When is the best time to move to Iraq?

October through March. Summer temperatures reach 45–52°C and make the settling-in process extremely uncomfortable. Arriving in autumn gives you time to establish yourself before the brutal summer heat. Spring (March–April) is also pleasant.

Should I move to Baghdad or Erbil?

For most independent expats, Erbil is the easier starting point: visa on arrival, better safety, more established expat infrastructure, and lower costs. Baghdad makes sense if you have employer support or specific business reasons. Many expats base in Erbil and travel to Baghdad as needed.

Light, modest clothing (long sleeves for cultural respect), good sunscreen (SPF 50+), any prescription medications with doctor's letters, a quality power bank and surge protector (for outages), adaptor plugs (Type C/G), and $2,000–$5,000 in clean USD cash.

Do I need to speak Arabic?

In Kurdistan, Kurdish is the primary language but English is functional in expat areas. In Baghdad, Arabic is essential for daily life outside international organizations. Learning basic greetings and numbers in both Arabic and Kurdish will significantly improve your experience.

Is it difficult to leave Iraq quickly if needed?

Both Baghdad International (BGW) and Erbil International (EBL) airports have regular international flights to Istanbul, Dubai, Amman, and European cities. Keep your passport and emergency funds accessible at all times. Register with your embassy for security alerts and evacuation assistance.

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🇮🇶 Iraq

Moving Guide

2–4 weeks

Setup Time

For independent movers

6–10 weeks

Shipping

Sea freight to Umm Qasr

BGW & EBL

Flights

Two international airports

Oct–Mar

Best Arrival

Avoid summer heat

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Baghdad 🏰Erbil

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Overview

Moving to Iraq requires careful planning, particularly around visa logistics, security awareness, and managing expectations. The Kurdistan Region (enter via Erbil) offers the easiest onboarding for new expats, while Baghdad requires more preparation. Most expats arrive with employer support — independent movers should budget 2–4 weeks for initial setup including housing, SIM card, and local orientation.

Key Takeaways

Visa: arrange your federal e-visa ($160) online before departure; Kurdistan offers visa on arrival
Airport transfer: arrange in advance — your employer, hotel, or a Careem ride to accommodation
Recommendation: travel with suitcases only — furnished apartments are standard for expats

Before You Leave

Preparation is key for a smooth arrival in Iraq. The checklist below covers the essentials. If you're moving with employer support, much of this will be handled for you. Independent movers should allow extra time and budget for the unexpected.

Visa: arrange your federal e-visa ($160) online before departure; Kurdistan offers visa on arrival
Insurance: purchase comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation before departing
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines recommended; consult a travel clinic
Prescriptions: bring 3–6 months supply of any critical medications with doctor's letters
Documents: carry multiple copies of passport, visa, insurance, employment contract, and passport photos
Security briefing: register with your embassy; review travel advisories; save emergency numbers
Cash: bring $2,000–$5,000 in clean, post-2006 USD bills for initial expenses

Your First Week in Iraq

Your first week should focus on establishing the basics: accommodation confirmation, local SIM card, currency exchange, and orientation. If arriving independently in Erbil, head to Ankawa for the most expat-friendly landing zone. In Baghdad, your employer or contact should meet you at the airport.

Airport transfer: arrange in advance — your employer, hotel, or a Careem ride to accommodation
SIM card: purchase immediately at airport or nearby mobile shop — Asiacell recommended
Currency exchange: available at airports and money changers in major markets; USD widely accepted
Housing: if not pre-arranged, temporary furnished apartments available for $30–$60/night
Registration: visit the Directorate of Residence within 10 days to register your presence
Orientation: explore your neighborhood, locate nearest hospital, pharmacy, and grocery store
Generator: confirm your building has generator access and understand the power schedule

Shipping & Bringing Your Belongings

Most expats in Iraq travel light — furnished apartments are the norm, and international shipping to Iraq is expensive, slow, and bureaucratically challenging. If you must ship goods, Umm Qasr port in southern Iraq is the main entry point, with customs clearance often taking weeks.

Recommendation: travel with suitcases only — furnished apartments are standard for expats
Sea freight: 6–10 weeks to Umm Qasr port from most origins; customs clearance adds 2–4 weeks
Air freight: 1–2 weeks, significantly more expensive but faster for essentials
Customs: expect delays and potential fees; having a customs broker is essential
Prohibited items: alcohol (to federal Iraq), pork products, politically sensitive materials
Electronics: bring your own laptop, phone, and portable WiFi device — quality varies locally
Kurdistan: shipping to Erbil via Turkey is an alternative route — sometimes faster

FAQs