What is the capital of Iraq?
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad.
Why visit Iraq
Iraq is in Western Asia, Asia, with Baghdad as its capital. Use this guide for trip planning — best time, budget ranges, cities and practical tips.
This Iraq travel guide covers the best time to visit, top cities, sample routes, budget ranges and how to travel to Iraq — including visa requirements.
Most first-time trips to Iraq work in 7–10 days: fly into Baghdad, then move only as far as your energy allows. A practical first loop is Baghdad → Erbil → Mosul → Al Mawşil al Jadīdah → Basrah → Basra. Mid-range travellers typically budget $55–150 per person per day on the ground (flights extra). Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions. This route, cost band and city shortlist are Global Itinerary’s own planning layer — not a copy of another guidebook.
Capital
Baghdad
Population
38.4M
Currency
IQD · Iraqi dinar (IQD)
Languages
Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
Timezone
Asia/Baghdad · UTC+03:00
Calling code
+964
History
Iraq has a rich history shaped by its position in Asia and the cultures of Western Asia, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Iraq is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Best time to visit
Good months to visitJJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
Entry requirements
Citizens of all European Union member states, Australia, Canada, China (mainland only), all French overseas territories, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States may obtain a visa-on-arrival. As of 2025, this is available for a fee of 206,000 Iraqi dinars (around 150 USD), which includes a nominal health insurance charge. All other nationalities require a visa in advance.
Money & costs
Iraqi currency is the Iraqi dinar, denoted by the symbol "د.ع" (ISO code: IQD). Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000 dinars. Coins, and banknotes in denominations of 250- and 500-dinars are rarely used.
Getting around
Due to the autonomous nature of Iraqi Kurdistan, travelling between Iraqi Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq will involve border inspections as if you were travelling internationally. Driving at night may be a safer alternative to daytime driving, but a few rules to follow:
Language
The two official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish. The local vernacular is Mesopotamian Arabic, otherwise known as Iraqi Arabic. It has extensive borrowings from languages such as Aramaic, Akkadian, Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, and Hindi. Modern Standard Arabic is rarely spoken in everyday conversations, but two thirds of Iraqis are knowledgeable in it, so if you wish to improve your Arabic skills, you shouldn't have any problems. You're not expected to know the local dialect, but if you m…
Staying safe
Although things are gradually getting better, the political and security situation remain very unstable. If you decide to go, strongly consider hiring a local guide. Many highways have road blocks set up by not only the Iraqi government, but also by various local militias, who will inspect your documents and question your purpose of visit.
Health
It is not safe for short term visitors to drink the water anywhere in Iraq. It is best to always drink bottled water. It will usually be sold at vendors and large stores, and will be easy to find. Most Iraqi water companies pump their water directly from the Tigris or Euphrates rivers, treat it with ozone, and then filter it into bottles. Those with sensitive systems should not drink it. Many street vendors will offer drinks such as water with a lemon twist, which should be presumed unsafe for foreign visitors.
Local etiquette
The Iraqis in general are humble, hospitable and down-to earth.
Things to avoid
Politics: Politics is a highly sensitive issue in Iraq. Most Iraqis express frustration towards the government and Iraqi politics are quite complex. Be careful when discussing Saddam Hussein's regime: it may bring up bad memories for some people. This is especially true in Iraqi Kurdistan. Show respect when discussing the Anfal campaign in Iraqi Kurdistan: it is a highly emotional issue. Be careful when discussing the Iran-Iraq war: it may bring up bad memories for some people. Be careful when discussing Ku…
Practical guidance for Iraq is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Getting around & staying connected
Cheapest ways to travel in Iraq
Ride apps & transport
- 1Grab
Southeast Asia's super-app: cars, motorbike taxis and food, all with fixed upfront fares.
- 2Uber
App-based cars with upfront fares — usually the cheapest metered ride in big cities.
- 3inDrive
Name your own fare and let nearby drivers accept or counter — great for tight budgets.
Ride-hailing coverage varies here — check whether these apps are live in your city before relying on them.
Cheapest SIM for foreigners
Local prepaid SIM
Buy a tourist SIM from an official operator kiosk at the airport (bring your passport) — usually the cheapest data.
eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) lets you get online the moment you land — handy if you don't want to queue for a SIM.
Prices and app coverage change often — figures are indicative for 2026, so confirm the current tourist plan in the app or at the airport kiosk.
Plan your trip
A route through Iraq
A suggested loop connecting Iraq's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities in Iraq
In pictures
Iraq gallery
Photos: USACE HQ , JIM GORDAN, CIV, USACE, © 2013 Younus Alhamdani, Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), File:Basra city.jpg — via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Travel cost for Iraq
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Iraq
Estimated total (USD)
$2,250
≈ $1,125 per person · $321 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $100/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Iraq's mid-range daily budget ($55–150 per person on the ground). Flights are a separate estimate and vary by origin.
Good to know
Iraq travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Iraq?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions in most regions.
Is Iraq worth visiting?
Yes — travellers visit Iraq for its landscapes, cities and culture. Start with Baghdad, then explore the top regions on this Iraq travel guide for a realistic itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to Iraq?
Visa rules for Iraq depend on your passport — use the visa checker on this site for a nationality-specific answer. Use our Iraq visa checker for rules by nationality before you book flights.
How much does a trip to Iraq cost?
Budget roughly $55–150 per person per day for mid-range travel in Iraq, not including long-haul flights. Costs vary by season and how much you move between cities.
Is Iraq safe for tourists?
Check current travel advice for Iraq before you go.
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