{"id":39929,"date":"2023-03-22T18:22:24","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T16:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?post_type=country&#038;p=39929"},"modified":"2026-07-08T19:37:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T17:37:34","slug":"iraq","status":"publish","type":"country","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iraq\/","title":{"rendered":"Iraq"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before traveling to Iraq and going through all my guides, you should know that Iraq is split into 2 regions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Arab Iraq, with Baghdad as its capital, and Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region within Iraq, with Erbil as its capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both regions &#8211; or countries &#8211; are extremely different from each other, not only in terms of culture, but also when it comes to visas and entry rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\"><strong>Federal Iraq travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide\/\"><strong>Iraq Kurdistan travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull d-flex flex-column has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#85ab86\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\">need to know <mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#31551d\" class=\"has-inline-color\">for traveling in Iraq<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-bottom:30px;height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer white-spacer mx-auto\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns row flex-wrap max-cols-3 mw-100 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-edit\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Quick facts<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Capitals: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/10-best-things-erbil-iraq\/\">Erbil<\/a><\/strong> in Kurdistan, and Baghdad in Iraq<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Population:&nbsp;<\/strong>8.35 million in Kurdistan and 31 million in all Iraq, 36th<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Languages<\/strong>: Kurdish in Kurdistan and Arabic in Iraq<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Area<\/strong>: 438,317km\u00b2 (58th largest country)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-passport\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Visa<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kurdistan \u2013<\/strong> Since March 2025, it is recommended to get an e-visa for Kurdistan in advance&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/visit.gov.krd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">through the following portal<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Iraq \u2013<\/strong> Since March 2025, it is necessary to apply for an online visa in advance&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eservice.evisa.iq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">through the following portal<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-dollar-sign\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Money<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The official currency is <strong>Iraqi Dinar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">1 USD<strong> =<\/strong> 1300 IQD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Debit cards are accepted in certain fancy hotels but it&#8217;s mostly a cash economy. You can find a few working ATMs in Erbil and Baghdad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Budget:<\/strong> starting at $35 a day for budget backpackers, and $60 a day if you opt for mid-range accommodation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns row flex-wrap max-cols-3 mw-100 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-file-medical\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Travel Insurance<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iraq_category_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iraq_category_en\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>GET A QUOTE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-cloud-sun\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Best time to visit<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid coming during the summer months, from June to September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">In winter, Kurdistan is covered by snow, but it\u2019s the best time to visit Iraq proper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Both spring and autumn are the best time to go to Kurdistan, when the country is fully blossoming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-map-marked-alt\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Tours for Iraq<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Against the Compass has several scheduled expeditions to Iraq every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>December 19th to 29th, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/iraq-spanish\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#31541c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-atc-primary-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background is-style-default mx-auto\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Is Iraq safe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f7f7f7;grid-template-columns:27% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iraq-text-box-category.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iraq-text-box-category.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Iraq-text-box-category.jpg\" alt=\"Iraq text box category\" class=\"wp-image-41519 size-full\"><\/picture><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Iraq Kurdistan has been safe and relatively stable for many years now, and that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s always been open to international visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, due to the American invasion and subsequent ISIS rule, Iraq had always presented several security issues. Nevertheless, the country is finally gaining stability, the reason why they started issuing visas in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-iraq\/\"><strong>safety guide to Iraq<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-atc-primary-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background is-style-default mx-auto\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Top experiences in Iraq<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong><strong>Erbil<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The capital of Kurdistan has been inhabited since the 28th century B.C.E. Check my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/10-best-things-erbil-iraq\/\">Travel Guide to Erbil<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Historical villages<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">From Lalish to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/trip-amadiya-amazing-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">Amedi<\/a><\/strong>, the region is filled with loads of historically-rich tiny villages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong><strong>Epic mountains<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The dramatic landscape around Soran and Rawandiz is the most stunning mountain scenery I have seen in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong><strong>Saddam Hussein\u2019s Heritage<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">From abandoned palaces to museums portraying his atrocities against the Kurds, Saddam\u2019s legacy won\u2019t leave you indifferent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-iraqi-kurdistan-itinerary\/\">2-week Kurdistan itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull d-flex flex-column has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#d4d4d4\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color\">tips for Iraq<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-bottom:30px;height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer white-spacer mx-auto\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns row flex-wrap max-cols-3 mw-100 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-bed\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Accommodation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">There are no backpacker hostels in Iraq and basic hotels start at $15 in Kurdistan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Note that budget hotels are not listed online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/city\/iq\/baghdad.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=iraq_category_en\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>FIND YOUR BAGHDAD HOTEL HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/city\/iq\/arbil.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=iraq_category_en\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>FIND YOUR ERBIL HOTEL HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-plane-arrival\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Getting in<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Both Erbil and Baghdad have international airports with many connections to Istanbul and Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">You may also cross from Turkey, Iran, Saudi, Kuwait, and Jordan, but not from Syria.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col rounded-4 p-3 p-md-5 has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8fffb\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#31551d\"><i class=\"fas fa-bus\"><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#31551d\">Transportation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Moving around the country by public transportation is easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, locals travel in shared taxis but you can also find mini-buses between major cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Hitchhiking is possible too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-atc-primary-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background is-style-default mx-auto\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">ALL MY ARTICLES ON IRAQ<\/h3>\n\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":40844,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"}},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39929","country","type-country","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country\/39929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/country"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}