Jurisdiction Guide

Mid-October to April brings milder weather, especially in Baghdad and southern Iraq, making travel more pleasant. Summers are very hot and dry, while winters in the north can get chilly.

Carry cash, as card acceptance is limited outside major hotels and malls. Arabic is the main language, but Kurdish is widely spoken in the north. Taxis are common but settle fares before riding. Buy a local SIM card at the airport or mobile shops for cheap calls and data. Internet quality varies, especially outside big cities.

Greet with the right hand and a simple "Salam Alaikum". Conservative dress is expected, especially for women and in rural or religious areas. Wait for your host to invite you to eat during meals, and try not to refuse tea. Respect prayer times and avoid loud behavior near mosques. Public displays of affection are not appropriate.

Check current security updates before traveling, as risks can change quickly. Road accidents are common, traffic rules vary and driving styles can be aggressive. Some areas still have risk of landmines or unexploded ordnance, especially near borders. Tap water may not be safe to drink, stick to bottled or boiled water.

The city of Sulaymaniyah in Kurdistan offers lively cafes, mountain views, and fewer foreign visitors. Visit the ancient marshes of southern Iraq and take a boat ride with local Ma'dan guides. The old town of Alqosh, north of Mosul, features ancient monasteries and Christian heritage.

Visa requirements change frequently, so check with your embassy before travel. Some nationalities, especially from the EU or neighboring countries, may get a visa on arrival at certain airports and border points. Other visitors need to apply in advance at an Iraqi consulate. The Kurdistan Region sometimes offers a separate visa-on-arrival, but it does not cover Arab Iraq. There is no digital nomad visa or easy long-term residency path.

Domestic flights connect Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. Shared taxis and minivans run between larger cities and towns, but schedules are flexible. Buses exist but are less comfortable or reliable. Ride-hailing apps like Careem are available in Baghdad and Erbil. Renting a car is possible in the north, though city traffic can be intimidating.

Kebabs, biryani, dolma, and masgouf (grilled fish) are classic Iraqi dishes. Meals often start with fresh bread, salads, and pickles. Tea is served strong and sweet, while Arabic coffee is reserved for special moments. Street food is tasty but choose busy vendors for freshness. Vegetarians will find lentil soups, falafel, and eggplant dishes, but meat is central to most main courses.

Budget travelers spend about $30-50 a day, while mid-range travelers should expect $70-120. Erbil and Baghdad are costlier than smaller towns. Hotel rooms in big cities start around $40, but local guesthouses can be much cheaper. A roadside meal or plate of kebabs costs $2-4.