Iraq : Safety by CityBaghdad is the capital of Iraq, and the second-largest Arab city after Cairo, with a population of around 7 million.
It is also the second-largest city in Western Asia after Tehran.
Baghdad is, unfortunately, currently in an extremely dangerous security situation, under a very high threat of terrorist attack and very high threat of kidnapping.
Baghdad used to be a vibrant city full of life and energy, but nowadays, people hardly go out in the streets, parks, and souqs anymore, not because it is unsafe, but because it is neglected and dirty.
Street potholes, broken and dirty sidewalks, and shabby dirty buildings with broken facades are everywhere.
Still, the city’s soul lies within and can be felt only if you look for it.
Warnings & Dangers in Baghdad
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Baghdad isn't the safest country to visit, because of its complicated political situation and turmoil that took over the country and its neighbors. Unfortunately, at this time, there's a very high threat of terrorist attacks and a very high threat of kidnapping in this city.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorist groups make transportation through the country rather difficult. What people use is a fully armored car or Rhino (armored bus). Within the confines of the International Zone, you can ride a free shuttle bus service. You can also go on foot to some parts within the International Zone or ride a bicycle.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty crime in Baghdad exists and if you do leave your accommodation be careful in crowded places such as bus and train stations and keep your valuables in your accommodation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Iraq sits on an active seismic zone and there is a risk of tremors and earthquakes in Baghdad, as well as the floodings and droughts.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crime has been on the rise during the past three years. There have also been some kidnappings involving foreigners. Traveling in groups is recommended in Baghdad. Avoid any suspicious parts of the city or going out at all after dark.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Baghdad. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups like Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks. Remain vigilant at all times.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams are the least of your problems if you're in Baghdad, but yes, there are scammers here that will try to trick you. Double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Baghdad isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their gender, not to walk around Baghdad, be it during day or night, as the country is essentially in the state of warfare.
So... How Safe Is Baghdad Really?
Baghdad, unfortunately, isn’t too safe to travel to.
However, since Baghdad is a huge city, there are very safe areas and some that aren’t.
If you’re going to stroll along ordinary streets of Baghdad, wear clothes that don’t distinguish you from others, because it might make others have wrong assumptions about you.
If it is necessary to visit Baghdad, then remain cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times, and consult your embassy before you leave.
If you go to Baghdad and you have certain opinions on its history, religion and the sectarian warfare that has been going on for over a decade, keep it to yourself as expressing these opinions in certain areas can end with fatal consequences.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid any religious or political discussions.
Baghdad can have leftover mines in secluded areas of the city, so do not stray anywhere, do not walk into fields, especially unmarked ones unless you’re guided by someone who knows the area or is sure that it’s safe.
It would be best not to go anywhere without an escort from the Iraqi army.
Visiting Baghdad definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you want to visit it for a short time, it’s okay and you probably won’t have a bad experience – just apply all precautions measures.
How Does Baghdad Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Baghdad | 43 |
| Basra | 51 |
| Najaf | 49 |
| Kirkuk | 47 |
| Sulaymaniyah | 68 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa to enter Baghdad. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Iraqi embassy for more information.
Currency
The Iraqi dinar is the official currency in Baghdad. ATMs exist throughout the city and are mostly located outside of banks.
Weather
The climate in Baghdad is mostly mild, though extremes to both ends can occur. The average temperature in Baghdad can range from scorching hot in July and August to below freezing in January. It receives plenty of precipitation, mostly within a period between December and April.
Airports
Baghdad International Airport, formerly referred to as Saddam International Airport, is Baghdad's largest and main international airport. It is located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Baghdad, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Baghdad Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 19 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 42 | 44 | 44 | 40 | 33 | 24 | 18 |
| Low °C | 6 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 12 | 7 |
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 75 | 86 | 97 | 108 | 111 | 111 | 104 | 91 | 75 | 64 |
| Low °F | 43 | 48 | 54 | 64 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 68 | 54 | 45 |
Iraq - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Baghdad | 43 |
| Basra | 51 |
| Kirkuk | 47 |
| Najaf | 49 |
| Sulaymaniyah | 68 |
Please Be Careful
It was so dangerous, I saw a pickpocketer scam a woman….. be very careful when you go
Very nice
Yeah suuuure Lucy
Country at war?
Why would you travel to a country that is at war?
If Detroit was a country
The whole country reminds me of Highland Park Michigan it was horrible
Awesome relocating soon
Verrrryyy goood
Best country i have visited
It’s really not to safe Iraq because 2021 is getting worse and really sad 😢.
Bad
It's an ok country
Baghdad and Iraq itself is quite safe as long as u don’t travel alone or slip into any dodgy areas.
Oh and avoid the borders
Truth
Idk what terrorism you guys are talking about !! Everything is almost sound and safe , kidnapping rates are 3.7 : 1000000 (better than US) we rarely hear of somebody getting kidnapped .. and if so then he’s a relative of some politician .
Baghdad is getting allot better specially after defeating isis back in 2018 , and baghdad was untouched by isis and all the battles were outside the capital city .
I want to travel to Iraq is it safe to go please I need your advice
Great
It is safe I visited this year it was great, the people are the nicest people you will ever meet. Iraq hasn’t been doing great due to its corrupt government, but the people are great. don’t go to Dodgy areas and make sure to keep you stuff in a secure location on you body like pocket with a zipper to be extra safe.
My fiancé is stationed in Bagdad and does not want me to visit. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon and I value his opinion .
My fiancé’ is stationed there in the US Army. He does not want me to visit him there because of safety reasons. He says that one should dress closely to how the native people do. Stay away from religious talks , remaining vigilant and safe.
Because he lives in an Army base obviously not safe
Iraq is safe
S.Morrison america is the reason why Iraq has such a bad reputation. And your husband is lying Baghdad is safe I have been there
its ok.
Nearly do we hear about kidnaps and 90 % of missing children in Baghdad is not due to kidnapping, They either ran away, or got killed and stuff like that, its just better not to travel alone there. Maybe go with a guardian, I was first scared to go there but later on I realized that ill be safe with 11 people in my household. (please just be safe)
I love my country Iraq and proud to be from Iraq
Naa it’s not that dangerous!! A lot of tourists, Vlogers, YouTubers are coming n go safely without having any problem, but of course, you need to plan it ahead with a trusty guide or well-known tourist company
🙂 despite the wars n the corruption Baghdad is such a beautiful city Iraq full with the oldest historical sites, beside Iraqis are genuinely kind and generous
What the hell is this article!!! It’s like an advertisement for not even thinking about traveling to iraq smh, anyway Baghdad and iraq are generally very safe now and i don’t know what the writer mean by people don’t go out and it’s a ghost city?!! Like seriously Baghdad is one of the busiest cities ever and people go out all the time to the parks and malls cinemas and other places also i as a girl myself think it’s safe for women but still you can see people looking and stuff but that’s about it… people here really like foreigners and would like them to visit more and you can go see some YouTubers who actually visited all of iraq to make sure that the situation is safe.. of course iraq suffered from wars and corruption for many years which lead to a decline in services but there are beautiful places in Baghdad and iraq from north to south, and for transportation we don’t use buses here as much but there are a lot of taxis and also we have an app called careem which is for ordering taxis it’s just like uber in the US . There is definitely no mines in Baghdad I’ve lived my whole life here and that’s the first time i hear about it 😂😂😂 and you definitely don’t need an escort from the iraqi army but you might need a guide or some iraq friend or translator who would show you around and take you the places you would enjoy.
I hope people don’t believe everything thats said on the internet by ignorants and try to look for the real iraq which is full of a lot of what you might like, be safe and have fun!
Travel to Baghdad
I want to travel to Baghdad please I need people. Advice if it’s very safe to go or not
Please there is one of my friends that said I should come to that state please I need more on it bc I normally had that they used to fight alot I am scared 😨😳😨😳 self
My fear is gone
Thanks because am afraid to go but thanks to your advice my cousin is there she tell me to come I say no
But now my fear is gone,she lives in Baghdad thank you
I am also planning to there, please is it safe?
Lies
Baghdad is very safe a lot safer than London from experience and I have lived in both amd what surprised me is the health care is really good if you go private which is usually max 100 dollars so really good, unlike anything the media says
Its safe now don’t know what you are talking about
what usually languange used in Iraq?