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Despite the government’s 2024 initiative to mandate electronic payments (POS) at gas stations and businesses, cash remains king for tourists. International Visa/Mastercards are accepted at high-end hotels (Babylon Rotana, Al Rasheed) and some modern malls, but the vast majority of shops, taxis, and restaurants still require cash Iraqi Dinars. Do not rely on the new “digital payment” news reports as a signal to travel cashless; the infrastructure for foreign cards is still very limited outside luxury bubbles.

In Baghdad and major cities, a headscarf is not legally required but dressing modestly is essential—loose trousers and long sleeves are recommended to avoid unwanted attention. However, in holy cities like Najaf and Karbala, a full abaya and hijab are strictly mandatory; you will not be allowed near the shrines without them. In the Kurdistan region (Erbil), the code is more relaxed, and Western-style clothing is common, though modest dress is still polite. Always carry a scarf in your bag just in case you want to enter a mosque or religious neighborhood.

Absolutely not—drones are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated at the airport upon arrival, with the owner potentially facing interrogation or detention. Security forces view drones as security threats, not photography tools. Even small “toy” drones are banned. Stick to a standard DSLR or phone camera, and be very careful not to photograph military checkpoints, government buildings, or security personnel, as this can lead to immediate deletion of photos or arrest.

Technically no, independent travel is legal for VOA holders, but hiring a local guide or “fixer” is highly recommended for Federal Iraq. A fixer helps navigate the dozens of checkpoints where Arabic is essential, manages access to archaeological sites (Babylon, Ur) that can be tricky to enter alone, and handles logistics in a cash-only economy. For the Kurdistan region, independent travel is much easier and a guide is less critical. If going solo in Baghdad, stick to known safe areas and use Careem for all transport.

Certain areas like Karrada, Jadriya, and Mansour are vibrant and generally safe for walking in the evening, filled with cafes and restaurants. However, you should avoid walking alone late at night in unlit or unknown neighborhoods. The “Green Zone” is secure but requires specific access or entry points. Always stay situational aware, avoid political gatherings or protests, and it is best to be accompanied by a local friend or guide if exploring beyond the main commercial streets after dark.

Overstaying your visa leads to significant administrative hassles and fines upon departure. You will be required to visit a residency office to pay the fine and get an exit stamp before you can leave the airport, which can take days and cause you to miss your flight. The fine is daily, but the bureaucracy is the real punishment. Always check your entry stamp date carefully—VOA is typically 60 days—and plan to leave at least 2 days before it expires to account for any flight cancellations.

Yes, you can visit these archaeological sites independently, but it requires arranging your own transport. For Babylon (near Hilla), you can take a shared taxi or private driver from Baghdad. For Ur (near Nasiriyah), you generally need a taxi from the city. While you don’t need a “group,” having a local Arabic speaker is invaluable for negotiating entry and dealing with the checkpoints on the road to these sites. Entrance fees are typically 25,000 IQD (approx €17) for foreigners.

Our AI monitors pricing data from major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Pegasus 24/7 to detect temporary price drops. Flights to Baghdad or Erbil from Europe can be expensive (often €800+), but airlines frequently drop prices to fill seats during off-peak windows or when opening new capacity. We verify these “Superdeals” manually to ensure the connections in Istanbul or Doha are reasonable. When a deal appears—like a €450 return fare from Frankfurt—we alert our free newsletter subscribers immediately so they can book directly with the airline.

Fares to Baghdad and Erbil are heavily influenced by pilgrim traffic, diaspora holiday seasons, and limited direct competition. Prices can spike to €1,200 during religious holidays like Arbaeen or summer break, then drop to €500 weeks later. Airlines use dynamic pricing algorithms that react to this demand. Air Traveler Club tracks these cycles to find the “lows” that most travelers miss. By subscribing to our free newsletter, you get notified exactly when these dips occur, potentially saving 40-60% on the standard market rate.