Iraq requires advance visas for most nationalities. United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canadian, and Australian citizens cannot obtain visas on arrival at Baghdad International Airport or land borders. Applications must be submitted through Iraqi embassies or consulates with processing times ranging from two weeks to two months. The Iraqi Kurdistan Region operates a separate visa-on-arrival system at Erbil International Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport for citizens of most Western countries, with fees of 75 USD for single entry valid 30 days. This Kurdistan visa does not permit travel to federal Iraq areas, and crossing from Kurdistan into federal Iraq by land requires a federal Iraqi visa obtained in advance. Israeli passport stamps or evidence of travel to Israel results in entry denial. Official information exists at https://www.mfa.gov.iq for federal Iraq and through the Kurdistan Regional Government representation offices for the autonomous region.
Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar, abbreviated IQD. Exchange rates fluctuate between 1450 and 1550 IQD per USD depending on official versus street rates. United States dollars circulate widely and many hotels, tour operators, and larger establishments quote prices in dollars and accept dollar payment. ATMs exist in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and other major cities but often malfunction or run empty. International cards work inconsistently. Bringing cash in USD denominations of 50 or 100 is standard practice, with exchange available at airports and money changers in city centers. Credit cards see minimal acceptance outside international hotels in Erbil and Baghdad. The Central Bank of Iraq issues notes in 250, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 25000, and 50000 dinar denominations.
Arabic is the official language of Iraq, spoken by approximately 80 percent of the population in Mesopotamian and Gulf dialects that differ substantially from Levantine or Egyptian Arabic. Kurdish holds co-official status and predominates in the three Kurdistan Region provinces of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, with Sorani and Kurmanji as the two main dialects. Turkmen communities in Kirkuk, Tal Afar, and Tuz Khurmatu speak Turkish dialects. English proficiency exists among educated urban professionals, hotel staff in Kurdistan, and younger generations in Baghdad and Basra, but remains limited in rural areas and among older populations. Arabic script appears on all signage with Kurdish in Kurdistan Region. Mobile networks Zain Iraq, Asiacell, and Korek provide coverage in populated areas with 4G available in cities. SIM cards cost 5000 to 15000 IQD and require passport registration. Internet speeds range from 5 to 20 Mbps in Baghdad and Kurdistan cities.
Baghdad accommodation centers on the International Zone (Green Zone) perimeter with hotels like the Babylon Rotana and Cristal Grand Ishtar charging 150 to 300 USD per night and maintaining high security protocols. Outside this area the Al-Mansour and Karrada districts contain mid-range hotels from 60 to 120 USD. Basra has the Sheraton Basra Hotel and several business hotels serving oil industry workers with rates from 80 to 200 USD. The Kurdistan Region offers the broadest accommodation range. Erbil has international chains including Divan Erbil Hotel, Rotana, and Noble Hotel with rates from 100 to 250 USD, plus local hotels from 40 USD. Sulaymaniyah accommodation ranges from Grand Millennium Sulaimani at 120 to 180 USD down to local options at 30 to 50 USD. Najaf and Karbala hotel infrastructure primarily serves religious pilgrims with hundreds of small hotels and guesthouses charging 20 to 60 USD, often fully booked during Ashura and Arbaeen observances when pilgrimage numbers reach 20 million. Advance booking is essential for Kurdistan and pilgrimage cities during peak periods.