Iraq

===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.

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.

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:

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…

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.

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.

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…