One of the questions I get asked most before organising a trip is: «Is it safe to travel to Iraq?». Very closely following that is another: «What is the situation for women in Iraq?».
And it is completely normal.
For years, Iraq's image has been linked to conflict and negative headlines. However, the country discovered today by those who travel with us is very different from what many people imagine.
Having lived part of my life in Iraq and having accompanied groups of travellers throughout the country, I want to answer these questions from my own experience and from that of those who have already travelled with us.
Is it safe to travel to Iraq?
Safety is, without doubt, the greatest concern for any traveller and also the first surprise when they arrive in the country.
In our travel to Iraq we travel along a carefully organised itinerary, using private transport, staying in selected hotels and visiting the country's main historical and cultural cities.
Just like in any destination around the world, travelling with peace of mind also involves respecting local laws and taking the usual precautions that we would in any unfamiliar city.
One of the aspects that most surprises our travellers is the presence of security checkpoints at the entrances to many cities, roads, hotels and public buildings.
Far from being inconvenient, the majority of our customers agree that these checks give them confidence and make them feel that security is taken very seriously.
It’s something I personally appreciate every time I travel around Iraq.
Travelling with someone makes all the difference
Although every traveller is free to organise their adventure as they see fit, my recommendation is to explore Iraq accompanied by a local guide or as part of an organised tour.
Beyond the language barrier, having people who know the country, its customs and the logistics makes travelling much easier. It helps you get about with peace of mind, interact with the local people, gain a better understanding of the cultural context and make the most of every visit.
On our trips, as well as having an official local guide, I accompany the group throughout the tour, which helps to bridge the gap between the two cultures and makes the experience much more personal, comfortable and enriching.
Our travellers’ experiences
There’s something I hear time and time again at the end of every trip:
«We’ve felt very safe.»
Many travellers arrive with a certain amount of respect for the image they have of the country. However, within a few days they find themselves wandering through traditional markets, strolling through the streets of Baghdad, having a cup of tea with shopkeepers or photographing everyday life as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
On our Instagram profile (@journeysacrosscultures), you can find numerous testimonials from travellers describing their experiences and how they completely changed their perception of safety in Iraq.
For me, these opinions are incredibly valuable because they come from people who, before travelling, had exactly the same doubts.
A country that welcomes visitors with open arms
There is something that does not usually feature in the news and yet is one of Iraq’s greatest assets: its people.
During our tours, my groups have always been welcomed with great kindness by shopkeepers, waiters, families, hotel staff, administrative staff and even the security staff themselves.
Many Iraqis feel a genuine sense of pride when a foreigner decides to visit their country.
After so many years of seeing Iraq portrayed solely through news stories about the war, welcoming visitors who want to discover its history, culture and heritage is a source of joy for many people.
And that hospitality is evident from day one.
What are women like in Iraq?
Another of the big questions is the role of women in Iraq.
My answer is also based on my own experience.
I spent part of my life there and grew up surrounded by women who worked as teachers, doctors, engineers, office staff and even in the military.
Nowadays, studying and developing a professional career is part of the daily life of a large part of Iraqi society.
It is common to visit universities and find them full of students, many of whom are women preparing for various careers.
Their presence is also becoming increasingly visible in companies, public institutions, government bodies and even in Parliament and in positions of responsibility within the Government.
As is the case in any country, there are differences between regions and between different social backgrounds, but reducing the reality of women’s lives in Iraq to the stereotypes we often see from the outside does not reflect the complexity of the country.
Is it safe for women to travel to Iraq?
This is a question I’m often asked, particularly by women who want to travel alone or with friends.
Over the years, many women have travelled with us, both on their own and with others.
At the end of the trip, the vast majority of travellers highlight the respect, kindness and hospitality they have been shown throughout the journey.
As with any destination with a different culture, we recommend dressing respectfully and adapting to the local customs.
In cities such as Najaf or Karbala, for example, to enter certain shrines you must cover up in accordance with the rules of the religious site. Elsewhere on the itinerary, it is sufficient to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Travelling to discover the real Iraq
The internet can provide a wealth of information about a country.
But there are some things you can only understand once you’ve experienced them.
Hearing the call to prayer at sunset, sharing a cup of tea with a shopkeeper, chatting with university students, strolling through bustling markets or experiencing the hospitality of the people who welcome you completely changes the image that many people had before travelling.
That is precisely the Iraq we want to show.
A country with thousands of years of history, extraordinary cultural richness and a population proud to show the world a reality that rarely appears in the media.
Conclusion
So… Is it safe to travel to Iraq? What are women in Iraq really like?
The best answer is not just in my words, but in the experience of those who have already travelled with us.
Each group returns with a completely different view from the one they had before leaving. They discover a welcoming country, a hospitable population and a reality much more diverse and complex than they imagined.
Travelling to Iraq does not mean ignoring its history. It means experiencing the country as it is today, with respect, curiosity and an open mind.
Because only when we leave behind our prejudices do we begin to discover the real Iraq.
A journey that leaves its mark
Travelling Iraq is to go back to the origin of time. It is to look into the eyes of an ancient culture and discover that, beyond its scars, the country is full of beauty, hospitality and hope.
If you are thinking of what to see in Iraq, Remember that every city, every temple and every desert holds a story that will change you.
I invite you to discover it with us. On Viajesairak we design customised routes for curious travellers, history lovers and seekers of unique experiences.
Discover the real Iraq and be amazed by its magic.
👉 Book your trip to Iraq here
You can also take a look at the world heritage sites this country has to offer.
UNESCO – World Heritage Sites in Iraq
