1. Basics

Official name: Republic of Iraq

Capital: Baghdad

Official languages: Arabic (federal); Kurdish (Kurdistan Region)

Population: ~45 million (2025 est.)

Area: 438 317 km²

2. Practical Info

Currency: Iraqi dinar (IQD)

Time zone: UTC +03:00 (no daylight-saving)

Calling code: +964

Electricity: 230 V / 50 Hz; plugs C, D, G

Internet: 4G mobile widely available; hotel and café Wi-Fi in major cities

3. Entry & Visas

E-Visa: Apply online at least 14 days before travel (for eligible nationalities)

Kurdistan-only visa: Issued at Erbil/Sulaymaniyah airports and KRI land crossings; not valid in federal Iraq

4. Health & Safety

Emergency number: 911 (operators available in English and other languages)

5. Climate & Best Time to Visit

Climate zones: Desert in the south/center; semi-arid in the north

Best season: October – end of March (mild days, cool evenings)

6. Transportation

Major airports: Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), Najaf (NJF), Erbil (EBL)

Taxis / Ride-hailing: Careem, Baly

Food delivery apps: Talabat, Toters

National Carrier

Iraqi Airways: The flag carrier operates from Baghdad International Airport and flies direct to 50+ destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia including:

International Destinations:

Azerbaijan: Baku

China: Beijing, Guangzhou

Egypt: Cairo

India: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, New Delhi

Iran: Isfahan, Mashhad, Tehran

Jordan: Amman

Kuwait: Kuwait City

Lebanon: Beirut

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur

Pakistan: Islamabad, Karachi

Russia: Moscow (Vnukovo)

Turkey: Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Istanbul (Sabiha), Samsun

United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Dubai (Sharjah)

Domestic Destinations:

Al Najaf, Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah

8. Culture & Etiquette

Dress code: Modest attire—long sleeves and clothing covering down to at least the knees are fine. Inside Karbala & Najaf shrines, full coverage (no exposed arms/legs) is required.

9. Top UNESCO & Heritage Sites

Babylon

Hatra

Samarra Archaeological City

Erbil Citadel

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