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Is Iraq Safe to Visit in 2026?

Very High Risk

Very High Risk. Kurdistan region has lower risk. Rest of Iraq has severe security risks. Historical sites incredible but access difficult. Warnely's safety assessment for Iraq is Extreme Risk (80/100). Last updated 10 May 2026

80 / 100

Extreme Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

Live alerts in Iraq Get the iOS app

⚠ Active conflict / rapidly changing situation

Our static profile may lag events. Always verify against the latest FCDO advisory before travel.

What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

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Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

Check current advice.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime4/5

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.

Natural Disasters2/5

Check local conditions.

Health3/5

Consult travel clinic before departure.

Terrorism4/5

Check current advisories.

Civil Unrest4/5

Monitor local situation.

Infrastructure4/5

Check transport options.

Quick Facts

Plug type	C/D/G
Voltage	230V/50Hz
Time zone	UTC+3
Driving side	Right
Tap water	Unsafe

Essential Phrases Arabic (Modern Standard)

Hello	مرحبا MAR-hah-bah (or As-salāmu ʿalaikum for Muslim greeting)
Thank you	شكراً SHOOK-rahn
Yes / No	نعم / لا NAH-am / LAH
Sorry / Excuse me	آسف (m) / آسفة (f) AH-sif (m) / AH-si-fah (f)
Help!	النجدة! an-NAJ-dah

Visa & Entry

Type	Visa on arrival
Length	30/60 days
Cost	$75 USD

$75 VOA at Baghdad/Erbil airports for ~30 Western nationalities since 2021. Kurdistan region simpler than federal Iraq.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: Visa on arrival for some nationalities. Kurdistan has separate visa.

Passport: Valid 6+ months; no Israeli stamps.

Customs: Strict. Declare cash over $10,000.

Prohibited: Alcohol in most places outside hotels/Christian areas. Drones banned. Photography of checkpoints/military. Drug laws strict.

Practical Tips

Kurdistan Region (KRG) has separate entry requirements – Erbil e-visa works for Kurdistan only
For federal Iraq: visa-on-arrival for UK/US/EU at Baghdad/Basra/Najaf airports (check current policy)
Tour operators arranging local fixers and drivers are essential
Don't wander in Baghdad alone – concrete barriers and checkpoints everywhere
Mosul is still rebuilding from ISIS damage – access variable

Common Scams & Practical Risks

General warning: Scams are the least of your concerns. Do not travel to active conflict zones.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

NOT RECOMMENDED. Do not travel.

Women’s Safety Do Not Travel

Extremely dangerous. Do not travel.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal status	Criminalised
Social climate	Hostile

Law passed 2024 criminalising same-sex relations (10–15yr prison). Militias have killed LGBTQ people. No visible community. Travel dangerous.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

Severity	Severe (long sentences)
Cannabis	Severe penalties

Possession can mean life imprisonment. Active conflict context. Avoid.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police

104

ambulance

122

fire

115

tourist

N/A

Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Iraq

Is Iraq safe for tourists in 2026?

Kurdistan region has lower risk. Rest of Iraq has severe security risks. Historical sites incredible but access difficult. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Iraq is Extreme Risk (80/100), very high risk. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Iraq?

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment. Crime category score: 4/5 (extreme).

Are there health risks travelling to Iraq?

Consult travel clinic before departure. Health category score: 3/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Iraq safe for solo female travellers?

Do Not Travel. Extremely dangerous. Do not travel.

When is the best time to visit Iraq?

Mild Shoulder (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov). Pleasant (18-28°C), best (nominal) for Erbil, Karbala pilgrimages. Avoid summer heat.

What are the drug laws in Iraq?

Drug penalties: Severe (long sentences). Cannabis: Severe penalties. Possession can mean life imprisonment. Active conflict context. Avoid.

Do I need a visa to visit Iraq?

Visa on arrival. Stay length: 30/60 days. $75 VOA at Baghdad/Erbil airports for ~30 Western nationalities since 2021. Kurdistan region simpler than federal Iraq.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Iraq?

Tap water in Iraq is not safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Iraq?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.