Where to transit in Iraq? Important notes for transit

EXTREMELY SERIOUS SECURITY WARNING – READ CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING

IMPORTANT: MOST GOVERNMENTS IN THE WORLD, INCLUDING VIETNAM, RECOMMEND "NOT TO TRAVEL" TO IRAQ IN ANY FORM DUE TO THE EXTREMELY SERIOUS SECURITY SITUATION.

Iraq, the “Cradle of Mesopotamian Civilization” with its legendary Babylon and ancient ziggurats, is the land that witnessed the birth of the Sumerian, Akkadian, and Assyrian empires. However, from 2003 to the present, Iraq has been continuously engulfed in severe conflict, terrorism, and political instability. Traveling to Iraq at this time is extremely dangerous and should only be undertaken for essential purposes (humanitarian, diplomatic, journalistic) with maximum professional security measures.

Current Security Situation:

• Terrorist Activities: ISIS remains active in many areas
• Kidnapping and Extortion: Extremely high risk for foreigners
• Rocket/Mortar Attacks: Frequent in Baghdad and major cities
• Sectarian-Ethnic Conflicts: Sunni-Shia, Arab-Kurd
• Organized crime: Armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom

Relatively Safer Areas:

• Iraqi Kurdistan Region (KRG): Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk – autonomous, significantly better security
• Southern Shia areas: Najaf, Karbala – relatively more stable but still high risk

Overview of Iraq's air system

Main international airports:

• Baghdad (BGW) – Baghdad International Airport: Gateway to Federal Iraq, frequently targeted by rocket attacks
• Erbil (EBL) – Erbil International Airport: Iraqi Kurdistan, safer, served by many international airlines
• Sulaymaniyah (ISU): Kurdistan's second airport
• Najaf (NJF) – Al Najaf International: Primarily Shia pilgrims
• Basra (BSR) – Basra International: Southern Iraq Gateway

Airlines:

• Iraqi Airways: Flag carrier, limited due to security situation
• Foreign Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, flydubai, Royal Jordanian, Pegasus Airlines

There are no direct flights from Vietnam, transit is mandatory.

Most popular transit points

Middle East (Main and optimal choice)

Istanbul (IST/SAW), Turkey:

• Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlineshave daily flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf, Basra, Sulaymaniyah
• Advantages: Widest flight network to Iraq, competitive prices, good connections from Vietnam
• Flight time: 2.5-3.5 hours to Iraqi cities
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by have daily flights to Baghdad and Erbil
• Advantages: Premium service, modern Hamad Airport, stable Qatar-Iraq relations
• Flight time: 1.5-2 hours to Iraq
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• Emirates, flydubaihave daily flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, Najaf
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, many flights from Vietnam
• Flight time: 1.5-2.5 hours to Iraq
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

Amman (AMM), Jordan:

• Royal Jordanianhave regular flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf
• Advantages: Traditional hub for Iraq, flexible during pilgrimage season
• Disadvantages: Less connectivity from Asia

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Istanbul to Erbil (Safest)

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Erbil EBL

• Hãng : Turkish Airlines
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.000-2.000$USD
• Advantages: Erbil is significantly safer than Baghdad, more flights

Option 2: Via Doha to Erbil

Vietnam → Doha DOH → Erbil EBL

• Hãng : Qatar Airways
• Time: 14-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $1.100-2.200$USD
• Advantages: Premium service, stable

Option 3: Via Dubai

Vietnam → Dubai DXB → Erbil EBL/Baghdad BGW

• Hãng : Emirates, flydubai
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.200-2.000$USD
• Advantages: Many options, flexible

STRONG RECOMMENDATION: Only fly to Erbil (EBL), avoid Baghdad (BGW)unless absolutely necessary and with professional security measures.

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Middle East (IST/DOH/DXB/AMM): Minimum $3-4$hours (add buffer for strict security checks)
• Châu Âu(if applicable): Minimum$4-5$ hours

Other tickets (ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMENDED):

• Avoid splitting tickets due to extremely high risk of flight cancellation
• If unavoidable: Minimum $8-12$ hours and detailed contingency plans

Special Note: Flights to/from Iraq are often canceled or delayed due to the security situation. Always have a backup plan.

Visa and required documents – Complex process

Federal Iraq Visa (Baghdad and most areas):

• EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN: Requires an invitation letter from a Government of Iraq-approved organization/company
• No VOA for normal tourist purposes for Vietnamese citizens
• Process: Submit application at the Iraqi Embassy (usually in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur)
• Time: 2-4 weeks, may be rejected without reason

Visa Kurdistan Region Iraq (KRG) – Easier:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Erbil (EBL) or Sulaymaniyah (ISU) airport
• Cost: $75$ USD (USD cash only accepted)
• Time: 15-30 days
• Conditions: Passport 6 months, round-trip ticket, reservation confirmation
• IMPORTANT: KRG visa is only valid in Kurdistan, cannot enter Federal Iraq

Mandatory documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, absolutely no Israeli stamps
• Invitation letter from Iraq (for Federal Iraq)
• 2 passport-sized photos 4x6cm with white background
• Round-trip air ticket
• Travel insurance covering war zones ($500.000$ USD+)
• Health certificate

Safety and security – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Maximum security requirements (mandatory for Federal Iraq):

• Hire a professional private security company: Cannot be self-sufficient
• Travel by armored vehicle with bodyguards: Mandatory
• Stay in a hotel with strict security: Green Zone or equivalent
• 24/7 contact: With embassy, family, and security team
• Emergency evacuation plan: Always ready to leave Iraq

Actual security costs (unavoidable):

• Personal bodyguards: $300-600$USD/day
• Armored car with driver: $400-800$USD/day
• Safe accommodation: $200-1.000$USD/night
• Total security costs: $900-2.400$USD/day

Areas to avoid absolutely:

• Anbar, Salahuddin, Diyala: Ongoing ISIS activity
• Mosul and surrounding areas: Rebuilding, still dangerous
• Syrian, Iranian borders: Extremely dangerous
• Baghdad outside the Green Zone: High risk of attack

Relatively safer areas (caution still advised):

• Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah): Best security in Iraq
• Baghdad's Green Zone: Heavily protected diplomatic zone
• Najaf, Karbala: Religious cities, some security but still risky

Health and insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A, B: Mandatory
• Typhoid fever: Very important due to poor sanitation
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis: Recently updated
• Polio: May be required due to recurrent outbreaks
• Yellow Fever: If arriving from an endemic zone

Infectious Disease Prevention:

• Cholera: There are cases, drink only bottled water
• Leishmaniasis: Due to sandflies, use insect repellent with 30%+ DEET
• COVID-19: Weak healthcare system, extreme caution required

Mandatory health insurance:

• Minimum: $500.000$ USD acceptedwar zone
• Important: Must have air evacuation clause
• Note: Most regular insurance excludes Iraq

Currency and costs – CASH ONLY

Serious payment issues:

• International credit cards are completely unusable (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
• No international ATMs, PayPal, Western Union
• MUST bring USD cashfor the entire trip

Currency:

• Official : Iraqi Dinar (IQD), exchange rate $1USD\approx 1.300-1.500$ IQD
• Reality: USD widely accepted

Estimated actual costs:

If going to Kurdistan (Erbil) – Safer:

• Flight Tickets: $1.000-2.000$USD
• Hotel: $80-200$USD/night
• Food: $30-60$USD/day
• Basic security : $200-400$USD/day
• Total: $400-800$USD/day

If going to Federal Iraq (Baghdad) – Extremely dangerous:

• Professional security costs : $900-2.400$USD/day
• Total: $1.200-3.000$USD/day

Notes on cash:

• Bring new USD, not torn, not folded
• Divide money into multiple places for security
• Always have small bills for daily expenses

Timing and conditions

Winter (November-March) – The only possibility:

• Weather: $10-25°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Not too hot, few sandstorms
• Note: Still extremely dangerous in terms of security

Summer (April-October) – Avoid completely:

• Weather: $40-55°C$, extremely hot
• Double danger: Harsh weather + worse security

Culture and social regulations

Religion and society:

• Shia Islam: 60-65% (south)
• Sunni Islam: 32-37% (central, west)
• Strict regulations: Modest dress, respect religion

Mandatory dress:

• Women: Headscarf, modest full-length clothing (especially in Najaf, Karbala)
• Men: Long pants, sleeved shirts
• Alcohol: Strictly forbidden in Federal Iraq

Languages:

• Arabic: Official
• Kurdish: In Kurdistan
• English: Very limited, only in high-end hotels

Detailed preparation checklist

Mandatory documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months,no Israeli stamps
• Iraq Visa (Federal or Kurdistan VOA)
• Invitation letter from Iraq (for Federal Iraq)
• War insurance$500.000$USD+
• Register with the Embassybefore travel

Finance:

• USD Cashfor the whole trip ($400-3.000$USD/day)
• Split money in multiple secure places
• Budget 50% for emergencies

Security and communication:

• Contact local security companybefore arrival
• Satellite phonesfor emergencies
• Evacuation plandetails
• GPS trackerand tracking device

Medical:

• Full vaccinationat least 4 weeks prior
• Personal first-aid kitcomplete
• Personal medicationwith English prescription
• Water purifierpersonal

Clothing and supplies:

• Modest clothing: Women need a headscarf
• Type C/D/G Adapter(multi-purpose)
• : Power bankhigh capacity
• Local SIM: Zain, Asiacell, Korek

Conclusion and strong recommendation

Iraq is currently NOT a tourist destination. Travel to Iraq should only be undertaken for compelling reasons (humanitarian, diplomatic, journalistic) and with maximum professional security preparation.

If travel is unavoidable:

• Only to Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil)– safer than Baghdad
• Absolutely no self-sufficiency– always with a professional security team
• Prepare a large budget: $5.000-20.000$ USD for 1 week
• War insurance mandatory
• Register with the Embassy and regular reporting

Safest transit route:

• Istanbul Erbil(Turkish Airlines) – avoid Baghdad
• Doha Erbil(Qatar Airways) – premium service
• Dubai Erbil(Emirates) – many options

STRONG RECOMMENDATION: Iraq can wait until the situation stabilizes. Personal safety is always the top priority. Only go after carefully considering all risks and having a comprehensive security plan.

Serious warning: The situation in Iraq can change within hours. Always follow the latest security advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations. Only travel when absolutely necessary and fully prepared.