Before you go to Iraq: what to know
Must know
- Check current official warnings for all parts of Iraq; conflict and kidnapping risks remain severe.
- Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have different visa procedures; a KRI visa is not a federal entry permit.
- Controlled medicines and cannabis/CBD can lead to detention; obtain specific approval before carrying restricted products.
Entry and visas
British visitors need a visa. For federal Iraq, FCDO says visas on arrival are no longer available: apply through the government eVisa portal at least 24 hours before travel. It reports USD 160 and 60-day validity; confirm the issued terms. KRI has a separate eVisa/arrival-visa process valid only within that region. Do not extrapolate British-passport conditions to other nationalities.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Federal Iraq eVisa ↗ required
At least 24 hours before departure; obtain approval before travel · Fee: FCDO reports USD 160; confirm current charge · British visitors to federal Iraq; other nationalities must check their category - Kurdistan Region visa ↗ optional
Before travel if using the KRI eVisa route · Travellers entering the Kurdistan Region; not valid for federal Iraq
Passport validity: British passports: at least six months from arrival and one blank page.
At the border you may be asked for
- Carry return or onward travel evidence and the correct regional visa documents.
Customs
- Do not export antiquities or archaeological finds.
- Check controlled-medicine requirements; cannabis and CBD imports are prohibited.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- The economy is mainly cash-based; international-card ATMs can be difficult to find.
- Some shops accept US dollars. Confirm the price and currency before paying.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, spain.gov.krd ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs, including cannabis and CBD imports.
- Exporting antiquities or archaeological finds without the required lawful authority.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry identification and required visa/registration evidence.
- Check restricted-medicine permissions before travel.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Islamic religious observance is part of local culture; traditions vary between communities.
Clothing: Dress conservatively, especially at religious sites; ask local hosts about specific requirements.
Etiquette
- Respect Ramadan observance and check opening hours.
- Take particular care around large religious gatherings.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗, auswaertiges-amt.de ↗
Climate
Most lowlands have a hot desert climate, while the mountainous northeast is cooler with snowy winters. Much rain falls December-April; summer heat and dust can be extreme. Check the exact route and forecast.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Winter; rain and mountain snow
- February: Feb: Winter; rain and mountain snow
- March: Mar: Spring; rainfall possible
- April: Apr: Spring; rainy period can continue
- May: May: Summer heat develops
- June: Jun: Very hot lowlands; cooler mountains
- July: Jul: Extreme lowland summer heat
- August: Aug: Extreme lowland summer heat
- September: Sep: Heat can persist
- October: Oct: Autumn transition
- November: Nov: Cooler; check local forecast
- December: Dec: Winter; rain and mountain snow
Best season: Weather is often milder outside peak summer, but official travel warnings take priority.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: iea.org ↗, documents1.worldbank.org ↗, spain.gov.krd ↗
What to pack
- Correct regional visa and passport copies
- Essential medicines with verified permission
- Drinking-water contingency supplies
- Sun protection and season-appropriate clothing
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Cannabis and CBD
- Antiques or archaeological finds without export permission
- Restricted medicines without approval
Practical
Plugs: Types C, D and G; 230V, 50Hz. Confirm the local socket and supply.
Water: Tap water is unsafe in many areas; use sealed bottled or properly treated water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Health: Access to medical supplies varies; prepare a plan that accounts for serious security and road risks.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗, us.gov.krd ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.