Tips and how to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan in 2022

Wish to commute with In opposition to the Compass to Iraq?
Then sign up for any of our upcoming EXPEDITIONS:
November twelfth to twentieth: Federal Iraq – LEARN MORE
November twenty second to twenty eighth: Iraqi Kurdistan – LEARN MORE

Situated within the some distance north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan is these days a protected however turbulent area, house to one of the most maximum breathtaking panorama within the Heart East, composed of inexperienced mountains with snow-capped peaks that, no doubt, will wreck with the entire stereotypes you may have about Iraq.

Iraqi Kurdistan isn’t any wilderness and, most significantly, it’s not a conflict zone full of ISIS terrorists however an self sufficient area which, for the final couple of years, has executed an amazing activity protecting its borders.

It’s in reality, one of the most most secure nations within the Heart East and essentially the most final vacation spot for vacationers in search of one thing distinctive, very off the crushed monitor, and who’re prepared to fulfill the Kurds, an excessively proud and courageous country, who prove to even be one of the most maximum hospitable other folks I’ve ever encountered, with equivalent reviews to Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan.

From visiting a Syrian refugee camp to far flung Christian monasteries and millennial villages, finding Sadam Hussein’s heritage and finding out from the struggle in opposition to ISIS, Kurdistan is also the prime level of all of your backpacking travels.

I’ve visited the rustic thrice, right here you may have all my commute guidelines for Iraqi Kurdistan.

This information center of attention at the Self sustaining Area of Kurdistan.
For the remainder of Iraq, together with Mosul, Baghdad, Basra, and so on. test:
The right way to commute to Federal Iraq

COVID-19 commute restrictions for Iraqi Kurdistan

For coming into Iraqi Kurdistan, you should display you vaccine certificates.

Non-vaccinated vacationers can input with a unfavorable PCR take a look at.

A PCR take a look at may be obligatory when leaving Kurdistan

Which you’ll do at Zanko Well being Middle in Erbil, for a 30USD rate.

You’ll be able to pick out up your effects after 24 hours.

The right way to get a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan

Voters from maximum prime GDP nations can get a visa on arrival for Iraqi Kurdistan

Voters of:

Ecu Union, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, South Korea, Turkey, UK

The visa is legitimate for 30 days, both you input through land or through air.

Replace 2021

Iraqi Kurdistan visa had all the time been loose however since April 2021, it prices 75USD or 60€.

The remainder of nationalities wish to undergo a specifically tedious procedure

Voters from the remainder of the arena must touch the closest KRG Illustration (like a Kurdistan Consulate) or e mail them at dfr@krg.org.

Within the best-case state of affairs, they’re going to answer and ask for a a call for participation however my information, some of the skilled guides in Kurdistan, stated he doesn’t supply LOI anymore, since getting the federal government approval is a nightmare.

Iraqi Kurdistan visas can’t be used to consult with Iraq right kind (Baghdad, Mosul, and so on.)

That is vital.

A sound visa for touring to Iraqi Kurdistan doesn’t will let you consult with out of doors of Kurdistan, this is to go into exact Iraq, together with Mosul.

For the remainder of Iraq, test my commute information to Federal Iraq.

Absolute best time to consult with Iraqi Kurdistan

In contrast to different nations within the Heart East, Kurdistan has 4 distinct seasons:

Touring to Kurdistan in spring

Spring is no doubt the correct time to commute to Iraqi Kurdistan, from March to the top of April, when the entire area is absolutely blossoming, at its greenest, and the elements is agreeable.

Touring to Kurdistan in summer season

Summers can get scorching, particularly within the house round Erbil and Sulamaniyah, the place the temperature might simply achieve 45ºC.

Within the mountains, or in towns like Duhok, the elements could be moderately cooler however nonetheless scorching, the explanation why summer season is off-season for visiting Kurdistan, from mid Might to September.

Touring to Kurdistan in autumn

Autumn is the second one supreme time to consult with Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdish mountains and meadows will not be inexperienced, however you get the gorgeous autumn colours and the elements is agreeable.

Touring to Kurdistan in iciness

In iciness, the temperature drops and maximum Iraqi Kurdistan will get lined in snow. I’ve by no means traveled in Kurdistan all over its freezing iciness nevertheless it should be stunning, in spite of the chilly climate.

The right way to pass to Iraqi Kurdistan

The right way to commute to Iraqi Kurdistan through air

Kurdistan has two world airports: Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Erbil being essentially the most transited airport.

Istanbul (each Turkish and Pegasus) and Dubai (Fly Dubai) are the most affordable and maximum commonplace routes.

The right way to commute to Iraqi Kurdistan through land

You’ll be able to input Kurdistan from both Iran or Turkey. The Iranian facet is really easy and simple however at the Turkish facet, the Turkish government might provide you with some bother.

Is it protected to commute to Iraqi Kurdistan?

Wish to commute with In opposition to the Compass to Iraq?
Then sign up for any of our upcoming EXPEDITIONS:
November twelfth to twentieth: Federal Iraq – LEARN MORE
November twenty second to twenty eighth – Iraqi Kurdistan – LEARN MORE

Examine methods to commute to Mosul in Iraq

The dangerous issues that occur in Iraq don’t occur in Kurdistan

No matter you may have been listening to within the information about Iraq for the previous few years, came about in Arab Iraq, no longer in Kurdistan.

The final terrorist assault that came about in Kurdistan used to be in Erbil again in 2014. Which means that London and Paris have suffered extra assaults than the entire of Kurdistan itself.

Alternatively, the area could be very volatile

I by no means intended that touring to Kurdistan might be as non violent as your religious adventure via Bhutan, no longer even shut.

In spite of being protected, the area is very unstable and efficient army operations are the one reason it’s protected. Which means that issues might trade in a single day, so being further cautious is greater than sensible. 

There are army controls all over the place

While you commute between cities and towns, you’ll in finding such a lot of army checkpoints run through Kurdish Military guys named Peshmergas.

As a Western passport holder, they don’t provide you with any bother however, as soon as, I used to be touring with an Iraqi from Baghdad and so they held him for quarter-hour, no less than. They don’t agree with Arabs in any respect as any Arab may, doubtlessly, be an ISIS secret agent.

Crime charges are ridiculously low

Kurdistan has one of the most lowest crime charges on this planet. It’s a type of puts the place it’s possible you’ll fail to remember your telephone in a café, come again in a couple of hours and nonetheless recuperate it.

For a extra entire and detailed research, learn: Is it protected to commute to Iraq?

Solo feminine commute in Iraqi Kurdistan

Bear in mind to get commute insurance coverage for Iraq
IATI Insurance coverage is without doubt one of the only a few that covers commute in Iraqi Kurdistan (+ COVID-19)
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Iraqi Kurdistan is an excessively protected area of Iraq, without reference to your gender however girls must in fact, take further care, like they might do in different conservative Muslim nations.

If you wish to know extra, learn this newsletter {that a} kick ass feminine traveler posted on my weblog: 6 Pointers for solo feminine commute in Iraqi Kurdistan. 

Cash and finances when commute in Kurdistan

In Kurdistan, they use the Iraqi Dinar and, roughly:

1SD = 1,450ID

Exchanging cash in Kurdistan

You’ll be able to simply change €, USD and GBP in the entire major towns.

Some change places of work are simply stalls in the course of the road, and not using a surveillance, no safety and no glass display with plenty of massive bundles of money. The reason being that the crime charges listed below are very low.

Bank cards and ATMs

There are moderately a couple of banks which settle for international playing cards, so you’ll withdraw cash simply however, apart from for some excellent motels, maximum puts in Kurdistan settle for best money.

How a lot does to price to commute in Iraqi Kurdistan?

In comparison to its neighbors, touring in Kurdistan isn’t very reasonable.

• Price range Motels: 20,000-25,000ID
• Beer in a liquor store: 1,200-2,000ID
• Beer in a bar: 8,000-12,000ID
• Speedy meals (like a shawarma or falafel): 1,000-1,500ID
• Native eateries: 5,000 to eight,000ID for an area meal, consisting of rice, beans and hen, or a kebab
• Fancy eating places: Primary lessons beginning at 14,000ID
• Taxi rides inside of towns: from 3,000ID to five,000ID
• Transportation between towns: Native shared taxi from Suleymaniyah to Erbil prices 15,000ID

The rustic, its other folks and tradition

From all Kurdistan areas, Kurdistan in Iraq enjoys the very best degree of autonomy, to the level that they keep watch over their borders, immigration, they have got their very own military or even Parliament.

Kurds are unfold over 4 nations

There are 40 million Kurds unfold over Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, making them the biggest stateless country on this planet.

A few years in the past, they was one unmarried nation however, on the finish of the British Empire, the British themselves determined to attract the Heart Japanese map like that.

Kurds don’t seem to be Arabs

Kurds are a unique country and ethnicity who’re nearer to Persians than Arabs. By no means inform a Kurd that they’re Arabs as a result of they received’t adore it, and it’s extraordinarily vital to understand and make the respect.

Kurdish is the principle language

Kurdish – a language with many similarities to Farsi or Dari and Turkish – is the reliable language in Kurdistan.

Many younger Kurds don’t even discuss Arabic anymore

People who find themselves not up to 30-years outdated don’t actually discuss Arabic, or little or no no less than. They don’t educate it in colleges anymore, an excessively drastic measure from the Kurdish Govt after the Saddam Hussein invasion, when their nationwide delight and variations as opposed to the Arabs accentuated much more.

Talking English in Iraqi Kurdistan

Younger, well-educated other folks in Erbil and Sulamaniyah discuss English however that’s it. With the remainder of the inhabitants, you’ll have to communicate the use of indicators or Google Translate.

Many Kurds don’t like Arabs, in any respect

Skilled Kurds are mindful that their issues of the Arabs are extra political however, all over my adventure, I met many closed-minded Kurds, particularly within the villages, who instructed me that they actually hate Arabs.

They’re Sunni Muslims

Kurdistan is a Muslim nation and maximum Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

Alternatively, they’re reasonable Sunnis

In Kurdistan, it’s possible you’ll notice that Kurds don’t seem to be as non secular as Muslims from different Heart Japanese nations.

As I stated, Kurds are the biggest stateless country, 40 million other folks unfold over 4 other nations striving to get extra reputation, extra autonomy, so their nationwide identification prevails over faith, the explanation why Kurdistan is one of these numerous country composed of all sorts of Muslims, Christians, in addition to different minorities.

This is why why the Kurds are reasonable Muslims.

There may be an enormous Christian group in addition to different minorities

In Erbil, there’s a giant Christian district named Anqawa and also you in reality in finding a number of Christian villages and Orthodox monasteries all through the area.

Different minorities come with Yazidis, Kakais and Shabaks.

Kurdish hospitality

In a similar way to if you find yourself touring in Iran, area, lunch and chai invites aren’t a unprecedented factor to occur. Hospitality is of their blood, particularly in case you are an interloper.

Kurdistan is essentially the most evolved area in Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan, particularly Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, have greatly evolved in recent times. They cling one of the most greatest oil reserves within the nation, keep watch over the principle borders with Iran and Turkey and Erbil has turn out to be type of a trade hub, the place many world firms have settled in.

On account of the entire above, Kurds are yearning for independence

Greater than 90% of the Kurds wish to break away Iraq. In truth, they already celebrated a referendum again in 2017 however because of world power and threats from Iraq and its neighbors, they didn’t transfer it ahead.

The meals in Iraqi Kurdistan

A shawarma financial system

All over your shuttle to Kurdistan, you’ll get completely ill of shawarma, being your best option in maximum puts. Consuming a shawarma prices not up to a buck nevertheless it’s very dangerous, despite the fact that many Kurds devour shawarma each unmarried day.

Vegetarian falafel is extensively to be had as effectively.

You might in finding kebabs

Infrequently, it’s possible you’ll in finding some puts serving excellent kebabs, of all kinds. A excellent kebab, then again, isn’t reasonable and you’ll finally end up paying as much as 10USD for only some of them.

If you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll in finding native eateries

Native eateries normally serve purple beans with rice, hen and likewise kebabs. There aren’t many, then again, and you’ll have to search for them. You wish to have to search for them, then again, or know the place to move.

The most productive Kurdish meals is served at house

I’ve been invited in moderately a couple of Kurdish homes and the principle conclusion is that the correct conventional Kurdish meals can’t be present in eating places however best in Kurdish properties.

Their delicacies is most commonly rice and meat-based, moderately fatty and with many stews. Pink beans will all the time be the facet dish of any meal and, when they have got visitors, they don’t care about making you devour hen, lamb, and pork on the identical time, along side fried rice with meat in it and a large number of flatbread.

I all the time left their homes totally rolling.

Consuming alcohol while you commute in Kurdistan

Just right information: Alcohol is extensively to be had in Kurdistan

In contrast to the remainder of Iraq, liquor shops are to be had all over the place. You’ll be able to purchase contemporary, chilly beer, wine and any form of liquor. In Erbil and Sulaymaniyah you’ll in finding a variety of bars, as effectively.

You’ll be able to in reality drink in the street

I didn’t actually drink within the middle of Erbil however I had some beers in a couple of parks in each Erbil and Suleymaniyah, in addition to in villages all through the rustic, and I by no means had any issues.

Smartly, this isn’t in reality true as a result of, in Suleymaniyah, I had a lager in the principle sq., principally as a result of my Couchsurfing host instructed me it used to be OK to take action, however the police got here to me moderately pissed off, despite the fact that they only made me put it away. It appears, it’s criminal to drink however some police don’t adore it in any case.

In liquor stores, beer is affordable, no longer in bars

Available for purchase, a lager prices no longer a lot more than a buck however, in bars, they fee 10 instances extra, sadly, so in case you are on the cheap, don’t get inebriated in bars.

Chai and cafés

Like just about in all nations within the Heart East, chai is a large deal and it all the time comes with sugar through default. Striking out in cafés is without doubt one of the highlights of any shuttle to Kurdistan, the correct position to socialise with pleasant locals.

The right way to commute round Iraqi Kurdistan: transportation

Bear in mind to get commute insurance coverage for Iraq
IATI Insurance coverage is without doubt one of the only a few that covers commute in Iraqi Kurdistan (+ COVID-19)
Get 5% cut price if buying by means of this hyperlink.

Transferring round through bus or minivan

Buses are principally mini-vans however they don’t actually run to many puts, apart from between the principle towns. They’re much slower than shared taxis and no longer a lot less expensive.

Native shared taxis

The best way to pass. They pass all over the place and are the most typical means of transportation amongst locals. They aren’t reasonable as in Iran and Central Asia however nonetheless moderately inexpensive.

Hitchhiking in Kurdistan

Tremendous protected and handy. I hitchhiked the entire means from Soran to Dohuk by means of Amedi, which is round 300km. No one by no means requested me for cash and I had nice reviews with lots of the other folks, which a couple of instances concerned preventing for lunch and even creating a detour, so they might drop me simply on the position I sought after.

Web and SIM Card

Wi-Fi in Kurdistan

It isn’t the quickest Wi-Fi on this planet, however it’s lovely first rate and also you in finding excellent connection all around the nation. Web isn’t a lot of a subject while you commute in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Getting a SIM Card

You’ll be able to simply purchase an area SIM Card in lots of the stalls situated across the lined bazaar in Erbil. I were given Korek Telecom and I be mindful paying round 12USD for a SIM Card and 3GB of knowledge however as you understand, knowledge plans trade each different day.

The place to stick in Iraqi Kurdistan: lodging

Motels in Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk are well-sorted of motels.

Price range Motels (pensions)

Like I stated within the finances segment, the most affordable motels will value you round 12-20USD however they are able to’t be booked on-line. You’ll be able to test the entire motels I stayed at in my Kurdistan itinerary.

Couchsurfing

In Suleymaniyah and Erbil, there are such a large amount of energetic profiles. You might also in finding a couple of in Dohuk however out of doors of the principle towns, I by no means were given a sofa.

Extra helpful data to consult with Iraqi Kurdistan

Bear in mind to get commute insurance coverage for Iraq
IATI Insurance coverage is without doubt one of the only a few that covers commute in Iraqi Kurdistan (+ COVID-19)
Get 5% cut price if buying by means of this hyperlink.

Drones

I’m telling you this founded by myself revel in. When I used to be touring in Kurdistan, I were given arrested for having a drone and I didn’t even fly it. They discovered it in my backpack and so they took me to an army base, the place they interrogated me for a couple of hours.

I actually idea I might no longer get my drone again however, finally, they believed my tale. Principally, they’re utilized by ISIS to secret agent, so should you do have one since you are overlanding, cover it and don’t fly it!

Vacationers visiting refugee camps

It’s imaginable to consult with some Syrian refugee camps, however only a few of them. They’re out of doors the towns and also you must pass with an area. I visited Darashakran and you’ll examine my revel in: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq.

Touring to Iran subsequent?

No drawback, don’t fail to remember to test all my articles and guides to Iran.

And be mindful to learn all my articles and guides to Iraqi Kurdistan

Test my commute information to Iraq right kind and puts to consult with in Iraq

And likewise test my article about touring to Libya