{"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":"2026-02-02T10:59:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T08:59:44","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-9d6595d7 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>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>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>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>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-9d6595d7 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\" 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\"><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\"><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\"><strong>Languages<\/strong>: Kurdish in Kurdistan and Arabic in Iraq<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><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\" 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\"><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\"><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\" 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\">The official currency is <strong>Iraqi Dinar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">1 USD<strong> =<\/strong> 1300 IQD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\"><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-9d6595d7 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\" 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\"><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\" 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\">Avoid coming during the summer months, from June to September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\">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\" 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\">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\"><em>October 6th to 16th, 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\/full-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\"\/>\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\">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\">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\">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\"\/>\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-9d6595d7 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\"><strong><strong><strong>Erbil<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\"><strong><strong>Historical villages<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\"><strong><strong><strong>Epic mountains<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\"><strong><strong><strong>Saddam Hussein\u2019s Heritage<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\" 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-9d6595d7 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\" 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\">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\">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\" 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\">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\">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\" 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\">Moving around the country by public transportation is easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">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\">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\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">ALL MY ARTICLES ON IRAQ<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":40844,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"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}]}}