{"id":954,"date":"2025-01-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=954"},"modified":"2026-03-13T23:46:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T21:46:46","slug":"iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and how to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-iraqi-kurdistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-13835\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Wanna travel to Iraqi Kurdistan with Against the Compass?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 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\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraqi Kurdistan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-b10dfa3edd42ec6f74093b089d96d67e\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>March 19th to 26th, 2027<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/kurdistan-nowruz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in the far north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan is today a safe but turbulent region, home to some of the most breathtaking landscape in the Middle East, composed of green mountains with snow-capped peaks that, definitely, will break with all the stereotypes you have about Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iraqi Kurdistan is no desert and, most importantly, it is not a war zone filled with ISIS terrorists but an&nbsp;autonomous region which, for the last couple of years, has done a tremendous job defending its borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is in fact, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\"><strong>one of the safest countries in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a> and the most ultimate destination for travelers looking for something unique, very off the beaten track, and who are willing to meet the Kurds, a very proud and brave nation, who turn out to also be some of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered, with similar experiences to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\">Iran<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/pakistan\/\">Pakistan<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/sudan\/\">Sudan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From visiting a Syrian refugee camp to remote Christian monasteries and millennial villages, discovering Sadam Hussein&#8217;s heritage and learning from the conflict against ISIS, Kurdistan may be the high point of all your backpacking travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have visited the country three times, here you have all my <strong>travel tips for Iraqi Kurdistan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Iraqi Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-27399\" style=\"width:480px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Iraqi Kurdistan travel guide you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Visa<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#15\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Tours<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#103\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Best time to visit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#4\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Getting in<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Useful books<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#6\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Safety<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#20\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Solo female travel<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#7\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Money<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#8\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">People and culture<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#9\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Food<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#10\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Alcohol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#11\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Transportation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#13\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Internet &amp; SIM Card<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#12\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Accommodation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#14\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Iraq<\/h4>\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\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iraqi_kurdistan_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>IATI Insurance<\/strong><\/a> is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iraqi_kurdistan_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13825\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-kurdistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-kurdistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-to-kurdistan.jpg\" alt=\"Travel to Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-13825\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>This is the town of Aqrah &#8211; Travel to Kurdistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">\ud83e\udeaa How to get a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens of the following countries can get a visa on arrival in Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since March 2025, it is recommended to get an e-visa for Kurdistan in advance&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/visit.gov.krd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>through this portal<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;for these nationalities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">European Union, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\"><strong>Russia<\/strong><\/a>, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UK and USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa is valid for 30 days, whether you enter by land or air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does the visa for Kurdistan cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iraqi Kurdistan visa had always been free but since April 2021, it costs <strong>75 USD<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get a Kurdistan visa for the rest of the nationalities&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2024, it\u2019s possible to get an e-visa through&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/visit.gov.krd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this portal.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e5d62cf271b1c249b2c6cbd98252c758\"><strong>Update 2026<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If your nationality is not listed before, you can get a visa through the authorities&nbsp;in Erbil. The cost is 385 USD and you&#8217;ll have to pay a deposit of 2500 USD, which will be refunded after your departure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case we recommend arriving in Federal Iraq and then traveling to Kurdistan,&nbsp;as the process will be easier and cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the visa for Iraqi Kurdistan valid for Iraq proper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44510ef3b6b50ed12a680fc9dc906ebb\"><strong>Update 202<\/strong>6:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, since January 2025, the visa for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan allows you to travel to Federal Iraq, including Mosul and Baghdad, only for these nationalities that can apply for an e-visa for Federal Iraq: all EU passport holders, USA, UK, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the rest of Iraq, check my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29473\"><strong>travel guide to Federal Iraq<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13827\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_125439-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_125439-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_125439-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-13827\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Intersection <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-mosul-iraq-after-liberation\/\"><strong>to Mosul<\/strong><\/a>, Baghdad and Kirkuk<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15\">\u270d\ufe0f How to sign up for a tour in Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Against the Compass has several <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/federal-iraq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Kurdistan expeditions<\/strong><\/a> scheduled all year long, and the next one is on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check below our upcoming <strong>Kurdistan departures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>March 17th to 24th, 2026 &#8211; <strong>SOLD OUT<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>March 19th to 26th, 2027 &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/kurdistan-nowruz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/federal-iraq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Learn more about our tours in Kurdistan here.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSC3795.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSC3795.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/DSC3795.jpg\" alt=\"Tours Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-36660\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During our last Kurdistan Expedition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"103\">\u26c5 Best time to visit Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\"><strong>countries in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a>, Kurdistan has 4 distinct seasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Kurdistan in spring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring is definitely the best time to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, <strong>from March to the end of April<\/strong>, when the whole region is fully blossoming, at its greenest, and the weather is pleasant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Kurdistan in summer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Summers can get hot, especially in the area around Erbil and Sulamaniyah, where the temperature may easily reach 45\u00baC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the mountains, or in cities like Duhok, the weather might be slightly cooler but still hot, the reason why summer is low season for visiting Kurdistan, from mid May to September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Kurdistan in autumn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Autumn is the second best time to visit Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdish mountains and meadows may not be green, but you get the beautiful autumn colors and the weather is pleasant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Kurdistan in winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In winter, the temperature drops and most Iraqi Kurdistan gets covered in snow. I have never traveled in Kurdistan during its freezing winter but it must be beautiful, despite the cold weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6236.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6236.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6236.jpg\" alt=\"Best time to visit Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-27449\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting Kurdistan in spring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel Insurance for Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Most travel insurance companies don\u2019t cover for travel in Iraq, except for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iraqi_kurdistan_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>IATI<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend it because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only travel insurance company that covers Iraq<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have different plans for all budgets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers senior citizens too<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get <strong>an exclusive 5% discount<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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=iraqi_kurdistan_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong><strong>BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\ud83d\udeeb How to go to Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan by air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kurdistan has two international airports: Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Erbil being the most transited airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Istanbul (both Turkish and Pegasus) and Dubai (Fly Dubai) are the cheapest and most common routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can enter Kurdistan from either Iran or Turkey. The Iranian side is very easy and straightforward but on the Turkish side, the Turkish authorities may give you some trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here you can <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-iraq-border\/\"><strong>read the Iran border crossing report<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13829\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-iraqi-kurdistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" alt=\"Travel Iraqi Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-13829\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The main square of Erbil &#8211; Travel Iraqi Kurdistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">\ud83d\udcda Books for traveling in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iraq Travel Guide by Bradt <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you follow my blog, you will see that I always recommend their guides for all destinations, so <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraq-itinerary\/\"><strong>Iraq<\/strong> <\/a>will be no different. They have, obviously, the only travel guide to the country, with a pretty long chapter focused on Kurdistan. Bradt has the most insightful guidebooks I have ever read.<\/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-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1841624888\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1841624888&amp;linkId=e9703ed7dde5470cd5918c0c1ea91dee\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/9781841624884_390.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/9781841624884_390.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/9781841624884_390.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22377\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Rise of the&nbsp;Islamic State by Patrick Cockburn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This is my favorite journalism book ever and it is written by Patrick Cockburn, one of the world&#8217;s top experts on the Middle Eastern conflict. In this book, he gives an extremely perceptive introduction to the origins of ISIS, with many references to Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraq, of course. A really useful book to understand the complexity and origin of the conflict.<\/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-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1784780405\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1784780405&amp;linkId=5dc8b78a2de22a0f21eeddbfe1bacce8\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/download.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/download.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"182\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/download.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22369\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">\u26a0\ufe0f Is it safe to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Read about <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-mosul-iraq-after-liberation\/\"><strong>how to travel to Mosul in Iraq<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The bad things that happen in Iraq don&#8217;t happen in Kurdistan <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever you have been hearing in the news about Iraq for the last few years,<a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29473\"> <strong>happened in Arab Iraq<\/strong><\/a>, not in Kurdistan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last terrorist attack that occurred in Kurdistan was<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/english.alarabiya.net\/en\/News\/middle-east\/2014\/11\/21\/ISIS-claims-suicide-bombings-in-Iraq-s-Erbil-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> in Erbil back in 2014<\/a><\/strong>. This means that London and Paris have suffered more attacks than the whole of Kurdistan itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, the region is very unstable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I never meant that traveling to Kurdistan will be as peaceful as your spiritual journey through Bhutan, not even close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being safe, the region is highly volatile and effective military operations are the only reason why it is safe. This means that things may change overnight, so being extra careful is more than wise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_092326.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_092326.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_092326.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-27459\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A billboard indicating how to deactivate mines, in an area which used to be heavily mined<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There are military controls everywhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you travel between towns and cities, you will find so many military checkpoints run by Kurdish Army guys named Peshmergas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a Western passport holder, they don&#8217;t give you any trouble but, once, I was traveling with an Iraqi from Baghdad and they held him for 15 minutes, at least. They don&#8217;t trust Arabs at all as any Arab could, potentially, be an ISIS spy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_090926.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_090926.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210523_090926.jpg\" alt=\"Sadam Hussein Palace\" class=\"wp-image-27461\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Peshmerga base located in Sadam Hussein&#8217;s Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crime rates are ridiculously low<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kurdistan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. It is one of those places where you may forget your phone in a caf\u00e9, come back in a few hours and still recover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a more complete and detailed analysis, read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-iraq\/\">Is it safe to travel to Iraq?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13843\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-tourism-travel-guide.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-tourism-travel-guide.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-tourism-travel-guide.jpg\" alt=\"Kurdistan tourism travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-13843\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The old tanks from Sadam Hussein&#8217;s regime, in Sulaymaniyah &#8211; Kurdistan tourism travel guide<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20\">\ud83d\udc83 Solo female travel in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Iraqi Kurdistan is a very safe region of Iraq, regardless of your gender but women should of course, take extra care, like they would do in other conservative Muslim countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to know more, read this article that a kick ass <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/female-travel-iraq\/\"><strong>female traveler<\/strong><\/a> posted on my blog: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">6 Tips for solo female travel in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-18554\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/women-in-iraq.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/women-in-iraq.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/women-in-iraq.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-18554\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Andrea from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/huntingrarities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hunting Rarities<\/a><\/strong> in Amedi<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udcb0 Money and budget when travel in Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Kurdistan, they use the Iraqi Dinar and, approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>1 USD = 1308.68 IQD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exchanging money in Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily exchange \u20ac, USD and GBP in all the main cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some exchange offices are just stalls in the middle of the street, with no surveillance, no security and no glass screen with lots of huge bundles of cash. The reason is that the crime rates here are very low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Credit cards and ATMs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are quite a few banks which accept foreign cards, so you can withdraw money easily but, except for some good hotels, most places in Kurdistan accept only cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does to cost to travel in Iraqi Kurdistan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to its neighbors, traveling in Kurdistan isn&#8217;t very cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Budget Hotels:<\/strong> 20,000-25,000IQD <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beer in a liquor shop:<\/strong> 1,200-2,000IQD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beer in a bar:<\/strong> 8,000-12,000IQD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fast food (like a shawarma or falafel):<\/strong> 1,000-1,500IQD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local eateries:<\/strong> 5,000 to 8,000IQD for a local meal, consisting of rice, beans and chicken, or a kebab<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fancy restaurants:<\/strong> Main courses starting at 14,000IQD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taxi rides within cities:<\/strong> from 3,000ID to 5,000IQD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transportation between cities:<\/strong> Local shared taxi from Suleymaniyah to Erbil costs 15,000IQD<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13845\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_105721-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_105721-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180417_105721-1.jpg\" alt=\"Money in Iraq\" class=\"wp-image-13845\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Some money exchange stalls &#8211; No surveillance? &#8211; Traveling to Kurdistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\ud83d\udd4c The country, its people and culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">From all Kurdistan regions, Kurdistan in Iraq enjoys the highest level of autonomy, to the extent that they control their borders, immigration, they have their own army and even Parliament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kurds are spread over 4 countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 40 million Kurds spread over <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-syria\/\"><strong>Syria<\/strong><\/a>, Turkey, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\"><strong>Iran<\/strong><\/a>, and Iraq, making them the largest stateless nation in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many years ago, they used to be one single country but, at the end of the British Empire, the British themselves decided to draw the Middle Eastern map like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kurds are not Arabs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kurds are a different nation and ethnicity who are closer to Persians than Arabs. Never tell a Kurd that they are Arabs because they won&#8217;t like it, and it&#8217;s extremely important to know and make the distinction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kurdish is the main language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kurdish &#8211; a language with many similarities to Farsi or Dari and Turkish &#8211; is the official language in Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Many young Kurds don&#8217;t even speak Arabic anymore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People who are less than 30-years old don&#8217;t really speak Arabic, or very little at least. They don&#8217;t teach it in schools anymore, a very drastic measure from the Kurdish Government after the Saddam Hussein invasion, when their national pride and differences versus the Arabs accentuated even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speaking English in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Young, well-educated people in Erbil and Sulamaniyah speak English but that&#8217;s it. With the rest of the population, you will have to talk using signs or Google Translate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Many Kurds don&#8217;t like Arabs, at all<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Educated Kurds are aware that their problems with the Arabs are more political but, during my journey, I met many closed-minded Kurds, especially in the villages, who told me that they really hate Arabs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13837\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-kurdistan-iraq.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-kurdistan-iraq.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/travel-kurdistan-iraq.jpg\" alt=\"travel Kurdistan Iraq\" class=\"wp-image-13837\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Kurds, in Rawandiz &#8211; Travel Kurdistan Iraq<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">They are Sunni Muslims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kurdistan is a Muslim country and most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, they are moderate Sunnis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Kurdistan, you may realize that Kurds are not as religious as Muslims from other Middle Eastern countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said, Kurds are the largest stateless nation, 40 million people spread over 4 different countries striving to get more recognition, more autonomy, so <strong>their national identity prevails over religion<\/strong>, the reason why Kurdistan is such a diverse nation composed of all types of Muslims, Christians, as well as other minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the reason why the Kurds are moderate Muslims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_5848.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_5848.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_5848.jpg\" alt=\"Yazidi people\" class=\"wp-image-27453\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yazidi people, in Lalish, the holiest place for Yazidis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There is also a huge Christian community as well as other minorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/10-best-things-erbil-iraq\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"957\"><strong>Erbil<\/strong><\/a>, there is a big Christian district named Anqawa and you actually find several Christian villages and Orthodox monasteries throughout the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other minorities include Yazidis, Kakais and Shabaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kurdish hospitality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly to when you are <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">traveling in Iran<\/a><\/strong>, house, lunch and <em>chai<\/em> invitations aren&#8217;t a rare thing to happen. Hospitality is in their blood, especially if you are an outsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kurdistan is the most developed region in Iraq<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iraqi Kurdistan, especially Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, have drastically developed in recent years. They hold some of the largest oil reserves in the country, control the main borders with Iran and Turkey and Erbil has become sort of a business hub, where many international companies have settled in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Because of all the above, Kurds are craving for independence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 90% of the Kurds want to separate from Iraq. In fact, they already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/world\/middle-east\/kurdistan-referendum-results-vote-yes-iraqi-kurds-independence-iran-syria-a7970241.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>celebrated a referendum back in 2017<\/strong><\/a> but due to international pressure and threats from Iraq and its neighbors, they didn&#8217;t move it forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13841\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-travel-guide.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-travel-guide.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kurdistan-travel-guide.jpg\" alt=\"Kurdistan travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-13841\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Kurdish flag and Amadiya in the background &#8211; Kurdistan travel guide<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\ud83c\udf72 The food in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A shawarma economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During your trip to Kurdistan, you will get absolutely sick of <em>shawarma<\/em>, being the only option in most places. Eating a <em>shawarma<\/em> costs less than a dollar but it&#8217;s very unhealthy, even though many Kurds eat shawarma every single day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetarian <em>falafel<\/em> is widely available as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You may find kebabs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, you may find some places serving good kebabs, of all types. A good kebab, however, isn&#8217;t cheap and you may end up paying up to 10USD for just a few of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you are lucky, you may find local eateries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Local eateries typically serve red beans with rice, chicken and also kebabs. There aren&#8217;t many, however, and you will have to look for them. You need to look for them, however, or know where to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6044.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6044.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/DSC_6044.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-27451\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In a traditional restaurant, with the expedition group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best Kurdish food is served at home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have been invited in quite a few Kurdish houses and the main conclusion is that the best traditional Kurdish food can&#8217;t be found in restaurants but only in Kurdish homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their cuisine is mostly rice and meat-based, quite fatty and with many stews. Red beans will always be the side dish of any meal and, when they have guests, they don&#8217;t care about making you eat chicken, lamb, and beef at the same time, along with fried rice with meat in it and a lot of flatbread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I always left their houses completely rolling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210522_155727.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210522_155727.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20210522_155727.jpg\" alt=\"Kurdish food\" class=\"wp-image-27457\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The amount of food they serve is insane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">\ud83c\udf7b Drinking alcohol when you travel in Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good news: Alcohol is widely available in Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the rest of Iraq, liquor stores are available everywhere. You can buy fresh, cold beer, wine and any type of liquor. In Erbil and Sulaymaniyah you can find plenty of bars, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can actually drink on the street<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I didn&#8217;t really drink in the center of Erbil but I had some beers in a few parks in both Erbil and Suleymaniyah, as well as in villages throughout the country, and I never had any problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, this is not actually true because, in Suleymaniyah, I had a beer in the main square, basically because my Couchsurfing host told me it was OK to do so, but the police came to me quite annoyed, even though they just made me put it away. Apparently, it is legal to drink but some police don&#8217;t like it anyways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In liquor shops, beer is cheap, not in bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the stores, a beer costs not much more than a dollar but, in bars, they charge 10 times more, unfortunately, so if you are on a budget, don&#8217;t get drunk in bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Chai<\/em> and caf\u00e9s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like pretty much in <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\"><strong>all countries in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a>, <em>chai<\/em> is a big deal and it always comes with sugar by default. Hanging out in caf\u00e9s is one of the highlights of any trip to Kurdistan, the best place to socialize with friendly locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Mam-Khalil-tea-house.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Mam-Khalil-tea-house.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Mam-Khalil-tea-house.jpg\" alt=\"Tea house Erbil\" class=\"wp-image-27333\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mam Khalil, one of the oldest tea houses in Erbil<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">\ud83d\udefa How to travel around Iraqi Kurdistan: transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving around by bus or minivan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buses are basically mini-vans but they don&#8217;t really run to many places, except between the main cities. They are much slower than shared taxis and not much cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local shared taxis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The way to go. They go everywhere and are the most common way of transportation among locals. They aren&#8217;t cheap as<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-itinerary\/\">in Iran<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">Central Asia<\/a><\/strong> but still quite affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hitchhiking in Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Super safe and convenient. I hitchhiked all the way from Soran to Dohuk via <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/trip-amadiya-amazing-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">Amedi<\/a><\/strong>, which is around 300km. Nobody never asked me for money and I had great experiences with many of the people, which a few times involved stopping for lunch or even making a detour, so they could drop me just at the place I wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13831\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/visit-iraqi-kurdistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/visit-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/visit-iraqi-kurdistan.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Iraqi Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-13831\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Crazy roads in Iraqi Kurdistan &#8211; Visit Iraqi Kurdistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet and SIM Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wi-Fi in Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not the fastest Wi-Fi in the world, but it is pretty decent and you find good connection all across the country. Internet is not much of an issue when you travel in Iraqi Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting a SIM Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily buy a local SIM Card in many of the stalls located around the covered bazaar in Erbil. I got Korek Telecom and I remember paying around 12USD for a SIM Card and 3GB of data but as you know, data plans change every other day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">\ud83c\udfe8 Where to stay in Iraqi Kurdistan: accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotels in Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk are well-sorted of hotels.<\/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\/searchresults.en-gb.html?city=-3106433&amp;aid=1232728&amp;label=iraqi_kurdistan_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST HOTEL DEALS<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Budget Hotels (pensions)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like I said in the <em>budget section<\/em>, the cheapest hotels will cost you around 12-20USD but they can&#8217;t be booked online. You can check all the hotels I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-iraqi-kurdistan-itinerary\/\"><strong>in my Kurdistan itinerary<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Couchsurfing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Suleymaniyah and Erbil, there are so many active profiles. You may also find a few in Dohuk but outside of the main cities, I never got a couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">\u2757 More information for visiting Iraqi Kurdistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drones <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I am telling you this based on my own experience. When I was traveling in Kurdistan, I got arrested for having a drone and I didn&#8217;t even fly it. They found it in my backpack and they took me to a military base, where they interrogated me for a few hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I really thought I would not get my drone back but, in the end, they believed my story. Basically, they are used by ISIS to spy, so if you do have one because you are overlanding, hide it and don&#8217;t fly it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tourists visiting refugee camps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is possible to visit some Syrian refugee camps, but just some of them. They are outside the cities and you should go with a local. I visited Darashakran and you can read about my experience: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/syrian-refugee-camp-iraq\/\">Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\"><strong>travel guide to Iraq.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as all our Iraq articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-mosul-iraq-after-liberation\/\">A City Guide to Mosul<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/syrian-refugee-camp-iraq\/\">Visiting Syrian Refugee Camp<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-iraq\/\">Is Iraq Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/female-travel-iraq\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraq-itinerary\/\">Iraq Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/10-best-things-erbil-iraq\/\">Erbil Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-iraqi-kurdistan-itinerary\/\">Iraqi Kurdistan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/trip-amadiya-amazing-iraqi-kurdistan\/\">Travel Guide to Amedi<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/traveling-to-kurdistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/traveling-to-kurdistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/traveling-to-kurdistan.jpg\" alt=\"traveling to Kurdistan\" class=\"wp-image-13833\" style=\"width:494px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<script async=\"\" data-uid=\"c7f5268efc\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.ck.page\/c7f5268efc\/index.js\"><\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanna travel to Iraqi Kurdistan with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraqi Kurdistan: March 19th to 26th, 2027 Located in the far north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan is today a safe but turbulent region, home to some of the most [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,160,156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides","category-iraq-2","category-middle-east"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=954"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57342,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/954\/revisions\/57342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}