Can you visit Iraq as a tourist?

If you associate Iraq with headlines about war and danger, think again. A lot of people ask, “Can tourists travel to Iraq?”. The short answer is yes and it might change everything you thought you knew about the country.

In fact, I recently visited Iraq, the Cradle of Civilization, and was blown away.

It has ancient wonders, rich culture, and next-level hospitality. Iraq is a destination that will bust myths, open minds, and have you questioning every negative media narrative out there about this country—it did for me!

What’s in this guide?

Everything you need to know before visiting Iraq—from safety and visas to 10 incredible places to add to your itinerary.

Is it Safe to Travel to Iraq in 2025?

I’m not going to lie—traveling to Iraq comes with some hesitations. The region flares up on occasion, and random missile strikes are, sadly, not surprising events. That said, when they do occur, they’re targeted and typically happen at military sites far from major cities (for the record, this happened while I was visiting, too). In other words: they happen in parts of the country where tourists don’t go.

“We have a local saying in Iraq that the day isn’t over until a bomb’s gone off.”

– My Iraq guide, when I told him there’s a missile strike that day 😅

Still, I believe Iraq is safe to visit. The places tourists go are overwhelmingly safe. You’ll find kind Iraqis on the street excited to see you, greet you with a smile, and ask for photos with you!

There is a lot of security in the country including checkpoints to exit and enter a city. I even counted 5 airport security checks from the time I entered the vicinity of Baghdad Airport (yep, I wasn’t even in the airport yet) to the time I boarded my flight. With all this extra security, there’s no getting anything suspicious into or out of the country.

Additionally, if you’re extra paranoid about safety, there are whole regions of Iraq that are known for being very safe. For example, Iraqi Kurdistan is full of quiet villages, rolling countryside, and sheep!

So, while the U.S. State Department is quick to cast a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisory on Iraq, the on-the-ground reality for tourists is not as risky as those warnings make it seem.

Obviously, take precautions. Don’t go to Iraq just because you’ve read my experience. Go after you’ve done your due diligence, talked to locals on the ground, and feel good about it. For the record, I would gladly visit Iraq again.

Can US Citizens Visit Iraq?

Given the turbulent history between the U.S. and Iraq, it’s no surprise Americans wonder whether they’re even allowed to visit as tourists.

Here’s the good news: Americans can travel to Iraq on a U.S. passport—I’m proof it’s possible!

And not only is it possible, it’s actually easy: U.S. citizens just need to get an e-visa before arrival.

Can you go to the US after visiting Iraq?

This section is only for non-US citizens.

Yes, you can visit the U.S. after visiting Iraq, however, if you previously qualified for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) you won’t be able to use it anymore. ESTA normally waives the visa requirement for eligible travelers entering the U.S.

As a result, you will be required to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way. It’s more than the ESTA, but many travelers have reported getting approved for U.S. visas after visting Iraq.

How to Get a Tourist Visa for Iraq?

Prior to March, 2025, Iraq offered tourist visas on arrival for 37 nationalities. But that’s changed. Visa on arrival has been eliminated, and visitors from these countries must now apply for an e-visa in advance:

Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

If your nationality isn’t listed above, check with your nearest Iraq Consulate for requirements.

How to apply for a visa to Iraq?

You can apply for the Iraq e-visa at the official site.

While the processing time for the e-visa is 1-2 business days, I recommend applying earlier just in case. Personally, I would apply at least two weeks in advance to allow for follow ups.

Do you need a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan?

Iraq can be broken into two regions: Federal Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraqi Kurdistan operates like an autonomous region of Iraq. It has its own flag and entry requirements.

Federal Iraq, on the other hand, considers Kurdistan part of Iraq even though Kurdistan believes it ought to be carved out as its own country (confused yet?).

If you’re visiting both Federal Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan, get a Federal Iraq visa. It covers entry to both regions.

If you’re only visiting Iraqi Kurdistan, you might not need a visa at all. Kurdistan allows visa-free entry for citizens of 53 countries. If a visa is required, you can apply for the Kurdistan e-visa.

⚠️ The Kurdistan visa only works in Kurdistan. It will not get you entry into Federal Iraq.

💡If you want to cover your bases, the best thing to do is get a visa for Federal Iraq since it covers both regions.

Is Iraq a Good Travel Destination?

If you’re wondering if Iraq is worth visiting, it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you’re looking to shop and eat your way through a destination, Iraq is not for you.

But if you want to see the roots of civilization, stand where the world’s earliest writing was born, wander ancient ruins without crowds, float through the Mesopotamian marshes with descendants of the Sumerians, or walk through the gates of Babylon, this is your kind of trip.

Iraq is for curious travelers who want to experience what Western media rarely shows: a place full of rich history, warm hospitality, and moments that will linger in your mind rent-free long after you’ve left.

Iraq has so much to offer the intrepid traveler, it’s honestly SHOCKING how little tourism is in Iraq (which is a dream for travelers like me who love to get off the beaten path).

Here are 10 places to visit in Iraq and what to expect:

1. Baghdad

Iraq’s capital city is the heart of the country! You’ll find a constant buzz on the streets, restaurants open until 4 a.m., colorful souks, one of the oldest universities in the world, a museum full of Mesopotamian antiquities, and a scenic corniche along the Tigris River.

2. Babylon

You can wander the ruins of one of the most iconic civilizations in history and then visit one of Saddam’s former palaces. Don’t be surprised if the palace guards ask to take photos with you outside! Never did I think I’d be posing in front of Saddam’s palace with Iraqi guards who were just so excited to see a foreigner, but that’s how friendly Iraqis are!

3. Karbala & Najaf

These are two of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, and regardless of your religion, they belong on any Iraq itinerary. In both cities, you’ll find some of the most extravagant shrines in the world—decked out floor to ceiling in sparkling lights, mirrored tiles, and ceilings that look like they’re dripping in diamonds. You can feel the holiness of the space. Every religious site you visit afterward will pale in comparison.

4. Ziggurat of Ur

One of the best-preserved stepped pyramids in Mesopotamia, the Ziggurat of Ur is stunning in real life: massive in scale, over 4,000 years old, and built by what might’ve been the first major urban civilization in the world. Oh, and Abraham’s house? It’s right around the corner (not kidding!).

5. Iraqi Marshes

This might have been the biblical setting for the Garden of Eden. Today, you can float down the marsh and witness the simple life of the Marsh Arabs who still live here in reed houses and navigate the marshes by boat.

6. Samarra

Samarra was once one of the most important Islamic centers in the world. Today, it’s famous for the Great Mosque and its spiraling minaret, a 9th-century architectural feat that’s unlike any other minaret you’ll ever see.

7. Mosul

Once ISIS’s stronghold, Mosul is rebuilding today. You can walk through the Old Town market and browse copper goods, spices, and fresh-ground sesame. Nearby, you’ll find a bustling fish market and men grilling masgouf, the national dish of Iraq. No visit to Mosul is complete without a humble walk through the destruction left behind by years of fighting—a sobering reminder of the horrors of war.

8. Lalish

Located in Kurdistan, Lalish is the holiest site for the Yazidis (it’s the equivalent of Mecca for Muslims). It’s a pilgrimage site, but tourists are welcome to visit and soak in the peace of the space. Just make sure you’re barefoot before entering the temples (I had to go barefoot in the rain from the parking lot)!

9. Akre

This little mountain town in Kurdistan was the most photogenic place I saw in Iraq. Built into a valley, its homes dot the terraced mountainside. Stop for tea in town to enjoy the views, then climb to the castle ruins at the top for sweeping scenes over the rooftops and valley below.

10. Erbil

I wasn’t expecting such a modern, bustling city in Iraq (technically, Kurdistan) so Erbil was a pleasant surprise! Blending ancient and new, Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The citadel towers over a vibrant souk where time feels like it stands still.

Do Not Travel Advisory: Should You Be Concerned?

Travel advisories are often blanket statements about a whole country, and all my years of travel have taught me unequivocally that countries are not monoliths.

This includes travel advisories. I’ve found them overly cautious and politically motivated. I almost never read them until I’m back from a trip and looking for something to do when I’m bored.

Right now, the advisory for U.S. citizens is: “Do not travel to Iraq.” Instead of letting that be your sole source of truth, talk to recent travelers, locals, and Iraqi tour guides to understand what’s actually happening on the ground.

I’m not saying to ignore the “Do Not Travel” advisory. I’m saying to recognize it’s a blunt tool that doesn’t account for nuance.

Don’t believe me? Plenty of countries have advisories against traveling to the U.S. They cite racism, terrorist threats, attacks based on sexual orientation, random shootings, and the outrageous cost of medical care. Does that mean every visitor to the U.S. will experience that? Of course not. Majority visit and have a great time.

Every country has safe and unsafe neighborhoods. They key is to talk to locals and travel with a trusted guide so you’re going to the places that are safe for tourists.

Personally, I found Iraq safe and wouldn’t hesitate to visit again!

So, can you visit Iraq as a tourist in 2025? Absolutely. If you’re curious, open-minded, and willing to experience the country beyond the narrative, Iraq is 100% worth visiting.