Babylon near Hillah
- 🕌 Admire the golden shrines of Najaf and Karbala
- 📚 Walk through Baghdad’s historic Al-Mutanabbi Street
- 🏺 See the ancient ziggurat of Ur in southern Iraq
- 🏰 Visit the Citadel of Erbil, one of the world’s oldest settlements
- 🌅 Cruise along the Tigris River at sunset
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Iraq?
Iraq captivates visitors with its unparalleled historical significance - this is where writing was invented, the first cities arose and ancient empires like Babylon and Assyria left their indelible mark. The country houses some of the world's most important archaeological sites, many still being excavated, offering a rare glimpse into the dawn of human civilization. Beyond its ancient wonders, Iraq's religious heritage shines through magnificent shrines and mosques, particularly in cities like Karbala and Najaf. The autonomous Kurdistan region in the north offers stunning mountain landscapes and relative stability for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty. What makes Iraq truly special is the authenticity of the experience - far from mass tourism routes, those who venture here find themselves immersed in genuine cultural exchanges and witnessing history that has shaped our world.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Karbala
A pilgrimage hub in Iraq’s heart, Karbala houses the revered Imam Husayn shrine beside the ancient Tigris River. Visitors find bustling markets and quiet mosques alike; plan trips after Ramadan to avoid crowds while enjoying local hospitality. -
2
Najaf
The holy city of Najaf in Iraq's southern region is home to the revered Imam Ali shrine, surrounded by ancient mosques and bustling markets that reflect centuries of spiritual heritage and cultural significance.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Arbaeen Pilgrimage
-
Nowruz Festival
-
Baghdad International Book Fair
-
Babylon International Festival
-
Erbil International Fair
-
Ashura Commemoration
-
Kurdish New Year Celebrations
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Baghdad International Film Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Visa required. Apply for e-Visa online before travel.
- Travel advisory high; join organized tours with security for safety.
- Register with authorities within 10 days of arrival; carry ID always.
- Kurdistan visas valid only there; Federal Iraq needs separate e-visa approval.
How to travel to Iraq
The main gateway to Iraq is through Baghdad International Airport, which connects to major international cities. Erbil International Airport in Kurdistan is another option, often considered safer and more reliable. Both airports have experienced occasional closures due to security incidents, so check the latest situation before traveling. Entry by road is possible from neighboring countries, particularly through the Kurdistan region from Turkey, though border situations can change rapidly. Most visitors will require a visa, which should be arranged well in advance. Note that a visa for federal Iraq does not grant access to Kurdistan and vice versa - separate permissions are needed.
Access summary
- Baghdad/central Iraq: Fly to Baghdad International (BGW) from regional hubs.
- Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah): Fly to Erbil (EBL) or ISU from Middle East/Europe.
- Najaf/Shia pilgrimage: Fly to Najaf (NJF) from regional religious routes; Iraqi Airways unaffiliated.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Iraq
Accommodation options vary greatly across Iraq. Major cities like Baghdad and Basra have international hotel chains and local options, though quality can be inconsistent. The Kurdistan region, particularly Erbil, offers the best selection of modern hotels with Western standards. In religious cities like Karbala and Najaf, pilgrim-oriented hotels are common. Throughout the country, security should be a primary consideration when choosing accommodation, with many better hotels having robust security measures in place.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Iraq
Transportation within Iraq can be challenging. In major cities like Baghdad, taxis are the most common means of getting around, though driving standards are low compared to Western countries. Road accidents are frequent and often serious. Public buses run irregularly with frequently changing routes and vehicles are often poorly maintained. For intercity travel, private taxis or tour company vehicles are recommended over public transportation. The Kurdistan region has better infrastructure and more reliable transportation options. Always arrange transportation through trusted sources and avoid traveling at night due to security concerns.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Iraq are around 54% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to IQD) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Travel in Iraq involves significant risks including terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict. The Kurdistan region is relatively safer. Never travel alone, use experienced guides, avoid border areas, be cautious of mined areas and stay clear of damaged buildings. Always check current security advisories before and during travel.
Health & Medical
Healthcare facilities vary greatly in quality and availability. Major cities have better facilities, but standards are generally below Western expectations. Bring all necessary medications and comprehensive travel insurance. Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities and can be harmful to sensitive individuals.
Accessibility
Iraq has minimal infrastructure for those with mobility challenges. Modern hotels in Kurdistan may offer better accessibility, but public spaces, transportation and historical sites are generally not adapted for wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations. Advance planning with specialized assistance is essential.
Tap water
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Iraq. Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, brushing teeth and in some areas, even washing food. Stay well-hydrated, especially during the extremely hot summer months, to prevent dehydration.
Packing recommendations for Iraq
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🧪
Water purification tablets
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
for women
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
😷
Dust or pollution mask
for sandstorms
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Iraq
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