Is Iraq Safe? How to Travel Iraq & Kurdistan

We discuss travel safety in Iraqi Kurdistan, drawing on our experiences exploring Erbil, its markets, historic fortress, food scene, and surrounding mountains. We describe camping near the country’s highest waterfall, meeting local people, visiting a soldier’s home, and enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing, rafting, and mountain biking. We also explain costs, checkpoints, visas, payment options, accommodation, transportation, and the region’s hospitality while addressing concerns about ISIS and ongoing unrest.