Tours in Iraq

Many misconceptions about safety in Iraq stem from misleading news, but locals are extremely friendly, and the crime rate toward tourists is relatively low, making Iraq one of the safest countries in the region for visitors. The locations you will visit have been carefully assessed for security and are considered safe. Travelers are encouraged to stay open-minded, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace this fantastic destination. During your trip, cooperate with your guide, especially in emergencies, and follow their instructions. Roadblocks and checkpoints are common, but all necessary paperwork, including tourist permits, will be handled for you. When encountering security personnel, maintain a polite and friendly demeanor, as they are there to ensure your safety.

Our Iraq tours are mostly private, designed for you and your group. You’ll have exclusive transportation and a personal guide. Costs depend on the number of days, accommodation type, and group size—more people means lower cost per person.
For a budget-friendly option, our group tours let you share transportation with other travelers on set dates, ideal for solo travelers.

Our tour packages include airport transfers, all necessary transportation with a private driver, and an English-speaking guide throughout your trip. You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels with breakfast provided. We also handle all visa on arrival documents for eligible nationalities.

Meals, aside from breakfast, are not included, so travelers should budget $10-$30 per meal for additional dining, which ranges from street food to upscale restaurants. Other exclusions are international flights, travel insurance, lunches, dinners, tips, admission fees to museums and monuments ($20-$25 per site), and optional excursions like the Mesopotamian Marshes boat trip with lunch for $25.

Iraq offers a diverse culinary scene, ranging from affordable street food to upscale dining experiences. A quick street food lunch typically costs around 5 USD, while meals at more upscale restaurants can go up to 30 USD. It’s a good idea to carry cash for meals not included in the tour, and we recommend budgeting 10 to 30 USD per meal, depending on your preferences.

We provide 4-star hotels featuring distinct Iraqi styles. All rooms come with private bathrooms and breakfast included. These hotels are carefully selected for their prime locations, high security, and excellent staff to ensure a comfortable and safe stay.

Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included” is considered an additional expense.

During your tour, you will typically have separate individuals for driving and guiding. Your driver will transport you to various locations, while an English-speaking guide will provide informative historical commentary about the sights and assist with logistics. However, in rare instances where there is limited availability, it may be necessary for one person to perform both driving and guiding duties. Just so you know, this scenario is uncommon and only occurs in 5% of our tours. Rest assured that in both options, our team of professionals will ensure your satisfaction and make sure you fully enjoy your experience in this fantastic country.

The visa process for Federal Iraq (Baghdad) has been greatly simplified, making it easier for international travelers to explore this historically rich region. The Iraqi government has introduced a new visa on arrival scheme for citizens of several countries, including all EU member states, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea. This visa, valid for 30 days, can be obtained at Baghdad, Najaf, and Basra airports. Additionally, citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can also take advantage of this visa on arrival.

To assist with the process, we will provide you with a hotel confirmation letter and a trip voucher, which may be requested by your airline before boarding the flight to Baghdad. Upon arrival, head to the visa desk near the immigration counters, complete a simple form, and surrender your passport temporarily. Expect a wait of about 30 minutes before your name is called to pay a visa fee of 75 to 150 USD in cash (please ensure you have exact change). Once the fee is paid, your visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to begin your journey in Iraq!

For detailed information on visa requirements, visit our page on the visa policy of Iraq, and don’t forget to complete the Iraq security form before your trip.

Some countries are not eligible for this visa on arrival and require an invitation letter approved by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). This process takes 15 working days and costs $400 per person. Our team will handle the visa application process on your behalf, arranging for the invitation letter to be sent to your nearest Iraqi embassy.

You can then apply for your visa at the embassy, with fees ranging from 50 to 200 USD per person. The Iraqi embassy in Istanbul is a convenient option for most travelers, especially if it is a transit point for your flight to Iraq. For more detailed information, please visit our visa policy page and remember to complete the Iraq security form before your trip.

When planning a trip to Iraq, travelers should be aware of several important restrictions. Proof of travel to Israel or self-governed territories can lead to immediate denial of entry into Iraq, even if you hold a valid visa or are part of a group visa.

Currently, it is not possible to enter Iraq through land borders. Despite some online claims, authorities are not allowing land entry, which has resulted in travelers being turned away at the border and having to arrange last-minute flights to Baghdad.

Traveling from Erbil to areas under the Federal Government of Iraq, such as Mosul, is not permitted. However, entering Erbil from Baghdad-controlled regions is allowed. This means you cannot travel directly to Mosul from Erbil, as Mosul falls under the jurisdiction of Baghdad, not the autonomous Kurdish government.

The visa you receive upon arrival at Baghdad airport (Federal Iraq Visa on Arrival) is valid for both Federal Iraq and the Kurdish region, including Erbil.

We understand that traveling to Iraq as a woman, may raise concerns about safety and security. To ensure the well-being of all our clients, particularly female travelers, we have implemented strict safety measures. Our highly qualified guides are experienced in navigating the country and its culture, ensuring that female clients are treated with respect and dignity. They are also trained in emergency procedures and equipped to handle any situations that may arise. While wearing a hijab is not mandatory, it is recommended in remote areas or religious sites as a sign of respect. Women should dress modestly, avoiding tight clothing and covering the chest, shoulders, back, and legs. In sacred cities like Karbala and Najaf, long sleeves and a scarf are required to adhere to local customs.

Yes, a visa on arrival obtained in Baghdad allows you to travel freely between Federal Iraq and the Kurdish region, including Erbil. However, the reverse is not permitted — you cannot enter Federal Iraq from Erbil using only a visa issued in the Kurdish region. You must first enter through Baghdad or another Federal Iraq entry point to obtain the appropriate visa.

To confirm your reservation, an initial deposit must be made through our secure online payment portal. The quoted rate is valid for seven days, during which you can secure your booking by completing the deposit. After this period, the rate may change due to fluctuations in exchange rates and availability.

The remaining balance is payable in cash upon arrival in Baghdad. Please ensure you bring large denomination USD banknotes (50 or 100), issued after 2009, as older bills may not be accepted. It’s important to obtain these bills well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues, as some clients have experienced difficulties sourcing USD bills.

Our cancellation and refund policy is as follows: if you cancel 30 days or more before the tour start date, you’ll receive a 75% refund of the total tour cost. Cancellations made between 15 and 29 days before the tour will receive a 50% refund, while cancellations made 14 days or less before the start date are non-refundable. If we have to cancel the tour due to safety concerns, political unrest, or natural disasters, you’ll be offered a choice between a full refund or the option to reschedule the tour for a later date. Please note that no refunds will be provided for shortened tours or missed activities due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather changes, political events, or personal decisions to leave the tour early.

Iraq is a country rich in historical, natural, and cultural heritage, making it one of the world’s most unique travel destinations. Positioned at the crossroads of various civilizations, Iraq’s deep history is reflected in its many tourist attractions and ancient monuments, scattered across its vast landscape.

The country is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hatra, Ashur (Qal’at Sherqat), Samarra Archaeological City, Erbil Citadel, The Ahwar of Southern Iraq (Mesopotamian Marshes), and Babylon.

Additionally, Iraq has over 14 properties listed on UNESCO’s tentative list, including Nimrud, Nineveh, The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir, Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf, Lalish Temple, Kirkuk Citadel, and the Old City of Mosul.

Visitors can explore monuments that date back thousands of years, witnessing Iraq’s long-standing historical significance. As an experienced Iraq tour operator, we design our tours to cater to all your needs. With our deep understanding of the country, we provide top-tier services, expert guides, and carefully selected accommodations that we have personally inspected to ensure your trip is both comfortable and enriching.

Monument and museum entrance fees in Iraq typically range from USD 10 to USD 25, depending on the location. Most of Iraq’s major attractions are managed by the Ministry of Tourism, and entrance fees are often included in our tour packages, so you won’t need to worry about paying on-site. Although there’s a noticeable price difference between destinations, this system helps local authorities manage visitor services.

Most tourist attractions in Iraq are well-maintained, with clean facilities, available guides, and proper opening hours. For example, admission fees to popular museums and monuments generally range from $20 to $25 per site, payable on the spot. For a unique experience, consider the Marshes boat excursion, which includes a local grilled fish lunch for $25, also payable during the trip.

We exclusively offer land travel itineraries, as domestic flight schedules in Iraq are highly unpredictable, often released just 7 to 10 days before departure. Due to this uncertainty, we do not include flights between cities like Baghdad and Erbil in our tours. However, if you enter Iraq through Erbil and wish to explore the rest of the country, a flight to Baghdad will be necessary to obtain the visa on arrival. From Baghdad, we will continue the tour, and we can easily arrange your return to Erbil at the end of your journey.

When visiting religious sites like Karbala and Najaf, men must wear trousers, and women must wear long sleeves and a headscarf. It’s important to respect local customs.

Avoid taking photos of women without their permission, as many prefer not to be photographed. Always ask for permission before photographing people or places, and consult your guide for advice on appropriate locations for photography. It’s essential to respect the privacy and cultural sensitivities of the local community.

Alcohol sale and consumption are heavily restricted in many Iraqi cities, with strict enforcement at checkpoints, such as those in Najaf. Violating these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Yes, due to Iraq’s political and weather conditions, itineraries may change without notice. Tours may also be canceled for safety reasons, with no refunds for shortened tours.

After exiting the arrivals gate, please look for our transfer operator holding a sign with the RJ Travel logo or your name written on white paper. Your designated operator will then escort you to your vehicle for the transfer.

When visiting sacred cities like Karbala and Najaf, travelers must follow strict dress codes. Men are required to wear trousers, and women must wear long sleeves and a scarf. It’s important to respect these customs to honor local traditions.

If approached by students or young people, feel free to engage in friendly conversation, but avoid sharing personal information such as your address, hotel, or itinerary. You may exchange social media contacts if you’re comfortable, though continuing the connection afterward is entirely your choice.

In mosques, avoid crossing in front of people who are praying. Always pass from the sides or behind to show respect for their religious practice.

All tours begin and end in either Baghdad, Basra, or Erbil, which are easily accessible from major airports in Turkey or the Gulf countries. Regardless of the weather, tours are conducted as scheduled, so travelers should dress appropriately for varying conditions. Comfortable footwear and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months in Southern Iraq, are highly recommended to ensure your comfort throughout the tour.

Tours involve moderate walking, so loose, breathable clothing and sun cream are essential. However, please note that the itinerary may be subject to change due to political situations, weather, traffic, or other unforeseen events. In case of serious safety concerns, the tour may be canceled, and no refunds will be provided for shortened tours or itinerary changes due to such circumstances.

Additionally, many historical and cultural sites are currently under restoration and may close without prior notice, potentially affecting your itinerary. Despite these challenges, we work hard to deliver a rich and rewarding experience throughout your journey in Iraq.