Iraq Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Iraq trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Iraq presents a complex, highly variable security environment. The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is significantly safer and actively welcomes tourists, while Baghdad requires careful planning and most southern and western provinces carry serious risks. Most Western governments advise 'Do Not Travel' to many parts of Iraq but allow travel to the Kurdistan Region.
Iraq offers an extraordinary journey through the cradle of civilization, from the ancient Mesopotamian ruins to the bustling streets of Baghdad and the stunning mountains of Kurdistan. Experience authentic Middle Eastern culture, world-class archaeological sites, and warm hospitality in this historically rich nation.
Current Advisory
Most Western governments (UK FCDO, US State Department, Australian DFAT) advise against all but essential travel to most of Iraq and against all travel to some provinces. The Kurdistan Region is generally rated at a lower risk level with travel permitted with caution. Check your government's current travel advisory before booking.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Kurdistan Region: reconsider travel.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to most of Iraq. Kurdistan Region of Iraq: advises against all but essential travel.
Australian DFAT
Do Not Travel to most parts of Iraq. Kurdistan Region: Reconsider your need to travel.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports and tourist sites may quote inflated fares to foreign visitors and refuse to negotiate once underway. This is common at Baghdad International Airport.
Fake guide services
Unofficial 'guides' at archaeological sites (Babylon, Erbil Citadel) may approach tourists offering guide services at inflated prices before lowering dramatically, or lead visitors to specific shops for commission.
Currency exchange fraud
Informal street changers may offer attractive IQD exchange rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, especially with the large denominations of Iraqi Dinar notes.
Souvenir antiquities fraud
Vendors may attempt to sell items claimed to be genuine ancient artifacts — purchasing or exporting genuine Iraqi antiquities is illegal and carries serious penalties.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is considerably safer for tourists
Hire a local guide or travel with organized tours
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Keep copies of important documents
Dress conservatively and respect local customs
Stay informed about current security situations
Carry a colour copy of your passport and visa at all times; Iraqi checkpoints may request ID
Use only officially marked taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Careem — never accept unsolicited rides
Avoid photography of military installations, checkpoints, government buildings, and uniformed personnel without explicit permission
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel to the Kurdistan Region is viable for experienced travelers with good security awareness and preparation. Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are generally safe for solo travelers. Solo travel to Baghdad requires more careful planning — join organized tours, avoid straying from established tourist areas, and always inform your hotel of your movements. Solo female travel requires additional preparation (see female safety).
Female Travelers
Female solo travel to Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is feasible with the usual precautions — dress conservatively (headscarf not required but modest dress recommended), use Careem rather than street taxis, and stay in established hotels. Ankawa in Erbil is the most relaxed environment. Baghdad is more challenging for solo female travelers — group travel or organized tours strongly advised. Harassment is less common than in some neighboring countries but conservative dress significantly reduces unwanted attention.
Families
Families with children can travel relatively safely to the Kurdistan Region — Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have excellent family-friendly infrastructure, parks, and activities. Iraqi culture is extremely child-friendly and families receive warm hospitality. Plan carefully with appropriate travel insurance, medical provision, and health precautions. Avoid Baghdad and Arab Iraq with young children unless traveling with experienced local contacts.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex activity is technically legal in Iraq but faces severe social stigma and potential violence, particularly from militia groups. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided everywhere in Iraq including Kurdistan. The Kurdistan Region is more socially tolerant than the rest of Iraq but LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion and avoid discussing sexuality publicly.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies (if handling animals), routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, polio). Required if arriving from endemic countries: Yellow Fever certificate. Consult travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink throughout Iraq. Always use sealed bottled water, including for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless confirmed made from purified water. Water-borne illness is a significant risk.
Food Safety
Street food is generally safe when eaten hot and freshly prepared. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water in local restaurants. Stick to fully cooked foods. Diarrhea medications and oral rehydration salts are wise to pack.
Medical Facilities
Good private hospitals exist in Baghdad (Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital, Al-Kindy Hospital) and Erbil (Zheen International Hospital). Kurdistan Region has better healthcare infrastructure. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for Iraq.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Iraq
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide