Iraq

Iraq offers extraordinary historical and cultural experiences, but it is not a straightforward holiday destination. Current travel advisories warn of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest, with risks varying sharply by province. Before booking, check your government’s latest advice, confirm insurance coverage, and review entry rules with an Iraqi embassy or official visa portal. Visa requirements depend on nationality, purpose and destination; many travellers need an approved visa before departure, and passports generally need six months’ validity and a blank page. Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, insurance and emergency contacts. Do not improvise routes into restricted areas, border zones or places affected by conflict. A locally experienced guide or reputable tour operator can help with permissions, checkpoints and changing conditions. Build flexibility into your itinerary, share it with someone at home, and register with your embassy where that service is available.

For travellers who can visit safely and legally, Iraq’s historical depth is remarkable. In Baghdad, explore the riverside atmosphere along the Tigris, browse booksellers on Al-Mutanabbi Street and visit the Iraq Museum, whose collections illuminate Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian and Islamic history. South of the capital, ancient Babylon provides a powerful introduction to Mesopotamia, with reconstructed monumental architecture and links to one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. Religious cities including Najaf and Karbala are deeply significant pilgrimage destinations; dress modestly, follow photography rules and be especially respectful around shrines. Further south, Ur’s monumental ziggurat and the Mesopotamian Marshes offer very different perspectives on Iraq’s past and landscape. Kurdistan presents another distinct experience, with Erbil Citadel, mountain scenery around Shaqlawa and the historic atmosphere of Sulaymaniyah. Security conditions and access can change quickly, so treat every intercity excursion as a current-planning decision rather than a fixed route. Hello’s trip-planning tools can keep permits, contacts, transport details and alternate plans together.

Iraqi food is generous, aromatic and wonderfully varied. Try masgouf, traditionally grilled fish associated with Baghdad and the Tigris; dolma stuffed vegetables; quzi, rice served with slow-cooked meat; and hearty soups such as shorbat adas. In the morning, look for flatbreads, eggs, cheese, dates and sweet tea, while cafés often serve cardamom coffee and shisha in relaxed social settings. Hospitality is a defining part of travel here, but accepting an invitation works best with cultural awareness: ask before photographing people, homes or religious sites, and learn a few Arabic or Kurdish greetings. Wear loose, modest clothing, especially in Najaf, Karbala and other conservative areas. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a lightweight scarf for shrine visits. Alcohol is restricted or unavailable in many places, and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Eat at busy, well-regarded establishments, choose sealed water when uncertain, and carry hand sanitizer. Meals with companions can become complicated when sharing dishes; Hello’s expense-splitting feature helps settle the bill clearly.

The local currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Cash remains essential, particularly outside major hotels and international businesses, so carry small notes and exchange money only through reputable banks or licensed exchange offices. Cards may work at selected hotels and businesses but should not be your only payment method. Use Hello’s budget tracker to record spending in IQD, which makes daily costs easier to follow when prices vary between cities. Road travel can be slow and unpredictable because of checkpoints, congestion and security restrictions. Arrange airport transfers and intercity journeys through trusted local contacts, and avoid travelling after dark unless your security adviser specifically approves it. Keep your passport accessible but secure, and retain exit documentation. For communications, install and configure Hello eSIM before departure, then activate it when you land so you can access maps, translation tools and trusted contacts without roaming charges. Connectivity can still be interrupted, so download offline maps and save key addresses in Arabic or Kurdish.