Iraq
Why visit Iraq?
Iraq is one of the most fascinating and underrated travel destinations in the world: rich in history, culture, and human warmth. From the ancient ruins of Hatra to the vibrant streets of Baghdad and the rugged mountains of the north, Iraq offers raw, authentic experiences that few other places can match. It’s a country of contrasts, where past and present, hardship and hospitality, meet.
Iraq is divided into two main regions for travelers: Federal Iraq (including cities like Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra) and the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan in the north (with cities like Erbil, Dohuk, and Soran). While both regions offer incredible experiences, they differ significantly in terms of security, visa requirements, and ease of travel. Iraqi Kurdistan is often considered safer and more accessible for independent travelers, while Federal Iraq offers a deeper dive into the heart of Mesopotamian civilization.
Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sipping tea with locals, or hiking through untouched mountains, Iraq is a destination for the truly curious.
Quick Country Facts
Capital
Baghdad
Currency
Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
1€ = 1473IQD
Population
45 Million
Languages
Arabic, Kurdish (Iraqi Kurdistan)
Best time to visit
April - May & October - January
Food
Kebab - the Obvious
Masgouf - Grilled freshwater carp, split open and slow-cooked over open fire.
Mosuli Kubba - flat, round baked or fried meat pie
Safety
Safety is often the first concern when it comes to traveling in Iraq. Many people immediately associate the country with Saddam Hussein, ISIS, or decades of conflict. It’s no surprise that most foreign governments still advise against all non-essential travel.
But Iraq has changed. The war against ISIS ended with the recapture of Mosul in 2017, and since then, the country has entered a period of relative stability. In recent years, Iraq has slowly reopened to tourism, and more travelers are discovering its deep history, welcoming people, and raw, unfiltered beauty.
I can only speak from my own experience—but during my time in both Federal Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan, I felt extremely safe. I was met with nothing but kindness, hospitality, and respect, and I never encountered a situation that felt threatening or unsafe.
That said, I won’t claim Iraq is 100% safe; no place in the world truly is. Use common sense, stay informed, and avoid too remote or politically sensitive regions.
Before you go
Visa
When traveling to Iraq, it’s important to know that there are two different types of visas depending on where you’re heading:
Federal Iraq Visa – covers all of Iraq, including Kurdistan Region
Iraqi Kurdistan Visa – only valid for the Kurdish autonomous region in the north.
In the past, both visas were available on arrival, but now you’ll need to apply online in advance.
Federal Iraq Visa
💰 Cost: Around $160 USD
⚠️ Note: The official visa website is known for payment issues, especially with non-Iraqi credit/debit cards. You might need to try multiple cards or consider using a travel agency to assist with the process.
🔗 Apply here: Federal Iraq Visa Application
Iraqi Kurdistan Visa
💰 Cost: $80 USD
✅ Generally easier to obtain and the application process is more straightforward.
🔗 Apply here: Kurdish Visa Application
Traveling between cities in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan is relatively straightforward thanks to a network of shared taxis and buses, which are the main forms of public transport.
Shared taxis are the most common and convenient way to travel between cities. Each city has a central hub—locally known as a “garage”—where shared taxis and minibuses depart. These garages are usually bustling and easy to locate in larger cities.
💰 Baghdad to Mosul: 30.000IQD, Erbil to Soran 10.000IQD (Bus for 6.000IQD, not always available)
🚕 Important Tip: Taxis won’t depart until they are full, which means you may have to wait—especially in smaller towns. In some places, I’ve waited up to two hours for the car to fill up, so patience is key.
Transport
Difficulty
Iraq is definitely a destination for the more experienced traveler. English is not widely spoken, public transportation can be confusing, and you’ll quickly notice that most hotels can’t be booked online.
That said, if you come prepared—do your research, stay flexible, and bring some patience—you’ll be rewarded with a genuinely unforgettable experience. It’s a country where travel feels real again: raw, authentic, and without crowds.
👉 In my Iraq Travel Guide, I’ll go into more detail about how to find accommodation, navigate local transport, and make your trip as smooth as possible.
Entering Iraq depends on which region you’re traveling to—Federal Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan—as they have separate entry points, visa systems, and even different practical routes.
Entering Iraqi Kurdistan
You can enter the Kurdish region either by air or land:
✈️ By Air: The easiest way is to fly into Erbil International Airport.
🚗 By Land: You can cross the border from Turkey or Iran. The Turkey–Iraq (Ibrahim Khalil/Habur) border is a popular crossing for overlanders and connects you directly to Iraqi Kurdistan.
Entering Federal Iraq
To visit the rest of Iraq you have a few options:
✈️ By Air: Major entry points include Baghdad, Basra, and potentially Mosul (international flights are expected soon).
🚗 By Land: You can enter from Iran, Jordan, or Kuwait.
⚠️ Note: The Iraq–Syria land border situation is unclear and generally not recommended due to safety concerns.
⚠️ Important Travel Note
If you enter Iraq from Turkey, you’ll arrive in Iraqi Kurdistan, which issues its own visa. Since there’s no official internal border between Kurdistan and Federal Iraq, you cannot get your passport stamped with a Federal Iraq visa once you’re inside. This means:
✈️ You cannot fly directly from Erbil to Baghdad or other Federal Iraqi cities.
✈️ Instead, you’d need to exit the country (for example, fly from Erbil to Kuwait or Jordan) and then fly into Baghdad with the appropriate visa.
- ⚠️ With Federal Iraq Visa you can enter Kurdistan and exit into Turkey.
Getting in
Budget
Iraq is generally a budget-friendly destination, but it can be more expensive than some of its neighboring countries, like Iran or Afghanistan. How much you spend will depend on how you choose to travel and whether you plan ahead.
Here’s what to expect:
- 💸 Accommodation
If you plan to book everything in advance, prices can rise quickly, especially since the few hotels listed online tend to be overpriced. Prices typically start at €40 per night.
However, most hotels don’t offer online booking, so you’ll need to arrive in person to book a room. This gives you the opportunity to find budget options for around €20 (or 25,000 IQD), and sometimes even cheaper. - 🗺️ Guides
In some regions, hiring a guide might be necessary, especially in more remote areas or when attempting things like summiting Iraq’s highest mountain, located near the Iranian border. - 🍽️ Food & Transportation
When it comes to food and transportation, Iraq is very affordable. Local dishes are tasty and cheap, and shared taxis or buses won’t break the bank. - 💶 Estimated Daily Budget
If you’re staying in more affordable accommodations and eating locally, a budget of around €35 per day is very doable.
All Posts
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How to visit Rawanduz & Soran in 2025
How to visit Mosul in 2025
How to visit Akre in 2025 (Iraqi Kurdistan)
Halgurd: How to summit Iraq’s highest Mountain
How to travel Iraqi Kurdistan in 2025
