Visa
Until recently, getting a visa for southern Iraq, or federal Iraq as it's often known, was extremely difficult. Many people only travelled to the Kurdish part of the country without ever venturing to Baghdad, Basra, Karbala or Najaf.
For citizens of the EU, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Russia, China, Japan and Switzerland, all you need is your valid passport and then you'll pay the visa fee which is 75 USD. Once you arrive at Baghdad airport you fill out a form and wait for your name to be called and that’s it!
If you're not eligble for the visa on arrival, you will still need to visit an Iraqi Embassy. You may also require visa support.
To learn more about Iraqi visa requirements, you can head to our dedicated Iraqi Visa section.
Getting in and Out
Air
This is specifically for Federal Iraq (Southern Iraq) and does not apply to Iraqi Kurdistan. You can enter Federal Iraq through the main airports in Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala which all have visa on arrival for eligible foreign passports.
Land
It is also possible to cross into Iraq from Kuwait and Iran. From Iran into Iraq most borders are only open for Iranian pilgrims however recent reports say that foreigners can cross at the Chazabeh-Al Shaib border.
Please note there are several other border crossings that foreigners can use from Iran into Iraq, however this is into Iraqi Kurdistan. If you enter Iraq through Iraqi Kurdistan you will not have the permission to enter Federal Iraq. Conversely however, If you enter Federal Iraq then you are allowed to enter Kurdistan and exit Iraq from any of those border points.
From Kurdistan you can also exit into Turkey.
The border with Syria is still closed and considered too dangerous. The border with Saudi Arabia is open, however it is not in use for foreigners.
See and Do
Baghdad
Baghdad, the heart of Iraq, is a city with a rich history and a blend of ancient and modern sights. The Iraqi Museum houses some of the world’s most important Mesopotamian artifacts, including treasures from ancient Babylon. For a taste of local culture, visit Mutanabbi Street, a historic book market with lively stalls and cafés.
Babylon and Saddam's Palace
The ancient city of Babylon is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. The ruins of the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. While much of the site is still being excavated, you can walk among the ancient walls and marvel at the remnants of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. At the same site, you'll find Saddam Hussein’s Palace, built during the regime of the former dictator. Saddam's palace, located on the ruins of ancient Babylon, is an imposing modern structure that stands in stark contrast to the ancient ruins. The palace was intended to symbolise Iraq’s power and heritage, blending elements of traditional Mesopotamian design with modern, grandiose architecture. Today, it remains a symbol of Iraq’s more recent political history, sitting amidst the ancient stones of Babylon’s past.
Najaf
Najaf is one of the holiest cities in Iraq, home to the shrine of Imam Ali, the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Pilgrims from all over the world visit to pay their respects at the golden-domed shrine, one of the largest and most important in the Islamic world. The Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery, one of the largest in the world, is also in Najaf, and it’s a deeply spiritual place for Shiite Muslims.
Karbala
Karbala is another spiritual center for Shiite Muslims, best known for the Imam Hussein Shrine. This is the site of the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred. Every year, millions of pilgrims come to Karbala for Ashura, a religious event commemorating the martyrdom. The shrine is a place of great reverence and historical importance.
Minaret of Samarra
The Minaret of Samarra, also known as the Malwiya Tower, is one of Iraq’s most iconic structures. This stunning spiral minaret was part of the Great Mosque of Samarra, and its unique design rises dramatically over the surrounding desert landscape. The minaret remains an architectural marvel and a symbol of the rich history of the Islamic Golden Age.
Hatra
The ruins of Hatra are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the powerful Parthian Empire. The city’s massive fortified walls, temples, and statues are incredibly well-preserved, considering the site’s age. The Temple of Shamash is one of the most iconic structures here, and the whole area feels like an ancient fortress straight out of a history book.
Saddam's Yacht in Basra
Saddam Hussein’s yacht, once a symbol of luxury and power, sits abandoned in the waters near Basra, Iraq's southern port city. The yacht, known as the Al-Mansur, was a lavish vessel that reportedly featured marble floors, gold fixtures, and extravagant furnishings. After the fall of Saddam's regime, the yacht was left to deteriorate in Basra’s Shatt al-Arab river, a poignant reminder of the excesses of the former dictator. Today, it serves as a curious attraction for visitors, its once-grand features now tarnished and fading.
Minaret of Ur
The Minaret of Ur is a striking example of ancient architecture. Dating back to the Sumerian period, this well-preserved structure stands tall near the ruins of the ancient city of Ur. It was part of a grand ziggurat and served as a prominent religious and ceremonial site in its time. The minaret is one of Iraq’s most important landmarks, offering a glimpse into the advanced engineering skills of the early Sumerians.
Why visit
After years of conflict and an easing of visa restrictions for visitors, Iraq is at a unique turning point in its history, and this is one of the best times to visit. If you’re a history buff then few countries compare to the wealth of ancient sites that Iraq has. From places like Uruk and Ur (which are considered some of the first large cities made by human civilisation ever) to the ruins of Babylon and the amazing ecological wonder of the Arab marshes Iraq is teaming with sites for tourists. Many of the sites in Iraq and fresh and raw and without hordes of tourists, meaning you’ll likely be the only foreigner there.
On top of this Iraqi hospitality is incredible, and the people of this sun-drenched country from Kurdistan to Basra will all make you feel incredibly welcome and will be very happy that you decided to visit, despite what you’ve heard on the news.
Rules
Iraq is a conservative Muslim country, which means you should dress conservatively while in the country. You will notice people in Baghdad being very relaxed with the way they dress, however as soon as you venture out the cities become more conservative.
You will encounter a lot of military and check points while travelling through the country. It is important that you must carry your passport on you while moving between cities. It is also important to not take any photos of military or other security forces.
Dress code
While there is no specific dress code in Iraq, you should dress modestly. In Southern Iraq it is advisable to wear long pants/trousers, even for men. In the Kurdish region they are a bit more forgiving if men wear shorts, however you won't really find any locals doing so.
You will of course have to dress modestly to enter religious sites. Women will have to be covered to be able to enter mosques. Note that it is particularly common for women who are visiting Najaf and Karbala to wear the black ‘chador’, as these areas are particularly conservative, so it is advisable for women visiting these areas to also err on the side of caution and wear a headscarf.
This is the type of place to maybe leave the crop tops at home.
You can read more about what clothing you should pack on our What to Pack page .
Topics of discussion
One thing you may want to discuss is both Iraq’s war torn past and Saddam Hussein. You should be very careful especially when discussing Saddam and definitely do not glorify his regime.
Religion
Iraq is 95% Muslim with it being split between Shia (64-69%) and Sunni (29-34%). The other 5% of the population is made up of Christians, Yazidis, Jews and Zoroastrians.
Iraq is home to some of the most holy places for Shia Muslims, such as the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala. The most notable site is that of the shrine of Imam Ali. The assassination of Imam Ali is one of the main reasons for the split in in Islam between Shia and Sunni.
Pilgrims travel from all over the Shia Muslim world to make pilgrimages to holy centres of Karbala and Najaf during the holiday of Ashura. Ashura is held during the first month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated through large-scale demonstrations which mourn the death of Hussein Ibn Ali (the grandson of the prophet Mohammed) during the battle for Karbala in 680 CE.
Interestingly, while the death of Hussein Ibn Ali is considered a tragedy also for Sunni Muslims, they are discouraged or even prohibited from mourning him.
Iraqi Kurds in the north are roughly 92% Sunni Muslim. Sunni Muslims have also in the past claimed that the government discriminates against them, a claim that the government of course denies.
Politics
Iraq is a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic. The head of state is President Abdul Latif Rashid, who controls most of the executive power in the country. President Latif has been in power since 2022 and is the 9
th
President of Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Iraq’s northern region, Kurdistan, is an autonomous part of the country and has its own government. Relations between the two governments have improved in the years after the impact of ISIS on the country.
Ethnicity
The majority of people who live in Iraq are considered Arabs, particularly in southern part of Iraq from Mosul to Basra. The northern part of Iraq is known as Iraqi Kurdistan and the people here are predominantly Kurdish. There are also sizeable minority populations of Assyrians and Yazidis found throughout the country.
Photography
Photography is absolutely allowed, however as in most places, photos of government buildings and of the military are not welcome. If you are caught taking photos of military people or checkpoints then you might have some issues.
As is the case everywhere in the world, you should also always ask locals before taking their photo. Iraqi people are very friendly and usually will love to take photos with you, but just ask first!
Drones are banned in the country and may be confiscated on arrival if discovered. This is for both commercial and private use.
Hotels
Iraq has all types of accommodation from Luxury hotels such as the 5-star Baghdad Hotel to homestays that’s you can do in the marshes with the Marsh Arabs.
You can also find all types of accommodation in between with most cities having a 3-star or similar type hotel.
Nightlife
Iraqis and many other Arabs in the region love to go out at night and you will find streets packed with young people and families till the early hours of the morning. While nightclubs are few and far between if you’re not in Baghdad or Erbil, you can still find plenty to do at night from coffeeshops, to street shisha to just picnicking.
For those that do like to have a drink then you’ll be restricted to Baghdad and the region of Iraqi Kurdistan. If you are here however, then you’ll be able to find bars and even drinks on the street from innovative vendors.
Shopping
If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs while in the country then you will be able to to find them in markets throughout the country. The best place we have found for Iraq-related souvenirs is Al-Muthanabbi street in Baghdad. Baghdad also has many big modern shopping malls with some cool local brands if you’re wishing to grab clothes or other items while abroad.
When is the best time to visit?
Due to its insanely hot climate, Iraq is best visited in the cooler months from October to March. During this time if you visit the Kurdistan region is can be very cold and snow is not uncommon. If you do choose to go mid year then you can expect temperatures of over 45 C and even up over 50C!
What to eat
Just like with many Middle Eastern countries, food is an extremely important way of life and local people will always make sure you ate fed. There are many things to try in Iraq both from street vendors to high end restaurants. We recommend trying Iraqi-style dolmas (from the street is best) and also the Iraqi-style shawarma that comes served in a boat-shaped bread. For more information on what dishes to try in Iraq check out our food and drink guide .
