Is It Safe to Travel to Iraq? Safety Guide & Travel Advisory (July 2026)

Last updated: Jul 20, 2026

Iraq remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for travel, and no government has cleared it as safe for tourism.

Here’s the current security picture, what advisories say, and the latest on flights to Baghdad and Erbil.

Table of Contents

The Current Security Situation

The most active threat inside Iraq right now is Iran’s campaign against Iranian-Kurdish opposition camps in Iraqi Kurdistan, not the wider Gulf shipping standoff. That campaign has intensified rather than eased since June.

Since the war began in February 2026, Iran has carried out several hundred drone and missile strikes on Iranian-Kurdish opposition camps in Iraqi Kurdistan — regional monitors (the Kurdistan Regional Government and Rudaw) put the total at over 800 attacks, with roughly 20 people killed and around 130 injured.
The most recent major strike killed nine people near Sulaymaniyah on 18 July 2026.
On 20 July, Iraqi air defenses intercepted drones near a logistics facility close to Erbil International Airport and a US consulate building, prompting the reactivation of Patriot missile batteries over Erbil.
Separately, the broader US-Iran Gulf ceasefire has collapsed again since 8 July over Strait of Hormuz shipping disputes, though that has not spread to direct strikes on central or southern Iraq.

No ceasefire currently covers the Iran-Kurdish conflict inside Iraq. Treat the country as an active, fast-moving situation and check official sources immediately before any trip — see our regional Middle East travel guide for the wider picture.

What Government Travel Advisories Say

Government advisories are no longer uniform. The US and Australia remain at their highest warning level, while the UK has shifted to a more targeted, region-by-region advisory.

United States

The US State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Iraq, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Non-emergency US government employees remain under a standing order to leave Iraq.

The US Embassy in Baghdad continues to urge American citizens to leave the country.

United Kingdom

As of an update on 19 June 2026, the UK FCDO no longer advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as a blanket rule. It now advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad province (except Sadr City), Basra province, and several other provinces.

The FCDO still advises against all travel to Ninawa, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, and Diyala (except Baqubah city), plus areas within 5km of the borders with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. It notes that “attacks could resume at short notice” and that consular support is severely limited wherever it advises against travel.

Australia

Australia’s Smartraveller advises: “Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.” It warns that even transiting through Iraqi airports poses significant risks, and that Australia’s ability to provide consular services in Iraq is “extremely limited.”

Traveling against your government’s advisory may invalidate your travel insurance. Check with your insurer before booking any travel to Iraq.

Where Is It Safer — and Where to Avoid

No part of Iraq is rated safe for tourism by any Western government right now, though the risk profile varies sharply by region and is shifting fastest in Kurdistan.

Kurdistan Region (Erbil and Sulaymaniyah)

The Kurdistan Region — particularly Erbil and Sulaymaniyah — was historically Iraq’s calmest area, but Iran’s ongoing strikes on Kurdish opposition camps have erased that gap. The US and Australia include Kurdistan in their “Do Not Travel” warnings, while the UK permits essential travel only.

Southern Iraq and Areas to Avoid

Najaf and Karbala are major Shia pilgrimage cities with tight security around shrines. Basra has historically been calmer than central Iraq, though it sits near powerful Iran-aligned militias and border areas the FCDO flags as higher-risk.

Western Iraq, border areas with Syria, and parts of Anbar, Diyala, and Nineveh provinces remain high-risk zones due to residual ISIS activity, tribal conflicts, and militia operations. Avoid these areas entirely.

Flights and Getting to Iraq

Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is operating normally. Kurdistan’s airports are open but see intermittent disruption whenever strikes hit the region.

Baghdad International Airport, Erbil International Airport (EBL), Basra International Airport (BSR), and Najaf International Airport (NJF) are all officially open.

Which Airlines Are Flying?

Airlines are operating across Iraq’s main airports, but schedules to Kurdistan remain the most exposed to sudden cancellations.

Iraqi Airways — operating domestic and regional routes, including Baghdad-Erbil
Qatar Airways — running passenger and cargo flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil since May 2026
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines — flying to Erbil, but with selective cancellations during Kurdistan strikes, most recently on 18 July
Flydubai, Royal Jordanian, and Air Arabia — operating limited, unstable schedules to Dubai, Sharjah, and Amman

The US FAA prohibits US-registered aircraft from Iraqi airspace below FL320 through October 2027, and EASA continues to advise against operating in Iraqi airspace at any altitude. Flight cancellations remain common on regional routes, so use the Wego flight tracker to check status before making plans.

For the full picture on Middle East airline flight status, including which carriers are flying and which remain suspended, see our dedicated tracker.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Iraq suspended its visa-on-arrival policy for most nationalities in 2025. Travelers now need to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) before departure through the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

Federal Iraq e-visa: approximately US$158, typically processed in 1 to 3 days
Kurdistan Region e-visa: approximately US$72, often processed within minutes for eligible nationalities
Passport validity: at least 6 months from date of entry
Kurdistan exception: visa on arrival may still be available for some nationalities entering the Kurdistan Region directly

Check with the nearest Iraqi embassy or consulate for the latest requirements, as these can change rapidly during periods of conflict.

Practical Safety Tips If You Do Travel

If you choose to travel to Iraq despite government advisories, take these precautions seriously.

Insurance and Documentation

Iraq requires all visitors to hold valid travel insurance. Your policy must include medical evacuation by air, as trauma care centers are uncommon outside major urban areas.

Most standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for countries under “Do Not Travel” advisories, so you may need a specialist provider that covers conflict zones. Carry physical copies of your passport, visa, and insurance documents, and register with your country’s embassy if one is operational in Iraq.

Health and On-the-Ground Safety

The US CDC recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and cholera before traveling to Iraq. Make sure routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), are up to date, since medical facilities are limited outside Baghdad and Erbil.

Avoid large gatherings, government buildings, and military installations — these remain potential targets
Expect frequent security checkpoints between cities where you’ll need to present identification
In Najaf and Karbala, women must wear a full abaya within shrine perimeters; photography restrictions apply at many religious and government sites
Consider hiring a local guide or fixer outside the Kurdistan Region, avoid traveling after dark, and always inform someone of your itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iraq safe to visit right now?

No. The US and Australia maintain “Do Not Travel” advisories for all of Iraq, and the UK advises against all travel to several provinces and against all but essential travel elsewhere. Iran’s ongoing campaign against Kurdish opposition camps in Iraqi Kurdistan, including a strike that killed nine people on 18 July 2026, keeps the security situation volatile.

Is the Kurdistan Region of Iraq safer than the rest of the country?

Historically, yes — Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have had lower crime rates and better infrastructure. However, Kurdistan has absorbed the bulk of Iran’s several hundred drone and missile strikes since February 2026, and drone activity near Erbil International Airport was intercepted as recently as 20 July.

Can I fly to Iraq right now?

Yes — Baghdad International Airport is operating normally, and airlines including Iraqi Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines are flying. Kurdistan’s airports see selective cancellations during periods of strikes, most recently on 18 July, so check the Wego flight tracker for real-time updates.

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Most nationalities need an e-visa to enter Iraq, as the visa-on-arrival policy was suspended in 2025. Federal Iraq e-visas cost approximately US$158 and take 1 to 3 days to process, while Kurdistan Region e-visas cost around US$72. Apply through the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

Will my travel insurance cover me in Iraq?

Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover travel to countries under “Do Not Travel” advisories. You will likely need a specialist policy covering conflict zones, including provisions for medical evacuation, kidnapping, and security incidents. Confirm coverage with your insurer before booking.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.