Yes, but it is now considerably more straightforward than it once was. Since March 2025, most nationalities can apply for an Iraqi e-visa through the official government portal in advance, at a cost of $160 USD for a 60-day, single-entry visa allowing a maximum 30-day stay. Apply at least several days before travel. For Iraqi Kurdistan specifically, some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports, valid for 30 days.

Note that a Kurdistan-only visa is not valid for travel to Federal Iraq. But a Federal Iraq visa is valid for whole Iraq, including Kurdistan region.

Koryo Tours provides all necessary documentation support and guidance as part of the booking process.

The answer genuinely depends on where you are going. Iraqi Kurdistan has a good safety record for tourists and is increasingly visited by independent travellers. Federal Iraq carries a higher risk profile.

The Foreign Office travel advisory reflects ongoing militia activity and a residual threat in some areas. Within the itineraries operated by Koryo Tours, these risks are actively managed through local guides, current intelligence and itineraries that avoid genuinely dangerous areas. Travellers consistently return from Iraqi tours surprised by how safe they felt in practice. That said, this is not a destination where casual, unguided travel is advisable throughout the country, and travel insurance covering elevated-risk destinations is essential.

October to April. Iraqi summers are extreme, particularly in Baghdad and the south, where 45 degrees Celsius and above is normal from June to September.

Spring is the prime season. 

Baghdad International Airport has connections to Istanbul, Dubai, Amman and several Gulf hubs. Erbil airport has direct connections to Istanbul, Dubai and select European cities, making Kurdistan accessible without going through Baghdad. 

Domestic flights are available between the major Iraqi cities and are used on some itineraries.

They are effectively separate travel experiences.

Kurdistan is semi-autonomous with its own government, its own visa system, a more relaxed social atmosphere, different landscapes (mountains rather than desert), and a substantially lower risk profile.

Federal Iraq is where the great Mesopotamian sites are, where the holy Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala are found, and where Baghdad sits. Both are exceptional. Many of our tours cover both, and the shift in atmosphere as you cross from one into the other is one of the more interesting aspects of the journey.

In Baghdad and Erbil, accommodation is in established hotels offering good facilities including air conditioning and private bathrooms. In the Iraqi Marshes, accommodation on Koryo Tours itineraries is in traditional reed houses, which is an entirely different and extremely memorable experience.

Our tours also include a night in a local Iraqi family homestay, which most travellers describe as one of the highlights. In smaller towns along the route, guesthouses are clean and hospitable.

Modest dress is appropriate throughout. In Federal Iraq, particularly in the holy Shia cities of Najaf and Karbala, women must cover their hair and wear long, loose clothing. This is required at most religious sites, not optional. In Iraqi Kurdistan, the dress code is somewhat more relaxed in cities but modest dress remains respectful and strongly advisable. Men should wear long trousers throughout. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential given the heat.