Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping.
to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and very high risk of violence, armed conflict, kidnapping and terrorist attack.
Visas on arrival are available for U.S. citizen tourists at airports in Iraq, including Erbil International Airport.
It is in fact, one of the safest countries in the Middle East and the most ultimate destination for travelers looking for something unique, very off the beaten track, and who are willing to meet the Kurds, a very proud and brave nation, who turn out to also be some of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered, ...
A default 30-day visa is granted. Should you need to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you can do so for up to 90 days. You may visit any of the three KRG Residency Offices (click here for location), in Erbil, Duhok, or Sulaimania. The visit visa is extendable and can be converted to a work visa beyond 90 days.
If you're planning to visit the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, it's important to note that you'll need to obtain a visa before your trip. To obtain an e-visa it is recommended that you use the Kurdistan e-visa portal.
You can find the details and apply on the e-visa portal of the Kurdistan Region Government. Visas on arrival are no longer available. If you arrive without a visa, you will need to apply and pay online before being allowed to leave the airport. This is valid for travel in the KRI only.
Shorts – Men can get away with wearing shorts as Kurds are a lot more forgiving with tourists, however, it is advised that women don't wear shorts. Jacket/Jumper – No matter where you travel, it's always advisable to bring a versatile jacket or jumper just in case it gets cold, or you get caught in a sudden downpour.
English Language
Although Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages of Iraq, people living in bigger cities like Erbil, Sulaymaniyah understand and speak English.
In the capital, Erbil, alcohol is readily available and served widely in restaurants, gaming dens and nightclubs.
Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.
Please Note: A Tourist visa (for US passport holder only) is $150 (one hundred fifty US Dollars) Multi-entry for one year only (Reciprocity Principle) and for US passport holders exclusively (This visa is not a permit to work or invest inside Iraq).
Lebanon - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reissued after periodic review. Reconsider travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and Embassy Beirut's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Some areas have increased risk.
The State Department's Travel Advisory for Iraq remains at “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. Mission to Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. For more information, please visit the Iraq Country Information page on travel.state.gov .
Drinking alcohol in Kurdistan, Iraq
Since Kurdistan is predominately Muslim, most places in Kurdistan don't serve alcohol, but especially in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah it is super easy to find alcohol and to get drunk.
Bilweekend tours are a great option for travelers looking to see Iraq (even if this is your first international trip!) and get access to sites that independent travelers can't visit on their own. Iraqi Kurdistan or Northern Iraq is the safest region of Iraq.
Erbil is considered a safe city to visit.
Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 6,000 years B.C. It has been inhabited, over the millennia, by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols and Ottoman Turks.
The city is predominantly Kurdish and has minorities of local Turkmen and Assyrians, as well as Arabs.
The cities of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Duhok are extremely safe, even at night, and petty crime is almost unheard of.
Therefore the drinking water in Erbil governorate is safe as far as radon concentration is concerned.
Mamounia Skybar. this bar is located in center of city and it is easy access .
Yes, everyone who travels to Iraq needs to apply for a visa at an Iraqi Embassy/Consulate.
Yes they do, but they take around 3% extra plus the exchange rate. so, it's much better and cheaper for you to pay by cash..
Consulate General hours are Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 to 17:00. The Consulate General is closed on all American and most Iraqi holidays. Visitors to the Consulate General are admitted by appointment.