Iraq: Beyond the Headlines

Yes, most nationalities need a visa to enter Iraq. This can be obtained online at the official Iraqi Tourism Website. The visa cost is around $120 USD and is entirely done online. You print your visa approval and get a sticker for your passport upon arrival at the airport. We will send you all of the necessary information once you have booked a tour with us. 

If you’re not sure if you need a visa, please check IATA/Timatic – one of the most reliable sources for visa updates. Please keep in mind that if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will not be allowed in the country.

The Iraqi Dinar is used in the country, and at the time of writing, the exchange rate was around 1400 IQD per dollar. Due to sanctions, most of your cards will probably not work in the country.

We recommend bringing pristine 100 USD bills issued after 2013 for your personal expenses. You can easily request these in a bank or currency exchange service. If you happen to travel with us, most of your meals and expenses will be covered. Upon arrival, we will exchange the money for you. We suggest bringing up to $200 USD for your personal expenses.

This is a common question, and one we take seriously. We would not bring guests to Iraq if we believed it was unsafe. The country has been steadily regaining stability over the past decade. One of our co-founders works in Iraq regularly as a consultant for international travel companies, providing up-to-date, on-the-ground insight through trusted local networks.

For those wondering how to truly analyze this, one of the best ways to measure a country’s progress after a conflict is the return of international investment and development work beyond humanitarian aid.

For example, UNESCO has been implementing projects across Iraq for years now (you can see them here). These range from educational reform to the rehabilitation of archeological sites. International organizations having confidence in investing in the future of the country is one of the clearest signs of stability. 

Travel advisories often lag behind reality and are shaped by political caution and worst-case scenarios. Once a country is labeled “unsafe,” that perception can take years to change. Over our extensive travel and humanitarian experience, we’ve also come to realize that many of these advisories are politically-fueled and don’t take lived reality into account.

After many trips working in Iraq, our experience has been that everyday disruptions are usually minor: the most common issue we have come across is a delayed or canceled flight. While traveling independently can feel intense due to security checkpoints, these are in place to keep people safe. If you’re with Iraqis, you’ll realize this is part of the lived reality of traveling in the country.

No, Iraq is already at a post-reconstruction phase. This normally happens years after a major conflict has come to an end. The country even facilitated easier access into the country by changing its visa policy. When a government focuses on growth, economy and tourism – this is when it reflects positive change and not just operating on survival mode.

Iraq is generally conservative, so we recommend modest clothing throughout the trip. For women, this means covering shoulders and knees in public spaces. Loose, breathable clothing is both respectful and practical.

In Najaf, women are required to wear an abaya, which can be easily rented or borrowed locally.

For men, long pants/trousers are recommended, along with T-shirts or shirts that cover the shoulders. Sleeveless tops and shorts are best avoided, especially in religious or rural areas.

Dressing modestly helps you blend in, feel more comfortable, and show respect for local customs. We’ll share a packing list with you a few weeks before your arrival for you to be fully prepared.

Iraq is not a beginner-friendly destination. English is not widely spoken, and tourism infrastructure is still developing. While independent travel is possible, it can be logistically and mentally demanding, especially on a first visit.

Our co-founder traveled through Iraq independently on her first trip and found it challenging, particularly when navigating checkpoints alone or with hired drivers. Like Egypt, Iraq is exceptionally rich in history and culture, and experiencing it with local experts changes the experience entirely, allowing you to focus on learning and connection instead of logistics and security.

We work with trusted local guides, drivers, and community partners across Iraq, many of whom we have long-standing relationships with. They provide local insight, facilitate smooth logistics, and ensure our presence supports local livelihoods.

Yes. Non-Muslims are welcome throughout the country, including at religious and cultural sites. We do recommend avoiding visible displays of religious affiliation, out of respect and to blend in more comfortably. In general, it’s also best to avoid initiating conversations about religion unless you’re in a private setting. Our guides provide clear guidance when visiting sensitive or religious spaces.

We operate with clear contingency plans and adapt quickly when needed. Our team on the ground has years of experience and knows how to reroute or reschedule, if required. Flexibility and preparedness are built into how we operate.

Yes. Women travel throughout Iraq every day, including solo travelers. That said, Iraq is conservative, and cultural awareness matters. Dressing modestly and traveling with local knowledge makes a significant difference. Our co-founder has traveled extensively in Iraq as a woman, and our itineraries are designed with safety, comfort, and cultural context in mind.

In our experience, most Iraqis separate people from politics. Curiosity and hospitality are far more common than hostility. Many locals are interested in meeting tourists and sharing their perspective, and interactions are often warm, respectful, and surprisingly open. After your visit, you’ll probably find Iraqis to be some of the most hospitable people in the world.

Iraq is one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world, but it remains deeply misunderstood. Traveling here offers the chance to learn about ancient civilizations, living traditions, and contemporary Iraqi life, beyond headlines and stereotypes. We travel through Iraq responsibly: we support local communities and allow travelers to experience the country as it truly is today, without sensationalism and while raising awareness at the same time.

If you have any other questions, feel free to send us an email at info@thehybridtours.com or check out our standard FAQs for more information!

This tour is for curious, open-minded travelers of all ages and backgrounds who want to engage deeply with places, people, and context – rather than simply pass through as a visitor. Especially made for those interested in traveling in small groups which allows for a more culturally immersive experience.