Full Answer
Do I need a passport to travel to Kurdistan Region?
Passport validity must not be less than six months when applying for a visa. The document used for travel shall be treated as the original nationality. This means that if the nationality of the original foreigner requires a visa he will not be allowed to enter the territory of the Kurdistan Region without a visa.
When is the best time to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan?
Spring is definitely the best time to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, from March to the end of April, when the whole region is fully blossoming, at its greenest, and the weather is pleasant. Summers can get hot, especially in the area around Erbil and Sulamaniyah, where the temperature may easily reach 45ºC.
What is it like to visit Kurdistan?
For decades, Kurdistan was a popular destination for Iraqis and looking for a respite from the heat or some relaxing time in the mountains. Today, Kurdistan's tourism sector is rapidly expanding, with visitors from all of the world coming to experience the many sights and adventures that Kurdistan has to offer.
How much money do I need to bring to Kurdistan?
Money in Kurdistan The local currency is the same as in Iraq: the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). The Iraqi Dinar has been very stable in the last 5 years and the going rate is around $1 USD = 1,200 IQD. It is wisely to bring at least some cash money as there are exchange offices everywhere and they charge only a small fee.
Do you need a visa to go to Kurdistan?
Anyone who does not have the privilege of getting a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
How much is a visa for Kurdistan?
Iraqi Kurdistan visa had always been free but since April 2021, it costs 75USD or 60€.
Do I need a visa to visit Erbil?
In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq you can obtain a 30 day visa on arrival at Erbil and Sulaimaniah International Airports. This is valid for travel in the KRI only.
Can I enter Kurdistan with Iraq visa?
Visiting Kurdistan and Southern Iraq That's no problem. Your visa-on-arrival for Iraq is also valid in Kurdistan. Conversely, your Kurdistan stamp is not valid in the rest of Iraq. So make sure you travel to Baghdad via the airport and not by land from Kurdistan.
What should I wear in Kurdistan?
Kurdistan can get extremely hot during the day, but at times can get pretty chilly at night so pack plenty of long pants and loose fitting t-shirts. Ideally, skirts should cover your ankles but covering just your knees would be fine too. T-Shirts – Bring plenty of t-shirts.
Can you go to Iraq without a visa?
Do You Need a Visa for Iraq? Yes, everyone who travels to Iraq needs to apply for a visa at an Iraqi Embassy/Consulate.
How long does it take to get Kurdistan visa?
Please allow two business weeks (10 working days) for the visa process to complete and be granted to you.
Can I visit Kurdistan?
It's an extremely safe region for traveling. Iraqi Kurdistan is perfect for travelers looking for adventure, culture, breathtaking landscapes, learning about less well-known places, want to get to know the most hospitable people in the Middle East.
How hard is it to get a visa to Iraq?
From my experience, the process of the Iraq visa on arrival is as easy as showing up with cash in hand. The visa on arrival program is making it easier for foreign nationals to visit both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Iraq without the need of obtaining a visa before leaving your country of origin.
Is Erbil worth visiting?
Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq is a fascinating city to visit. Why? It has history – The citadel which sits on a mound in the centre of the city has been continuously inhabited for almost 7,000 years and is said to be one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
How much is visa on arrival in Iraq?
Upon arrival simply make your way to the visa desk next to the immigration counters. Fill in a simple form and hand over your passport. Wait for up to 30 minutes before your name is called. You'll then be asked to hand over $75 – $80 USD in cash (Make sure you have the exact change) then voila!
How long does it take to get Kurdistan visa?
Please allow two business weeks (10 working days) for the visa process to complete and be granted to you.
How much does it cost to go to Iraq?
Ten days in Iraq can set you back anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000, according to a recent study published by Swedish financial research firm Sambla. It is up to you whether you travel economy or business class, and how luxurious you prefer your hotel to be.
How much money do you need in Iraq?
Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,621$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 470$ without rent. Cost of living in Iraq is, on average, 54.91% lower than in United States. Rent in Iraq is, on average, 79.97% lower than in United States.
How do I get an Iraq visa?
Iraqi Electronic VisaApply Online. Fill out the online form on visa application website.Send Document. Send the downloaded document to the related Iraqi government authorities.Receive Approval. Iraqi government authorities will provide the result to you by the avaliable ways.Fly to Iraq.
How to get to Kurdistan?
To get to Kurdistan you can fly directly to Erbil from several European cities. You can also choose to enter Kurdistan by land via Turkey or Iran. Most nationalities will receive a (free) stamp at customs: a so-called ‘Kurdish visa on arrival ‘. The validity of the stamp can vary, but usually it is between 10 and 30 days.
Is Kurdistan an autonomous country?
The Kurdish part of Iraq is an autonomous province in Iraq. The Kurdish authority as such has many powers of its own. In Kurdistan you’ll find large cities such as Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The region has a turbulent history: the pursuit of independence is noticeable everywhere. During Saddam Hussein’s regime, the Kurds were severely oppressed. The region was suffering from genocide. The war against IS has not penetrated the major cities of Kurdistan, but they have been close. The Yazidis, who have suffered under the error of IS, mainly live in Western Kurdistan.
Is Iraq divided into two parts?
Present day Iraq is roughly divided into two main areas. You have the Kurdish part (Northeast Iraq) and Central-Sou th Iraq (from Mosul to Baghdad to Basra). Both regions are part of the country of Iraq but actually function independently of each other. Kurdistan has an advanced state of independence.
Can I travel to Iraqi Kurdistan?
Traveling in and to Iraqi Kurdistan is actually very easy. Due to the autonomous status of the region, the area has its own visa policy. Many nationalities (including most Western countries) are therefore not dependent on a visa.
Is it safe to travel in Kurdistan?
In Kurdistan, traveling around is safe for both men and women. However, keep in mind that you can not venture outside the autonomous Kurdish region, as you need a different visa for the rest of Iraq.
Kurdistan visa, Erbil visa requirements
One of the most complicated aspects of travel is figuring out the visa requirements of your country/region in your destination. In fact, once you realize that visa requirements will change according to the purpose of your visit to the country of destination, things become more complicated.
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The entire visa process is very difficult, especially when the requirements are as strict as those in Erbil. This fact makes this process more complicated. The rule stipulates that visas must be applied only through companies acting on behalf of their clients.
How cold is Kurdistan in summer?
Be prepared for extreme temperatures when traveling to Kurdistan in summer. It can get up to 50 degrees celsius in July and August. Winters are short but cold and snowfall in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah occurs from time to time. The mountains see a lot of snow every winter.
How to travel around Kurdistan?
The best way to travel around Kurdistan is by renting a car. There are some really cool places to visit in Kurdistan, but it is fairly impossible to get there by shared taxi or public transport. Renting a car in Erbil was $60 per day and that was over the weekend, so I guess you can find it cheaper during the week. 18.
How much does a beer cost in Erbil?
Restaurants in Erbil charge around $6 for breakfast and lunch, dinner is around $8-$10 per person. A beer in a restaurant is around $2-$3, a cocktail or mix drink around $5. When backpacking Kurdistan you will probably like to go to the cheaper local restaurants where you can already find shawarma and kebabs for $1.
What is Kurdistan known for?
Northern Kurdistan is known for its amazing natural beauty with deep canyons, lakes and green mountains. On top of the places to visit in Kurdistan that I will mention in this travel blog there for sure are a bunch more but I want to focus on the main tourist attractions in Kurdistan.
How to find accommodation in Kurdistan?
A Kurdistan travel tip is to go old school and find accommodation while on the road. During my Kurdistan road trip I found out it was very easy to book hotels/motels on the spot. Just walk in, ask for the price, see the room, negotiate and reserve. I think this is the best way to travel Kurdistan.
What is the alternative to Kurdistan?
A great alternative is the Facebook Group called Rock Ur Bones . They organize Kurdistan tours and you can just join them. Most trips though are over the weekend, but I am sure that if you drop your request here some people are able to help. This Facebook group is amazing for ideas/inspiration for when you travel to Kurdistan, Iraq. Also great for when backpacking Kurdistan and looking for fellow travel buddies.
What is the official language of Kurdistan?
The official language spoken in Kurdistan is Kurdish. It is related to Turkish and Farsi (Iran) and therefore many Kurds also speak Turkish. Most of them also understand/speak Arabic, but do rather not use the Arabic language.
How long does a passport last in Kurdistan?
Passport validity must not be less than six months when applying for a visa. The document used for travel shall be treated as the original nationality. This means that if the nationality of the original foreigner requires a visa he will not be allowed to enter the territory of the Kurdistan Region without a visa.
Can a foreigner enter Iraq?
If the place of birth of the foreign person is Iraq and stated in the travel document, the foreign person is allowed to enter the territory free of charge. If the residence period exceeds 30 days, no delay penalty will be imposed on him.
Do all forms have to be filled on computer?
All forms must be filled via computer.
How many archaeological sites are there in Kurdistan?
There are more than 3,500 archaeological sites in the Kurdistan Region. Some of them are significant in terms of tourism, such as the citadels of Erbil, Khanzaf, Dere, Sartika, Akre, Amedi, Rawanduz, Sherwana, Barzinja and others. Other points of interest include engravings at Qisqapan, Khinis, Halamtan, as well as some engraved skeletons in Harir, Belola Darband, Gawir Darband, Mirqolyand and more.
How many people died in the Kurdistan genocide?
The Halabja Monument and Peace Museumdocuments the genocidal use of chemical weapons against civilians in the city of Halabja, which killed 5,000 people. The remnants of many traditional and locally made weapons can be seen in Kurdistan's museums, including the Red Terror Museum in Slemani. There are numerous monuments and graveyards remembering the genocide, along with statues of leaders and revolutionaries. Many historical books, journals and documentaries document the events in detail.
What happened to Kurdistan in recent history?
In recent history, the people of Kurdistan experienced a very different form of suffering at the hands of the Ba'ath party and its methods of governing in Kurdistan, including many political and military crimes against the Kurds. Those crimes will never be forgotten.
How has Kurdistan helped the religious tourism sector?
The coexistence of different religious and ethnic groups in Kurdistan Region, paired with its security and stability, has helped the religious tourism sector develop by attracting a large and increasing number of religious tourists from around the world. Foreign tourists who have traveled to Kurdistan Region and visited the religious attractions appreciate efforts made by the Kurdistan Region's leadership to create a safe and secure environment.
What is Kurdistan known for?
Adventure Tourism. The Kurdistan Region is known for having valleys, mountains, forests, as well as small and large rivers. Tourists can enjoy mountain climbing at Halgurd, Pera Magrun, Korek, Bradost, Sheren, and Saffen mountains.
What was the name of the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius I?
Perhaps one of the most well known was the Battle of Gaugamela, between Alexander the Great and Darius I, which occurred near the city of Erbil in 331 BC.
What ethnic groups are in Kurdistan?
There are many different ethnic groups across the Kurdistan Region, including Kurds, Assyrians, Turkmen, Chaldeans, Armenians and Arabs. Each of these groups has its own culture, clothing and dialect belonging to their district. They also have their own agricultural tools, dishes and procedures for carrying out different activities and can be identified by their traditional dress, which includes unique clothing, gold and jewelry items.
Is it safe to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan?
Whatever you have been hearing in the news about Iraq for the last few years, happened in Arab Iraq, not in Kurdistan.
How many seasons does Kurdistan have?
Unlike other countries in the Middle East, Kurdistan has 4 distinct seasons:
What currency do they use in Kurdistan?
In Kurdistan, they use the Iraqi Dinar and, approximately:
Which country has the largest oil reserves?
Iraqi Kurdistan, especially Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, have drastically developed in recent years. They hold some of the largest oil reserves in the country, control the main borders with Iran and Turkey and Erbil has become sort of a business hub, where many international companies have settled in.
What is the best place to socialize in Kurdistan?
Chai and cafés. Like pretty much in all countries in the Middle East, chai is a big deal and it always comes with sugar by default. Hanging out in cafés is one of the highlights of any trip to Kurdistan, the best place to socialize with friendly locals. Mam Khalil, one of the oldest tea houses in Erbil.
What is the official language of Kurdistan?
Kurdish – a language with many similarities to Farsi or Dari and Turkish – is the official language in Kurdistan.
Where is Kurdistan in 2021?
Joan Torres. 90 Comments. Last updated on July 18, 2021. Located in the far north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, I raqi Kurdistan is today a safe but turbulent region, home to some of the most breathtaking landscape in the Middle East, composed of green mountains with snow-capped peaks that, definitely, ...
How to Apply for an Iraq Visa?
You have to apply for an Iraq Visa at one of its Embassies or Consulates. You have to contact the nearest office to inquire about the application process since it can change depending on the country.
Is It Safe to Travel to Iraq?
No, unfortunately, visiting Iraq is not safe. Most major Western countries have issued warnings against travelling to Iraq due to the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, detention, and kidnapping which can result in serious injury or death.
Is It Safe to Travel to Iraqi Kurdistan?
Iraqi Kurdistan is the Kurdish-populated autonomous region within Northern Iraq. It is relatively safe to visit, unlike the rest of Iraq, because even though they are – technically – the same country, Iraqi Kurdistan is largely independent, with its own parliament, borders, airport, and military.
How to get a visa for Iraq?
To apply for an Iraq visa, you have to fulfil the following requirements: You need a passport valid for at least another six months. You must complete a visa application form. You can find this at the Embassy. You must submit two passport-sized photographs.
Why is Iraqi Kurdistan so popular?
It is known as the gateway to Iraq by many because its stability in comparison to other regions has made it a popular destination, and the only option for many who want to visit Iraq.
How long can I stay in Iraq?
Iraq Normal Visa. Allows the holder to remain in Iraq for three months. After entering the country, the holder must register at the Iraqi Directorate of Residence within 10 days.
Why is the US discouraged from traveling to Iraq?
The US Department of State especially discourages American citizens from travelling to Iraq due to “anti-U.S. sectarian militias” which “threaten U.S. citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq.”
Where to get exit stamps in Iraq?
Exit Stamp: Before departing the country, U.S. citizens must obtain an exit stamp at a residency office. Contractors in the International Zone (IZ) may also obtain exit stamps at the Karadah Mariam Police Station (available Sunday and Wednesday, 10:00-14:00). Exit stamp fees vary, depending on length of stay, type of entry visa, and other factors. Travelers who hold a tourist passport with no visa or an expired visa are required to purchase an exit visa and pay a fine. The requirement and cost of an exit stamp may differ if the U.S. citizen passport holder has Iraqi ancestry. Visitors who intend to return to Iraq will require a re-entry visa, also available through a local residency office.
What is the phone number for Baghdad?
Baghdad, Iraq. Telephone: 0760-030-3000. Telephone: 301-985-8841 (U.S. dial numbers that ring in Baghdad) U.S. Citizen Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 301-985-8841 from the United States or 0760-030-3000 locally from within Iraq or 964-760-030-3000 when calling from another international location.
What would happen if the Mosul Dam failed?
A dam failure could cause significant flooding, loss of life, and interruption of essential services from Mosul to Baghdad. While it is impossible to accurately predict the likelihood of the dam failing, the Embassy has made contingency plans to relocate its personnel in such an event. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens in Iraq, especially those visiting or residing in the floodplain of the Tigris River, prepare their own contingency plans and stay informed of local media reports and Embassy security messages for updates.
What is the name of the terrorist group in Syria?
ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIL or Da’esh) is a designated terrorist organization conducting an active insurgency in Syria, with franchises or direct links to terrorist groups in Iraq and other parts of the world. It commits terrorist attacks, violent atrocities, and targets U.S. citizens.
What is the work week in Iraq?
The work week in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday.
Why can't we travel to Iraq?
U. T. C. Do not travel to Iraq due to COVID-19, terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Do not travel to Iraq due to COVID-19, terrorism , kidnapping , armed conflict , and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.
How often do you have to get a blood test in Iraq?
The test must then be revalidated every 90 days while in Iraq.