1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Entry conditions are unpredictable

Iraq’s entry, exit, visa, border and transport conditions can change at short notice. Conflict, regional escalation, airport closures, security restrictions, territorial control, demonstrations and diplomatic developments may affect travellers without warning.

A visa, invitation or confirmed flight does not guarantee entry, internal movement, safety or the ability to leave. Requirements may differ between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and procedures can change suddenly.

Visa requirements

Most foreign nationals require a visa before travelling to Iraq. Official UK guidance states that travellers generally need to apply through the Iraqi Government e-visa portal at least 24 hours before travel and should not assume that a visa on arrival is available. Check the official Iraqi authorities and the relevant embassy for your nationality.

• Travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival.
• Ensure the passport has at least one blank page for immigration processing.
• Check whether your nationality requires an e-visa, embassy visa, sponsor, invitation or security clearance.
• Do not rely on informal agents, social-media claims or unverified visa services.
• Border rules may differ between Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and land crossings.
• Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, exit restrictions and serious legal problems.

Official Iraqi e-visa information: Government of Iraq e-Visa Portal.

Essential authorised travel only

Essential travellers, such as staff of international organisations, journalists, diplomats, contractors or family members with unavoidable reasons, should travel only with professional security planning, formal organisational approval, a contingency plan and verified entry permissions.

• Written visa and entry approval.
• Host organisation or sponsor details.
• Professional security plan and approved local contact.
• Medical and evacuation plan.
• Written confirmation that insurance covers Iraq, if any cover is available.
• Paper copies of passport, visa, emergency contacts and medical records.
• Cash-management and communications plan compliant with law and organisational policy.

Customs and restricted items

Iraq has strict rules concerning weapons, drones, satellite equipment, drugs, military items, communications devices, political materials and archaeological objects. Different authorities and security forces may apply restrictions differently depending on location.

• Do not carry weapons, drones, satellite communications equipment or security devices without formal authorisation.
• Do not bring illegal drugs, controlled substances or prescription medicine without documentation.
• Do not remove archaeological items, stones, artefacts or cultural objects from historic sites.
• Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, airports, security staff or government buildings.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and professional security advisers.

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Healthcare limitations

Healthcare quality varies significantly between Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and more remote locations. Public services may face shortages of medicine, equipment, staff, electricity, clean water and specialist care. Serious medical cases can require evacuation, but evacuation may be delayed or unavailable due to security and transport conditions.

Travel health insurance

Standard travel insurance often excludes Iraq because of official “Do Not Travel” warnings, terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping, civil unrest and sanctions-related restrictions. Do not assume that a standard policy or credit-card insurance will be valid.

• Obtain written confirmation from the insurer before any essential travel.
• Check exclusions for war, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, detention and medical evacuation.
• Confirm whether evacuation is realistically available from your intended location.
• Ensure the policy includes private medical treatment where possible.
• Essential organisations should arrange specialist medical and security assistance.

Health risks

• Limited or inconsistent medical services outside major cities.
• Food- and water-borne illness.
• Extreme heat, dehydration and heatstroke in summer.
• Air pollution, dust storms and respiratory irritation.
• Infectious-disease risks depending on location and season.
• Injury risk from conflict, damaged roads, unexploded ordnance and landmines.

Vaccinations and medical preparation

Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Essential authorised travellers should consult a specialist travel-medicine clinic for personalised vaccination and malaria advice where relevant. Carry enough prescribed medication for the whole stay, in original packaging and with documentation.

General health information: World Health Organization: Iraq Country Profile.

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

Critical security situation

Iraq faces risks from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, militia activity, civil unrest, attacks on foreign interests, rockets, drones, improvised explosive devices, landmines, unexploded ordnance and unpredictable security restrictions. Risks can rise rapidly due to wider regional developments.

The United States maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest and limited ability to provide emergency services. In March 2026, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and routine U.S. consular services in Baghdad and Erbil were suspended.

Major risks

• Terrorist attacks, rocket attacks, missile attacks and drone attacks.
• Kidnapping, arbitrary detention and wrongful detention.
• Militia activity, civil unrest and armed clashes.
• Landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in former conflict zones and rural areas.
• Sudden airport, airspace, border and road closures.
• Checkpoints, curfews, movement restrictions and unpredictable security procedures.
• Weak emergency response, damaged infrastructure and limited medical evacuation options.
• Risk to foreign nationals, diplomatic sites, hotels, energy infrastructure and transport hubs.

Areas of concern

Official advice differs by nationality and is updated frequently. The UK currently advises against all travel to several areas, including parts of Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninawa, Salah al-Din, Sadr City, Jurf al-Sakr and designated border zones. It advises against all but essential travel to much of the remainder of federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Do not use a country page as a substitute for the latest region-specific advisory. Consult the warning map and exact language issued by your own government immediately before and during any essential travel.

Guidance for persons already in Iraq

• Follow instructions from your embassy, employer, professional security provider and local authorities.
• Do not travel independently between provinces or cities.
• Avoid demonstrations, public gatherings, checkpoints, military areas, diplomatic sites and border zones.
• Keep a low profile and do not publish travel routes or current locations online.
• Maintain emergency supplies, fuel, cash, water, food, medication and backup power.
• Monitor multiple reliable sources and do not act on unverified social-media information.
• Do not assume that flights or land routes will remain available when you need to leave.

Official travel warnings

• United States: Iraq Level 4 Travel Advisory
• United Kingdom: Iraq Travel Advice
• Australia: Iraq Travel Advice
• Germany: Iraq Travel and Security Advice
• Austria: Iraq Travel Information

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Emergency numbers may be unreliable

Emergency response can vary by location and may be delayed or unavailable because of security conditions, infrastructure problems and local control. Public emergency numbers should not be treated as a substitute for a professional security and medical plan.

• Police emergency: 104 or 911, depending on location and service availability.
• Ambulance: 122.
• Fire service: 115.
• General emergency number: 911 may be used in some areas.

The UK’s Iraq travel advice lists ambulance number 122, fire number 115 and police number 104. A U.S. Embassy security alert also identifies 911 as a local emergency number. Availability, language support and response times cannot be assumed.

Official UK emergency guidance: Getting Help in Iraq – GOV.UK.

United States emergency contacts

• U.S. Embassy Baghdad: +964 760 030 3000 from outside Iraq or 0760 030 3000 within Iraq.
• U.S. Consulate General Erbil: +964 66 211 4554 from outside Iraq or 066 211 4554 within Iraq.
• U.S. Department of State emergency support from the United States and Canada: +1 888 407 4747.
• U.S. Department of State emergency support from outside the United States and Canada: +1 202 501 4444.
• U.S. Embassy Baghdad emergency email: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein..
• U.S. Consulate General Erbil emergency email: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein..

U.S. security alert: U.S. Mission Iraq Security Alert.

Emergency planning checklist for essential authorised personnel

• Have a written security, medical and evacuation plan before arrival.
• Maintain 24-hour contact with an approved security provider or responsible organisation.
• Carry verified emergency contacts on paper and offline devices.
• Keep passports, visas, money, medicine, water, food and communications equipment accessible.
• Agree check-in schedules and missed-contact procedures with your organisation and family.
• Do not depend on public emergency services, commercial flights or embassies for immediate rescue.

5. Embassies & Consulates

Consular support can be limited

Many embassies have limited staffing, restrict routine services or adjust operations during security escalations. Consular assistance may be delayed or unavailable outside secure areas. Do not travel on the assumption that an embassy can rescue, evacuate or rapidly assist you in an emergency.

United States

The U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil suspended routine consular services following the March 2026 security drawdown. U.S. citizens should contact the mission only for emergencies and follow official instructions.

• U.S. Embassy Baghdad
• U.S. Mission Iraq Security Alert
• U.S. Embassy Baghdad: +964 760 030 3000.
• U.S. Consulate General Erbil: +964 66 211 4554.

United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Australia

• British Embassy Baghdad
• Embassy of Germany in Baghdad
• Austrian Embassy responsible for Iraq
• Australian Embassy Iraq

Verify current location, service level, office hours, after-hours contact details and ability to assist before any essential travel. Embassy websites can change their operating status without notice.

6. Background on Iraq & Society

Country overview

Iraq is located in the Middle East and borders Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria. It includes much of ancient Mesopotamia, one of the world’s earliest centres of urban civilisation, writing, agriculture and state formation.

Iraq’s cultural heritage includes Babylon, Ur, Nineveh, Hatra, Samarra, Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala, the Mesopotamian Marshes and the mountains and valleys of the Kurdistan Region. Conflict, political instability and economic challenges have severely affected people, infrastructure and heritage sites.

Society, languages and religion

• Official languages: Arabic and Kurdish.
• Other languages: Turkmen, Syriac, Armenian and other languages are used in different communities.
• Religion: Islam is central to public life; Iraq includes major Shia and Sunni communities, Christians, Yazidis and other religious groups.
• Culture: Iraqi culture combines Mesopotamian, Arab, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, Persian, Islamic and Ottoman influences.
• Hospitality: Tea, coffee, shared food and formal greetings are important expressions of respect.

Respectful behaviour

• Dress conservatively, especially in religious cities and rural areas.
• Ask permission before photographing people, shrines, religious processions or local communities.
• Do not discuss sensitive political, sectarian, military or security subjects in public.
• Use the right hand when giving or receiving food, tea, money or gifts.
• Respect rules at mosques, shrines and religious sites.
• Never approach military facilities, checkpoints, borders or restricted areas for photographs or sightseeing.

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate

Iraq has a predominantly arid and continental climate. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala and southern desert areas. Northern mountain regions are cooler and can experience snow in winter.

Weather considerations

• Summer temperatures can exceed 45°C in many cities and southern regions.
• Dust storms and poor air quality can affect transport and health.
• Winter can be cool and wet in Baghdad and cold in northern mountainous areas.
• Flash floods may occur after heavy rain, particularly in wadis and low-lying locations.
• Weather conditions do not reduce the overriding security risks.

Clothing guidance for essential authorised personnel

• Wear modest, culturally appropriate clothing.
• Use lightweight, breathable layers for heat and sun protection.
• Bring warm layers for northern areas and winter nights.
• Wear sturdy closed shoes for damaged roads, uneven ground and security-conscious environments.
• Follow employer or organisation protocols for protective equipment and visibility.

8. Language & Communication

Languages

• Official languages: Arabic and Kurdish.
• English: Limited outside diplomatic, business, international-organisation and selected hotel settings.

Useful phrases

• Hello in Arabic: Marhaba / As-salamu alaykum
• Thank you in Arabic: Shukran
• Yes in Arabic: Na'am
• No in Arabic: La
• Help in Arabic: Musa'ada
• Hello in Kurdish: Slaw
• Thank you in Kurdish: Supas
• Help in Kurdish: Yarmeti

Communications

Mobile networks, electricity, internet access and communications can be disrupted by conflict, power shortages, protests, infrastructure damage and government restrictions. Essential personnel should use legal, organisation-approved communication systems and assume that communications may be monitored or interrupted.

• Do not rely on public Wi-Fi, normal mobile roaming or social-media communication for emergencies.
• Download offline maps and keep key contacts on paper.
• Do not publish route, accommodation, work location or security details online.
• Do not attempt to bypass local communications restrictions.
• Follow employer or security-provider guidance on satellite equipment and backup communication.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

Electricity in Iraq

• Voltage: Usually 230 V.
• Frequency: Usually 50 Hz.
• Plug types: Type C, Type D and Type G can be found, depending on building and region.

Practical electricity advice

Electricity supply can be inconsistent because of infrastructure problems, fuel shortages and conflict-related damage. Essential authorised personnel should follow organisational protocols for backup power, charging and communications.

• Bring a universal adapter if travel is essential and legal.
• Carry power banks, spare cables and approved backup lighting.
• Do not depend on uninterrupted charging, refrigeration, internet or air conditioning.
• Follow organisational rules for generators and backup-power use.

10. Money & Finances

Currency

Iraq’s official currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Banking access, exchange rates, ATM availability and payment acceptance can vary greatly by city, region and security situation.

Payments and banking limitations

• International credit and debit cards may not work reliably.
• Foreign ATMs should not be assumed to be available or functional.
• Cash is important, but carrying large amounts can create security risk.
• Exchange rates and cash availability can vary substantially between regions.
• International banking, money transfers and payment applications can be restricted or disrupted.
• Essential work travel should follow employer cash-management, security and legal-compliance procedures.

Sanctions and legal compliance

International sanctions, anti-money-laundering rules, export controls and local laws can affect payments, equipment, financial transfers and insurance. Seek professional legal advice before essential work-related travel or commercial activity in Iraq.

11. Transport & Arrival

Transport conditions are unstable

Airports, roads, railways, land crossings and internal transport routes can be disrupted or become unsafe at short notice. Do not assume that commercial flights or road routes will be available when you need to depart.

Main airports

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW): Main gateway for Baghdad, subject to security and flight disruptions.
• Erbil International Airport (EBL): Main gateway to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU): Airport serving Sulaymaniyah and the Kurdistan Region.
• Basra International Airport (BSR): Airport serving southern Iraq.
• Najaf International Airport (NJF): Important for religious travel and southern Iraq.

Internal travel

• Road travel can involve checkpoints, damaged roads, armed groups, protests, landmine risk and fuel shortages.
• Do not travel independently between provinces or to rural and border areas.
• Use only professionally managed transport for essential authorised missions.
• Avoid travel at night unless covered by a formal security plan.
• Do not use informal taxis, buses or unverified drivers for high-risk routes.
• Keep flexible evacuation and shelter-in-place plans.

Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The Kurdistan Region may appear more stable than some other parts of Iraq, but official advice still warns against all but essential travel. Regional conditions, cross-border tensions, airport access and internal movement can change quickly. Do not treat the Kurdistan Region as risk-free.

12. Accommodation & Practical On-Site Information

Accommodation is not normal tourism infrastructure

Security, electricity, water supply, medical access, communications and transport reliability can vary sharply between locations. Essential travellers should use accommodation approved by their employer, organisation or professional security provider.

• Do not book accommodation for leisure travel while high-level warnings apply.
• Essential personnel should use vetted hotels, compounds or secure accommodation.
• Confirm access to safe water, backup power, communications, security and medical support.
• Do not publish your accommodation location online.
• Expect sudden curfews, road closures, supply interruptions and movement restrictions.

Practical supplies

• Water, fuel, food, medicine, cash and power supplies may be limited or disrupted.
• Do not rely on shops, pharmacies, banks or transport services operating normally.
• Essential missions should maintain approved contingency supplies.
• Follow local laws, humanitarian standards and security-provider guidance for procurement and movement.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Iraqi culinary heritage

Iraq has a rich food culture shaped by Mesopotamian, Arab, Kurdish, Persian, Turkish and Levantine influences. The following information is cultural background only and should not be read as a recommendation for leisure travel.

Typical Iraqi dishes

• Masgouf: Grilled river fish, especially associated with Baghdad.
• Dolma: Vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes meat.
• Quzi: Slow-cooked lamb served with rice, nuts and spices.
• Tepsi baytinijan: Baked aubergine dish with meat, potatoes and tomato sauce.
• Kubba: Bulgur or rice shell filled with minced meat, onions and spices.
• Tashreeb: Bread soaked in meat or vegetable stew.
• Samoon: Distinctive Iraqi sesame bread.
• Chai: Strong sweet tea, central to daily hospitality.

Food and water safety

Essential authorised travellers should follow strict employer or medical-provider food and water guidance. Safe water, reliable refrigeration and hygienic food preparation cannot be assumed in every location.

• Drink sealed, treated or professionally supplied water only.
• Eat freshly cooked food from vetted accommodation or providers.
• Follow organisation-specific medical and food-security protocols.
• Carry emergency nutrition and medical supplies where required.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

Time zone

• Time zone: Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3.
• Daylight saving time: Iraq does not observe daylight saving time.
• Difference from Central Europe: Usually two hours ahead of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in winter, and one hour ahead during Central European Summer Time.
• Difference from the United Kingdom: Usually three hours ahead in winter and two hours ahead during British Summer Time.

Important public and religious holidays

• New Year’s Day: 1 January.
• Army Day: 6 January.
• Nowruz: 21 March, especially observed in Kurdish areas.
• Labour Day: 1 May.
• Republic Day: 14 July.
• National Day: 3 October.
• Eid al-Fitr: Date changes annually according to the Islamic calendar.
• Eid al-Adha: Date changes annually.
• Ashura and Arbaeen: Important Shia religious observances that can involve major pilgrimages.
• Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Dates change annually.

Holidays, religious pilgrimages, political events and security developments can cause road closures, large crowds, movement restrictions and major transport disruption. Do not use holiday calendars as a basis for leisure travel planning.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Cultural and natural heritage

Iraq holds some of the world’s most important archaeological, religious and cultural sites. However, these locations are not currently appropriate for leisure travel under prevailing high-level warnings. This section is included only for cultural context.

• Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Ur: Ancient Sumerian city traditionally associated with the biblical Abraham.
• Hatra: Ancient fortified city with Hellenistic and Parthian heritage.
• Samarra Archaeological City: Historic Abbasid capital and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Erbil Citadel: Ancient fortified settlement in Erbil.
• Najaf and Karbala: Major Shia holy cities and pilgrimage centres.
• Mesopotamian Marshes: Wetland landscape and UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Iraq.
• Kurdistan mountains: Mountain landscapes, waterfalls and cultural sites in northern Iraq.

Do not travel for sightseeing

Cultural importance does not make a destination safe. Access may be restricted, sites may be closed, roads may be unsafe and travel can endanger visitors, local communities, guides and security personnel. Do not attempt independent visits while official travel warnings remain in place.

16. Nightlife & Events

Not applicable for tourism

Iraq does not currently offer a predictable or safe tourism nightlife environment for international visitors. Security restrictions, curfews, conflict risks and local regulations override conventional travel planning.

Essential personnel should follow strict organisational security rules regarding accommodation, movement, meetings, public venues, alcohol, photography and evening activity.

Cultural context

Iraq has rich traditions of poetry, music, calligraphy, storytelling, crafts, tea culture and religious observance. These should be respected as part of Iraq’s cultural heritage, but current conditions make leisure-oriented participation inappropriate.

17. Media & Further Links

Official travel warnings

• United States: Iraq Level 4 – Do Not Travel
• United Kingdom: Iraq Travel Advice
• Australia: Iraq Travel Advice
• Germany: Iraq Travel and Security Advice
• Austria: Iraq Travel Information

Official and humanitarian information

• Government of Iraq e-Visa Portal
• World Health Organization: Iraq Country Profile
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: Iraq
• UNICEF Iraq
• International Committee of the Red Cross: Iraq

Consular and security information

• U.S. Embassy Baghdad
• U.S. Mission Iraq Security Alert
• United Kingdom: Getting Help in Iraq

Maps, images, video and news

• Google Maps: Iraq
• Image Search: Iraq Cultural Heritage
• YouTube: Iraq Documentaries
• Google News: Iraq

Reliable news and analysis

• Reuters: Middle East News
• BBC News: Iraq
• International Crisis Group: Iraq
• OSAC: Iraq Security Information