Practical Travel Tips

Visas and Entry

Many Western passport holders (including the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia) are eligible for a visa on arrival at Erbil International Airport (EBL) or Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU). This visa is issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government and is valid only for the Kurdistan Region — it does not automatically allow travel into Federal Iraq.

• Passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Region vs Federal Iraq: A Kurdistan Region entry stamp does not cover Federal Iraq. Travelling on to cities like Mosul or Baghdad requires a separate Federal Iraqi visa.
• Eligibility changes: The list of eligible nationalities and the length of stay granted can change, so confirm the current rules with your nearest consulate before booking.
• Extensions: If you need to stay longer, extensions can usually be arranged at the Residency Office in the main cities.

For a full breakdown by nationality, the eVisa process, and the key difference from Federal Iraq, see our complete Visa & eVisa guide.

Getting There

The Region's two main international gateways are Erbil International Airport (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU), with connections to hubs across the Middle East, Turkey and Europe.

• By air: Most visitors connect through Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Amman or Frankfurt. Direct routes are added and dropped seasonally, so compare options when you book.
• Airport transfers: Official taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree the fare in advance or use a ride-hailing app to avoid surprises.
• By land: Some travellers arrive overland from Turkey (via the Ibrahim Khalil / Habur crossing) or Iran. Crossing conditions and opening hours change frequently — verify before you rely on them.

Safety and Security

The Kurdistan Region is generally very safe for travellers, with low street crime and a visible security presence. Walking around the main cities in the evening is normally perfectly comfortable.

• In the cities: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Duhok are calm and welcoming, with a strong police and security presence.
• Checkpoints: Expect security checkpoints on intercity roads. Carry your passport, stay relaxed and be patient — they are routine.
• Border areas: Avoid the immediate borders with Syria, and remote mountain areas close to Turkey and Iran, without reliable local guidance.
• Travel advice: Check your own government's official travel advisory before and during your trip, as the security picture can change.

Health and Medical

• Before you go: Visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks ahead to make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and to discuss any region-specific advice.
• Water: Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere.
• Pharmacies: Cities have well-stocked pharmacies, but bring a supply of any prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
• Insurance: Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and, ideally, emergency evacuation.
• Healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics in the main cities offer good standards of care; facilities are more limited in rural areas.

Currency and Money

The official currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD), though US Dollars are widely accepted for larger purchases such as hotels and tours.

• Cash is king: Bring crisp, new US Dollar bills to exchange with money changers in the bazaars, where you will get the best rates.
• Cards: Credit cards are rarely accepted outside international hotels and high-end malls. ATMs exist in major cities but can be unreliable for foreign cards.
• Exchanging money: Money changers are fast and competitive. Count your money before you leave the counter.
• Budgeting: By Western standards the Region is affordable — meals, taxis and guesthouses are inexpensive, so a modest daily budget goes a long way.

Getting Around

• City taxis: Taxis are abundant inside cities. Agree the fare first, or use a ride-hailing app for a fixed price.
• Ride-hailing: Apps such as Careem operate in the larger cities and remove the need to negotiate.
• Between cities: Shared taxis run between the main cities (Erbil–Sulaymaniyah, Erbil–Duhok). They leave from designated garages once full — usually four passengers — and are cheap and efficient.
• Renting a car: Possible, but city traffic is chaotic and mountain roads are demanding. Only recommended for confident drivers.

Staying Connected

• SIM cards: Local providers such as Korek and Asiacell sell inexpensive prepaid SIMs with generous data. Bring your passport, as registration is required.
• Wi-Fi: Hotels, cafés and restaurants in the cities usually offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.
• Power: Sockets are typically European-style two-pin (230V), so bring a universal adapter. Power cuts happen, but most hotels run generators.

Language and Useful Phrases

The main language is Kurdish — the Sorani dialect around Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and the Kurmanji dialect around Duhok. Arabic is widely understood, and English is increasingly spoken by younger people and in hotels and restaurants. A translation app is invaluable in bazaars and rural areas. A few words of Kurdish go a long way:

• SilawHello
• SupasThank you
• BelêYes
• NexêrNo
• BiboreSorry / Excuse me
• Çend e?How much is it?

Culture and Etiquette

• Dress: Dress in the cities is relaxed but modest. Women are not required to cover their hair, but shoulders and knees should be covered at religious sites.
• Hospitality: Kurdish hospitality is legendary. You will often be offered tea (chai) — accepting it is a warm gesture.
• Religion: The Region is predominantly Muslim but also home to Christians, Yazidis and others. Be respectful at all places of worship.
• Photography: Ask before photographing people, and never photograph military sites or checkpoints.
• Ramadan: During the holy month, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect.

Food and Dining

• What to try: Local favourites include kebabs, dolma, biryani and tashreeb, served with fresh bread. Save room for kunafa and baklava.
• Tea and coffee: Sweet black tea is the social glue of the Region, and teahouses are everywhere.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is legal and available in many restaurants, bars and shops in the cities — more openly than in much of the surrounding area.
• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up, or around 10% in restaurants, is generous.

What to Pack

• Modest, breathable clothing, plus a warmer layer for cool mountain evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes for citadels, bazaars and mountain trails.
• A universal power adapter and a power bank for the occasional outage.
• New, clean US Dollar bills for exchange.
• Any prescription medication in its original packaging, with documentation.
• Sun protection in summer, and a warm layer in winter.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May): The best season. The mountains are lush and green, the weather is pleasant, and the Newroz festival falls in March.
• Summer (June–August): Hot in the lowlands, regularly above 40°C (104°F), though mountain resorts stay noticeably cooler.
• Autumn (September–November): Warm days and cool evenings make this an excellent time for sightseeing.
• Winter (December–February): Cold, with snow in the mountains. Some highland roads may close, but it is the season for snow in the highlands.

Useful Numbers and Practicalities

• Emergencies: 911 is used in the Kurdistan Region for police, ambulance and fire. Confirm locally, as numbers can change.
• Working week: The week typically runs Sunday to Thursday, with Friday the main day of rest.
• Time zone: Iraq is GMT+3 all year.
• Electricity: European-style two-pin sockets, 230V.