WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Iraq

Location

Climate

Seasons in Iraq: When to go?

Located in a desert region, Iraq experiences very hot, dry summers, with temperatures reaching 50°C. Winters are generally mild, but temperatures can sometimes drop below zero in certain mountainous regions. For this reason, the best time to visit Iraq is generally between october and aprilwhen temperatures are milder.

Religious holidays in Iraq: Calendar of events

Public holidays in Iraq are mainly based on the Islamic calendar, so some of them vary each year according to the phases of the moon. Here is a list of the main public holidays and cultural events you may encounter during your stay:

• Eid al-Fitr Ramadan: This festival celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrations last three days and are marked by prayers, banquets and visits to loved ones.
• Eid al-Adha Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this major religious event commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham. It takes place 70 days after Eid al-Fitr and also lasts three days.
• Ashoura Karbala Day: This is a day of fasting to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, at the battle of Karbala in 680. Religious processions and theatrical performances take place throughout the country.
• Mawlid This event celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is marked by readings from the Koran, poems and songs.
• National holidays Public holidays: Iraq also has several fixed national holidays, such as Republic Day (July 14) and Independence Day (October 3).

Please note that during these holidays, the banks, stock exchanges and certain shops may be closed or have reduced opening hours. It is therefore advisable to plan your activities accordingly.

Major cultural events in Iraq

In addition to public holidays, Iraq hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the most important ones not to be missed:

• Baghdad International Film Festival The annual event is a highlight for cinephiles, showcasing a selection of local and international films.
• Erbil Festival Kurdistan: This annual celebration takes place in the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and showcases Kurdish culture with concerts, art exhibitions and dance performances.
• National Heritage Day On April 21, this event celebrates Iraq's rich history and heritage with lectures, workshops and guided tours of archaeological and historical sites.

Low and high season in Iraq

As mentioned above, the best time to visit Iraq is between October and April. However, it is important to take into account the different low and high season periods, which can affect the cost and availability of accommodation and transport.

Low season

There low season in Iraq generally runs from May to September, when temperatures are high and the climate is dry. During this period, you'll find lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists. However, it's important to be well prepared to cope with the intense heat, always having water to hand and avoiding spending too much time outdoors during the hottest hours.

High season

There high season coincides with the cooler months, from October to April. During this period, temperatures are more pleasant and weather conditions are generally better for exploring the country's historical and cultural sites. However, it also means that tourist attractions can be busier, and hotel and transport prices can be slightly higher.

Immigration statistics for Iraq

Despite the difficult security and political situation, Iraq continues to welcome immigrants for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the main immigration trends:

• Foreign population : According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), it is estimated that around 300,000 foreign nationals will be living in Iraq by the end of 2020, a large proportion of them refugees and asylum seekers.
• Refugees : Iraq mainly hosts refugees from Syria, ofIran and of Türkiye. In 2020, nearly 247,000 Syrian refugees were registered in the country, according to the UNHCR.
• Asylum seekers : Asylum applications in Iraq have also increased in recent years, with around 20,000 asylum seekers registered in the country at the end of 2020, mainly fromIran and of Türkiye.

Most popular visas in Iraq

The types of visa issued by Iraq vary according to the needs and motivations of travelers. Here is an overview of the most commonly requested visas:

• Tourist visa : Despite security challenges, Iraq continues to welcome international tourists, particularly to visit the country's religious and historical sites. Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days.
• Business visa: Many international companies have interests in Iraq, particularly in the oil sector. Business visas are therefore commonly requested by people making business trips.
• Work visa: Foreign workers make up a significant proportion of the workforce in Iraq, particularly in the construction, education and health sectors. Work visas are issued to foreign nationals who have obtained a work contract with an Iraqi employer.
• Student visa: Although less frequent, Iraq also welcomes international students to its universities and institutions of higher education. Student visas are issued to those admitted to study in Iraq.

International tourism figures for Iraq

Iraq's tourism sector has had its ups and downs, due in part to the volatile security situation. However, the country continues to attract tourists for a variety of reasons:

• Religious tourism: Iraq is home to some of the most important religious sites for Shiite Muslims, such as the holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit these sites for religious celebrations such as Ashura and Arbain.
• Cultural tourism : The country also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that attracts tourists. Must-see sites include the ancient Mesopotamian cities of Ur, Uruk and Babylon, as well as the Assyrian ruins of Nimrud and Khorsabad.
• Adventure tourism : The mountainous regions of Iraqi Kurdistan offer trekking, climbing and other outdoor activities for adventure seekers.

International tourist arrivals in Iraq

Statistics on international tourist arrivals in Iraq are limited, but it is estimated that around 1.5 million foreign visitors visited the country in 2019. The majority of these tourists were religious pilgrims from Iran and other countries in the region.

Tourism revenues in Iraq

Tourism represents an important source of income for Iraq. In 2018, international tourism revenues amounted to around US$1.4 billion, according to World Bank data. However, this figure is likely to fluctuate depending on the security and political situation in the country.