The United States Department of State (FCDO) advises against travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to support U.S. citizens. On April 1, 2024, the Department terminated the Ordered Departure status for U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Embassy Baghdad. The Iraqi safety guide outlines the risks to foreigners, including terrorists, criminal gangs, academics, journalists, and aid workers.
Indian nationals may now consider traveling to Iraq except to the five provinces, including Erbil and Sulli. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Health has lifted restrictions on US military installations across Iraq since October 2023. However, the area is considered safe, with many expats, especially from the U.S., visiting Erbil and Sulli.
Ports in the northern Persian Gulf are at high risk of attack, and vessels in the northern Persian Gulf are at an increased risk of attack. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq, except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), due to the volatile security situation and threats of terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
Erbil is considered safe, with only Mosul and Kirkuk being risky places to travel. However, there was a shooting at a resort in Erbil, which raised concerns about security. The Kurdistan Region offers beautiful resorts, especially during spring, but should not be considered for travel due to the ongoing security threats.
📹 HOW to TRAVEL IRAQ 🇮🇶 Is IRAQ Safe?
Curious about how to travel Iraqi Kurdistan? This is my how-to guide about visas, currency, transportation, accommodation, and of …
What is the kidnapping rate in Iraq?
The Iraqi kidnapping rate increased to 3. 7 cases per 100, 000 population in 2014, a 38. 18 percent increase from the previous year. Kidnapping is defined as unlawfully detaining someone against their will for the purpose of demanding an illicit gain or material benefit, and excludes disputes over child custody. Knoema, an Eldridge business, is the premier data platform and the most comprehensive source of global decision-making data. Their revolutionary technology helps individuals and organizations discover, visualize, model, and present their data, facilitating better decisions and outcomes.
Can I travel to Kurdistan?
Due to the precarious security situation, the prevalence of terrorism, the occurrence of armed conflict, the threat of kidnapping, and the prevalence of violent crime, travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, is strongly discouraged.
Where does Erbil rank in safety?
The Kurdish government has recognized the economic significance of exhibitions and festivals in the past decade, developing infrastructure to establish Erbil as a regional event hub. This strategy has revived various non-oil industries in Erbil, including hospitality, agriculture, and construction. Erbil has been enhancing its professional event and festival organizing skills, while maintaining a religiously tolerant city culture that promotes peaceful coexistence and sensitivity towards different religious groups.
Is it safe to travel to Iraq right now?
The US Department of State has terminated the Ordered Departure status for non-emergency U. S. government employees and eligible family members in Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U. S. citizens. The Travel Advisory level for Iraq remains at Level 4, advising U. S. citizens not to travel to the country. Iraq faces high risks to safety and security, including violence, kidnapping, and attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles. In an emergency, consular services to U. S. citizens in Iraq are limited due to severe restrictions on government personnel’s movements.
Do I need a visa to visit Erbil?
To visit Iraq, a visa is required, and you may be eligible for a visit visa on arrival. Check with the Iraqi Embassy in London or the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester before travel. Fees for visas on arrival in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, must be paid in US dollars. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) government has introduced an e-visa process, which can be found on the e-visa portal. Both types of visas are valid for travel in KRI only. Ensure you have the right documents, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) if carrying weapons.
Is Erbil one of the safest cities in the world?
The Kurdistan Region’s security forces have maintained stability and safety in the area, with Erbil ranked among the top five safest cities in the world in 2018. The Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdistan Parliament are the formal institutions in Iraq, with the Kurdistan Regional Government exercising executive power under democratically elected laws. The Kurdistan Regional Government is led by His Excellency Mr. Nechirvan Barzani. For more information on Erbil and other cities in Kurdistan, visit bot. gov. krd/erbil-province.
Can I wear shorts in Erbil?
The leniency of the climate in Kurdistan allows men to wear shorts with impunity, whereas women are advised to avoid this practice. It is advisable to have a versatile jacket or jumper in one’s possession, as they are useful for both cold weather and sudden downpours. It is advisable to select footwear that is both durable and suitable for the climate. Flip-flops or sandals are recommended as they will likely be worn most of the time.
What is the safest part of Iraq?
Northern Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in Iraq, has been a safe haven for travelers for several years. The region controls its own borders and has a separate regional government, army, and visa policy compared to the rest of the country. The tour leader, Zoe, and local guide Tambee were fantastic, providing an excellent experience with the itinerary that included major cities, UNESCO sites, the Syrian Riviera, and a vibrant carnival celebration.
The tour was organized by Rocky Road, which was efficient, organized, and easy to get along with. The group was diverse and friendly, and everyone got along well. The booking process was smooth and hassle-free, and the international guide, Alex, ensured comfort throughout the trip. Ahmed, the knowledgeable Iraqi local guide, enriched the journey with fascinating insights and history. Ammar, Ahmed’s sidekick, was also friendly and did a fantastic job as a photographer.
Iraq is a beautiful country with a rich history, and despite the challenges and tumultuous events, the vibrant culture, welcoming locals, and well-organized tour made it an unforgettable experience. The author is currently booking their second trip with Rocky Road and highly recommends their services.
Is Erbil safe for tourists?
Kurdistan is a safe country with low crime rates, but there is a risk of drone attacks near the border. Cities like Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are safe, but traveling outside requires two cars and a guide. It is important to check the government’s website for advice on travel consequences. Mosul is not safe due to terrorism, while Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are safe. Kirkuk is a disputed area with instability. Kurdistan offers amazing food, culture, architecture, friendly people, and beautiful nature, including mountains and valleys. Winter skiing is also possible, and snowboarding is a popular activity.
Is flying over Iraq safe?
Iraqi airspace, including the ORBB/Baghdad FIR, poses high risks to civil aircraft, with several countries warning against operating at lower flight levels. The primary risk is intentional targeting by terrorist organizations with portable anti-aircraft weaponry, and civilian aircraft may be misidentified by local and foreign military air defense systems. Drone attacks from Turkey and Iran are common in northern Iraq, posing a risk to ORSU and ORER airports.
Foreign aviation authorities allow overflights at higher flight levels, but there is a clear risk to civil aircraft operating throughout the FIR at all levels. A secondary risk is GPS spoofing, with reports of enroute aircraft being targeted with fake GPS signals, leading to complete navigation failures. This type of GPS spoofing has not been seen before, as IRS is quickly “infected” by false position.
Is there any tourism in Iraq?
Religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism in Iraq, with tens of millions of tourists visiting holy cities and places annually. Iraq, a Western Asian country, has experienced significant changes due to conflicts and has faced challenges in recent years. The capital city, Baghdad, is the second largest city in the Arab world and the fourth largest in the Middle East. Iraq has several World Heritage Sites, including Babylon Iraq, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia.
Iraq is considered a potential location for ecotourism, with Erbil being chosen as “Arab Tourism Capital” in 2014. The country has several sites on the tentative list of UNESCO, including Ur, Nimrud, The Ancient City of Nineveh, The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidar, Wasit, The Marshlands of Mesopotamia, The Site of Thilkifl, Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf, Amedy city, and Historical Features of the Tigris River in Baghdad Rusafa. In addition, the Iraqi Plastic Society houses numerous art works demonstrating traditional and innovative styles of design.
📹 IS IRAQ SAFE? How to Travel Iraq & Kurdistan
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I knew about Kurdistan myself before perusal your articles but never knew anything about it. Would love to go, looks an amazing place. Personally if they get independence they deserve every bit of it after the way they have helped the whole region. Would be keen to meet your guide to learn more about the country.
I lived in Kurdistan for little over 4 years and loved every minute of it, I traveled to must of Kurdistan region areas and the untouched nature there is breath taking. 95% of people there are very kind hearted and respectful especially to foreigners. It is very unfortunate that the whole world has led these ppl down for their own nasty political reasons over and over. This should tell us that ppl running governments don’t have hearts😔
The amount of people thinking kurdistan is unsafe really saddens me because kurdistan is one of the safest place, it is so different from all those Arab countries that have war or whatever going on, also one day we will have our name for us only! Kurdistan without Iraq included. Thank you for sharing this with the whole world, everyone’s welcome to kurdistan much love and positivity ❤️
Don’t take this wrong, I sincerely love you articles and your work. However, Iraq is not safe, but Kurdistan is… I have several friends in central Iraq, northwest Iraq, and Syria. Those areas are not considered safe. Kurdistan, according to Iraqis, is not Iraq. They are separate. I was briefly stationed in Irbil and it is a wonderful place. Your article title is misleading, but your article are Oscar winning! Thank you for sharing.
Medias talkes about kurdstan, iraq that its nit safe but when i visited there it was actually one of the best country that i have visited 😍🖤 If you want to see a different country from all other countries! I recommend you to go to kurdistan and it’s 💯 safe place! Erbil and Sulaymaniyah there people were so kind and amazing 😉 and there food can’t even explain it how tasty it was😆😅
Hello, you are an amazing person that is doing so good by showing people side of that world that are always talked bad about for no reason. If you are able to go to the shrines and show us that please. i hear from a lot from different people .The Ali Shrine in Najaff is mostly what i hear about. THank you very much..
Ahh, every word of every poems Are not enough for me to describe my land, my birthplace, my motherland, the land of Kurds, were our fathers and ancestors lived before thousands of years and until now we we never gave up our land, the land of ancient Kurds, the land of first human civilizations, the land of first culture and traditions still alive, the land of fighters and warriors which the history will forever mention them, the land of high mountains (our only friends unfortunately), my beautiful land, my language, my history, my people, my culture, my traditions, but still doesn’t have my country. WHY!?!? Because nobody likes us WHY?!?! Because everybody want to have our things But we are very hopeful that we will have our independent land, we love everybody,but nobody love us Peace be upon you all my brothers and sisters in humanity ❤from my beloved❤❤ kurdistan ❤❤
I love Kurdistan I live there for two years. Thank you for supporting my country. It’s been through a lot of it dangerous stuff but now it’s really safe. Don’t worry about the borders. If you’re outside of them then you’re really safe. I’ve been staying there for two years thank you so much and I love your articles!
I’m from Baghdad, born and raised there. Before moving to Canada, I spent three years of my life in Erbil. I have also spent a good amount of time in the south. My point is, If I ever wanted to pay a visit to my home country again, I would prefer going to Erbil or any part of Kurdistan only because this the only region there that worth the trip.
I have a question that might apply to all of your trips : when you say that you felt safe in a country do you think it is influenced by the fact that your are a men? Or do you also pay attention at how womens feel in the country you’re in? I absolutely love perusal your articles, been following you for a while now ! Thank you for all the high quality articles you’ve been giving us!
I visited Iraq in December, entered through Najaf, drove down to Baghdad from Baghdad I went to Karbala and than back to Najaf. One of the best trips I’ve ever had. It was very safe and the people were really nice, some were quite intrigued tho (I’m South African). Iraq is truly and amazing place. Despite being a country that went through war their restaurants and malls have better services than South Africa. Definitely a country I would visit again.
Thank u Guys for Choosing Our gorgeous country called Kurdistan and ppl here love to hear to call Kurdistan is a country not a Part of iraq but in fact it is, I suggest u Guys to visit Kurdistan it is too safe for foriegner be sure, there is no fear to be worry about and ppl are so friendly and not Racist and love the others ppl out side of Kurdistan i mean Forigners they wanna help and show u the culture and beauty of Kirdistan, so dont think about Negative Stuff and visit coz u are too safe here no 1 can harm u, every thing under control of police and they protect u be Sure, every 1 who choose Kurdistan to spend time are sooo welcome
In terms of dispute, there are two territories Masoud Barazani’s territory( basically is controlled by them and his sons you can’t get a job or anything without their permission) and Jalal Talabani’s Territories (the same as mentioned before) for foreigners are good some are getting very high paid jobs some not it mainly depends on whom you paying (Masoud’s men or Jalal’s men) which means you have to make a deal with them.
Im iraqi and i went to my family in baghdad in 2019 and the way how they live there is way different then kurdistan, its really dangerous there i have seen a bomb going off and alot of kinda stuff but i didn’t know that kurdistan is that amazing the landscape looks fucking sexyy men i need to go there soonn. Thanks for showing the other part of iraq i didn’t now
Interesting facts about Kurds. 1) They’re an indo-european people people, so their language is in the same family of languages as other European languages rather than Arabic which is Semitic and Turkish which is turkic. 2) They’re the longest inhabitants of the area and their history goes back thousands of years. The ancient greeks even encountered proto Kurds and wrote about the battles they had. 3) They are the largest ethnic group in the world without a country. A travesty that was fueled by greed and control of western powers and the Turks. Divide and conquer. It unfortunately worked.