In the past, obtaining an Iraqi visa was almost impossible (and not recommended). But times have changed! As part of the country’s plan to rebuild culturally and economically after years of conflict, Iraq has introduced visas on arrival from the UK, the European Union, the US, China, Russia, Lebanon, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
EU citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Baghdad airport, the visa costs USD 85.
Despite its insecure past, Iraq today enjoys unparalleled stability. There is a strong focus on improving tourism and reducing terrorism and violence, and the government is investing in protecting foreigners and locals. We believe that Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan are safe for tourism, but we still observe all possible security warnings. We always recommend checking with the authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before deciding to travel.
The currency of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan is the Iraqi dinar. The country is still largely a cash society, as card-based technology was only recently introduced. We recommend exchanging new, crisp USD notes. Money changers are very easy to find, and we will stop by to help you exchange notes for Iraqi dinars.
Although there are a few ATMs in major cities in Iraq, they are often difficult to reach and may not work with your international bank card. In addition, money changers often offer slightly better exchange rates. It is advisable to take cash with you on your visit to Iraq.
Although Iraq is a predominantly Muslim country, it is home to a wide range of ethnic and religious groups, including Christians, Kurdish Muslims and Yazidis. Iraq is home to both Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims, which in the past has caused considerable polarisation. Today you will find a range of different religious practices and levels of religiosity. In Shia holy cities such as Karbala and Najaf, people tend to be more conservative, while areas such as Iraqi Kurdistan are more liberal. Overall, however, Iraq remains more conservative than many Western countries.
Iraqis’ conservatism is most evident in the way they dress. Women and men should cover their knees and shoulders. Women are allowed to wear t-shirts or tighter trousers in most cities and there is no need to cover their hair in public. However, in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, an Islamic abaya and full hijab are required. YPT helps female travellers to purchase these items before entering these cities.
Alcohol can be purchased in liquor shops and bars in Iraqi Kurdistan and in major Iraqi cities such as Baghdad. However, alcohol is not allowed inside the city walls of Karbala and Najaf.
Iraq has both Western-style toilets and squat toilets, and toilet paper and hand towels are a good idea, especially on long journeys.
Iraqis are famous for their hospitality. It is not uncommon for strangers to invite each other to their homes for dinner or tea every day. Iraqis are usually very excited to see foreigners exploring their country, and you’ll probably even be asked to take photos with locals to share with their families and friends. Iraqis may also ask for your phone number and they may be in frequent contact with you.
It is important to note that many Iraqi women are very conservative and may be hesitant to interact with men outside their families. However, female travellers are often very warmly welcomed by Iraqi men and women.
In Iraq, marriage is a very important part of a person’s life, so it is very likely that you will be asked if you are married; even complete strangers may ask this. If you are unmarried, many men and women may suggest that you get married, even to a member of their family. You can always laugh it off, or you can also announce that you are married to avoid unwanted proposals.
