Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05
Mesopotamia between the two rivers
Trade agreements (3): Iraq's external trade is limited by years of conflict, with Arab League/GAFTA ties its main framework; there is no India FTA, though Iraq is one of India's largest crude oil suppliers.
Passport strength: visa-free/VOA to ~32 destinations. Severely restricted; conflict status limits visa-free access.
India × Iraq hub ↗ All countries factsheet
Indian passport holders generally need a visa arranged in advance, with the federal government and the Kurdistan Region operating separate entry rules; the Kurdistan Region offers visas on arrival to many nationalities, while federal Iraq has been introducing visa-on-arrival for select passports.
e-Visa: yes · Visa on arrival: Varies by nationality
There is no metro; travel is by shared taxis, private cars and buses, with domestic flights linking Baghdad, Basra and Erbil, and taxis in cities where you should agree fares in advance.
Car vs taxi: Self-driving is not advisable for most visitors; hire a trusted local driver or use pre-arranged transport, and in cities agree taxi fares before setting off.
Money: The Iraqi dinar (IQD) is the currency and cash-based; US dollars are also widely used, and cards are accepted only at some hotels, so carry cash.
SIM & data: Buy a Zain, Asiacell or Korek SIM with your passport; coverage is good in cities, though data reliability varies by region.
Tipping: Tipping (baksheesh) is customary; leave around 10 percent at restaurants and small notes for drivers, porters and helpful attendants.
Etiquette: Dress modestly and conservatively, respect Islamic customs and Ramadan fasting, use the right hand for eating and greetings, and be mindful around religious shrines, which draw many pilgrims.
Food: Try masgouf (grilled river fish, a national favourite), kubba, dolma, biryani, and quzi (slow-cooked lamb with rice), with flatbread and sweet tea.
Say hello: Arabic — “As-salamu alaykum” · thanks “Shukran” · how much? “Bikam?”
Security is uneven and travel advisories are often cautionary; the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is generally more stable than other areas, and independent travel elsewhere requires careful, up-to-date risk assessment.
For nomads: Baghdad and northern cities have emerging startup interest; security concerns and infrastructure gaps make sustained remote work challenging.
Education: Education infrastructure remains fragmented; international schools operate in secure zones only.
Healthcare: Public healthcare is limited and unsafe in many areas; private facilities concentrated in Baghdad.
Indian passport holders generally need a visa arranged in advance, with the federal government and the Kurdistan Region operating separate entry rules; the Kurdistan Region offers visas on arrival to many nationalities, while federal Iraq has been introducing visa-on-arrival for select passports.
Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Capital: Baghdad.
Iraq's external trade is limited by years of conflict, with Arab League/GAFTA ties its main framework; there is no India FTA, though Iraq is one of India's largest crude oil suppliers.
Security is uneven and travel advisories are often cautionary; the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is generally more stable than other areas, and independent travel elsewhere requires careful, up-to-date risk assessment.