Iraq travel tips

General guidance for international travellers. Requirements vary by nationality — confirm with the official visa authority for your passport.

Short answer: After your Iraq visa is granted, keep copies of your documents, respect local laws, and confirm entry conditions still match your itinerary.

Practical tips

  • Apply for Iraq e-visa or consular visa before buying non-refundable tickets if your nationality requires advance approval.
  • Book consular appointments on the official London embassy portal before sending passports.
  • Carry photocopies of passport and visa separate from originals in Baghdad and Erbil.
  • Use licensed guides for Babylon and Samarra; site access rules can change.
  • Do not photograph checkpoints, convoys, or government buildings without clearance.
  • Drink bottled water and peel fruit outside well-run hotels.
  • Dress modestly at shrines in Najaf and Karbala and follow local gender-segregated areas.
  • Keep hotel addresses and reservation codes ready for immigration and roadside checks.

Travel highlights

Attractions

  • Babylon
  • Baghdad National Museum area
  • Erbil Citadel
  • Samarra spiral minaret
  • Mesopotamian Marshes (Ahwar)

Cities

  • Baghdad
  • Basra
  • Mosul
  • Erbil
  • Najaf

Best time

October to April for Baghdad, Babylon, and Erbil sightseeing; avoid midday summer heat in the south.

Need help applying for your Iraq visa?

Prince Visa can help you prepare forms and supporting documents for your application.

Start application

Official sources

This site is informational and is not a government website. Final decisions rest with consular officers.

Start application