Iraq is home to many ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the ancient city of Babylon, which was once the center of the Mesopotamian civilization and is known for its impressive ziggurat and the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven …
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Backpacking Iraq in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Iraq with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Iraq
Embark on an extraordinary journey in Iraq, a destination rich in history and resilience. Pros? Explore ancient Mesopotamian sites, engage with friendly locals, and experience a cultural tapestry rarely seen by tourists. However, security concerns are paramount, and travel advisories must be strictly heeded. For the exceptionally daring and culturally curious backpacker, Iraq offers a chance to witness a nation rebuilding itself, providing a unique and transformative travel experience not found in conventional destinations, where each encounter unfolds as a testament to the strength and history of this Middle Eastern gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Iraq
Architecture
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Iraq
- Explore the ancient city of Babylon: Discover the ruins of one of the world’s greatest cities, known for its Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate.
- Visit the historical city of Mosul: Explore the rich history and architecture of Mosul, including the famous Great Mosque of al-Nuri.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Baghdad: Immerse yourself in the bustling markets, vibrant art scene, and delicious cuisine of Iraq’s capital city.
- Discover the archaeological site of Ur: Step back in time at the birthplace of Abraham and explore the ancient ziggurat and royal tombs.
- Relax by the shores of the Persian Gulf: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm waters of the Persian Gulf in cities like Basra and Umm Qasr.
But Iraq offers more...
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Iraq
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Iraq
The best time to visit Iraq for backpacking is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer more moderate temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring. Additionally, these seasons experience less rainfall compared to the winter months, allowing for better travel conditions.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Iraq
- The security situation in Iraq is volatile and could deteriorate with little warning. There's a risk of violence, armed conflict, kidnapping and terrorist attacks. You should leave immediately by commercial means if it's safe to do so.
- Terrorist attacks can occur without warning. Avoid possible targets such as crowded places and public spaces, including markets, transport hubs, places of worship and government facilities. If you must visit them, always have an exit plan.
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- If you decide to travel to Iraq, despite our advice, you should remain vigilant. Ensure you have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place. You should get professional security advice and keep up to date with the latest developments.
- Large protests and political rallies occur regularly across Iraq. These can quickly turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings. If you're caught in an affected area, stay indoors. Follow the advice of local authorities or your security provider.
- There's an ongoing threat to foreign interests, including cafes, hotels and restaurants. A US national was attacked and killed in November 2022.
- There's a high threat of kidnapping throughout the country. Terrorists and criminal gangs may kidnap expats working in Iraq. Academics, journalists and aid workers are at a higher risk. You should review your security arrangements regularly and carefully consider any travel plans.
- Violent crime, including kidnapping, murder and robbery, is common. Organised criminal gangs, militia and tribal groups are significant threats. Corruption is common.
- If you decide to travel in Iraq, despite our advice, ensure your vehicle doors are locked and windows up. Secure your accommodation against intruders.
- Be alert to scams. Scammers may claim to represent the Australian or Iraqi governments, or say they're Iraqi importers. Tell the Australian Embassy in Baghdad if you're contacted by people or websites claiming to represent the Australian Government. Contact the Iraqi Embassy in Canberra before making any payments to people claiming to be from the Iraqi Government. Get legal advice if an Iraqi importer contacts you or your company.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
IraqMy tips to get you on the way!Does Iraq sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Iraq. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Iraq may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Iraq. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Iraq may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Iraq, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Iraq, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024