If you read the travel advice for Iraq from most governments, Iraq still shows up as “do not travel”. Also in the media, Iraq has long been portrayed as a place full of conflict. To change this view will unfortunately take time.

However, after the Pope visited Iraq in 2021, a visa on arrival system was announced for a list of countries (EU, UK, Canada , USA & more), clearly demonstrating the stability that Iraq has gained. Today, a few years later, tourism is steadily growing and safety has prevailed.

So, in fact, there has never been a safer time to travel to Iraq than in 2024.

Short answer: absolutely!

Long answer: Iraq is a country rich in ancient and recent history - from the marshlands that are thought to be the location of the Garden of Eden, across ancient Babylon and now the reconstruction of Mosul after the defeat of ISIS. Iraq will surprise you!

The best moments are in fall (October to December) and spring (March to April). The weather in summer can get very hot (45-50 degrees Celsius) and is therefore best avoided.

During Ramadan, most people fast during the day. Restaurants might be closed or operate with their windows covered. Expect sites to be closed or have shorter opening hours and life to be on hold during Iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast).

You can obviously eat and drink but should do so more discretely. A classic tour might therefore not be so smooth.

However, the atmosphere after sunset is magical: families come out together, there is music and lights and lots of food. Eid (the holiday that celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan) is the culmination of this and definitely worth experiencing.

It therefore depends on you. If you don’t mind adapting your tour a bit, we would recommend you to see Ramadan in Iraq. If you prefer to have the “classic” experience, avoid that month for your trip.

Dresscode

While it is not forbidden to wear revealing clothing in Iraq, you should remember that it is a more conservative place. We suggest you to wear covering clothes - below the knees, loose-fitting, preferably no flashy colors.

Both women and men should wear modest clothing to enter mosques and shrines. Think long pants/skirts and long sleeves. Women also need to cover their hair but any wide scarf will work.

Other items

Remember to bring enough cash! Card payments are becoming more common but most things are still paid in cash. ATMs only give out Iraqi Dinar.

If your visit falls within the hotter times of the year, don’t forget the usual: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat.

Do not bring

Please avoid bringing products containing THB or CBD.

Powerbanks will be confiscated at Baghdad airport but not in Erbil airport.

Iraqis are very generous and hospitable people that will go out of their way to make their guests will comfortable and welcome.

It is therefore only natural that we recommend you to be respectful to their values & customs.

Do’s:

• Respect the dress code, especially in religious sites.

• Insist on paying, even if you are told it’s free.

• As a man when greeting an Iraqi woman or as a woman when greeting men, wait for how they prefer to greet. Be prepared not to shake hands.

Dont’s

• Don’t take photos of checkpoints and ask before you take photos of military/police (most are happy to take photos together though). Also ask before you take photos of women or children.

• If you visit during Ramadan, be mindful of the fact that most people are fasting during the day.

• Don’t drink alcohol outside on the street.

• Don’t take any “souvenir” from an archeological site

The Iraqi diet is heavily based on meat, rice, bread and some vegetables. If you are vegetarian or vegan, your choices will be more limited but there are still some options.

If you have any intolerances or allergies, please make sure to mention this when booking and we will make sure to take this into account.

We ask for a 10% deposit paid through bank transfer.

The rest of the amount is paid in cash when you arrive in Iraq.

The medical standards in Iraq are somewhat lower than those in most Western countries. However, there are decent hospitals and pharmacies in case you need them.

We suggest you to bring some staples - painkillers, cold medication, medication for an upset stomach and of course any medication you usually take.

We also recommend you to get travel insurance - better safe than sorry :)

This really depends on you and your style of travel.

Group tours have a set itinerary and are therefore less flexible but they are more affordable and allow you to get to know other travellers.

Private tours are fully customizable and give you more room to explore. However, they are a bit more pricey.

Unless otherwise mentioned, prices include airport transfers, accommodation, a professional guide, entry fees to sites, extra activities, as well as lunch and dinner.

Never included in quoted prices are international flights to and from Iraq as well as visa fees (visa on arrival is $80 for most travelers)