Travel advisory · IraqGovernments advise against all travel to Iraq.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Kirkuk province · avoid all travel · France, Italy, UK
- Ninawa province · avoid all travel · Italy, UK
- Sadr City · avoid all travel · France, UK
- Salah al-Din province · avoid all travel · Spain, France, Italy, UK
- Syrian border area · avoid all travel · France, Italy
- Anbar outside Ramadi and Fallujah · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Anbar province · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, Italy
- Babil province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Basra province · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy, UK
- Dhi Qar province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Diyala province · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, Italy
- Iranian border area · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, Italy
- Karbala province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Kurdistan Region · avoid non-essential travel · Italy, New Zealand, UK
- Maysan province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Muthanna province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Qadisiyah province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Wasit province · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
Also named by one government: 20 km strip along the Iranian border (France), 5 km strip along the Iranian border (UK), 5 km strip along the Kuwaiti border (UK), 5 km strip along the Saudi Arabian border (UK), Anbar west of Ramadi (UK), Areas near armed groups in northern Iraq (US), Babil west of the Baghdad–Karbala axis (France), Bayaa (France), Chamchamal–Darbandikhan road (France), Diyala north of the Baghdad–Iran border line (France), Diyala province outside Baqubah city (UK), Dohuk mountains east of Zakho (France), Gara massif (France), Jordanian border area (Italy), Jurf al Salam (France), Jurf al-Sakr town (UK), Kurdish coordination line (Erbil governorate) (France), Metina massif (France), Muthanna desert along the Saudi border (France), Najaf desert along the Saudi border (France), Ninawa province outside Mosul and the Nineveh Plain (France), North of Dokan Lake (France), Qandil massif (France), Saudi Arabian border area (Italy), Za'faraniya (France), Amedi town centre (France), Baghdad city outside outer districts (France), Baghdad province outside Sadr City (UK), Baqubah city (UK), Disputed areas near Kirkuk city (Spain), Dohuk–Amedi road (France), Highway 2 between Baqubah and Erbil (UK), Highway 34 between Baghdad and Baqubah (UK), Mosul city (France), Najaf province (UK), Nasiriyah (Italy), Turkish border area (Spain), Zakho–Halabja zone (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Do not travel to Iraq for any reason | Oct 23, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid all travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Reisewarnung: Vor Reisen nach Irak wird gewarnt (ganzes Land) | Oct 29, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Do not travel | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Erbil
Erbil draws visitors to its hilltop citadel, traditional bazaar and Kurdish culture in northern Iraq.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. Its best-known landmark, Erbil Citadel, is a historic settlement on a mound above the modern city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the citadel’s foot, Qaysari Bazaar runs through covered lanes lined with shops and stalls. It is a place to browse local goods and see part of everyday life in the city. Erbil suits travelers interested in history and Kurdish culture, whether they are planning a short city break or a stop on a wider trip through the region.
Spend time around the citadel and bazaar, then explore the newer city beyond the old center. Kurdish meals often include rice, grilled meat and bread. Spring and fall are practical seasons for sightseeing, with more comfortable weather than in summer. Two days is a reasonable starting point for Erbil itself. Allow more time if you plan to use the city as a base for other parts of the Kurdistan Region.
Erbil in five
- Carry Iraqi dinars for everyday spendingKeep some IQD for small purchases and local transport. Do not assume every shop or taxi accepts cards.
- Check Iraq’s eVisa rulesEntry requirements depend on your passport. Check the Iraqi eVisa portal before booking.
- Save Iraq’s emergency numbersSave 104 for police, 115 for fire and 122 for ambulance before you set out.
- Use a local SIM for dataCompare Asiacell and Korek coverage and plans before choosing a SIM or eSIM.
- Check access to Erbil CitadelErbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check current visitor access before planning your day around a visit.
Things to do in Erbil
See all attractions in Erbil
Need to know
- Currency
- Iraqi dinar (IQD)
- Entry
- Entry requirements depend on passport; check Iraq’s eVisa portal Read more
- Emergency
- 104 police, 115 fire, 122 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, wet
- FebruaryCool, rainy
- MarchMild, showers
- AprilWarm, dry
- MayHot, dry
- JuneVery hot
- JulyPeak heat
- AugustVery hot
- SeptemberHeat easing
- OctoberMild, dry
- NovemberCool, dry
- DecemberCold, wet
Right now in Erbil
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 20°
- Humidity
- 48%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 40%
Erbil
11:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today23°16°40%Monday: Rain. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 40%.
- Tue24°14°3%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Wed21°15°43%Wednesday: Rain. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Thu19°15°80%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Fri16°15°94%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 16°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Sat17°14°95%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 17°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Sun17°9°87%Sunday: Rain. High 17°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 87%.
Updated 08:50 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,518 IQD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Erbil
Rules for Erbil, checked
- Check Iraq’s eVisa portal for the entry requirements that apply to your passport before travelling.Source
- Carry identification and check current travel advice for the areas you plan to visit.
Plan around Erbil
Practical planning for a trip to Iraq
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport for your trip
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cards, cash and trip spending
Read the guideWhere to stayPlan where to base yourself in Erbil
Read the guideErbil FAQ
How many days do you need in Erbil?
Allow two days to see the citadel and the city’s markets. Add days if you plan trips outside the city.
Is Erbil worth visiting?
Erbil gives you a chance to see the citadel and get a first look at Iraqi Kurdistan. Check current travel advice before deciding where else to go.
What is the best time to visit Erbil?
Spring and autumn are usually more comfortable for walking around the city. Summers are very hot, so check local conditions before planning outdoor days.
What currency is used in Erbil?
Erbil uses the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Carry some cash for small purchases and local transport.
Is Erbil safe for tourists?
Safety conditions can change. Read your government’s current Iraq travel advice before booking and again before departure.
How do you get around Erbil?
Taxis are a practical way to get around. Agree on the fare before the ride if the taxi is not using a meter.