Chapter 3: Getting Started

If you have any comments or suggestions about the Guide, or if you would like to initiate your return process, please contact us by email at info@the-return.co

Returning to Iraq begins long before you arrive. This chapter covers the practical steps to take before departure, helping you prepare documents, finances, logistics, and expectations so your transition is as smooth as possible.

1. Check Your Documents

Before making travel arrangements, ensure that all essential documents are in order.

Passport validity:
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date.
Iraqi documents (if applicable):
If you hold an Iraqi passport, nationality certificate, civil ID, or have access to your parents’ Iraqi documents, bring them with you. These documents can significantly simplify entry procedures and administrative steps upon arrival.
Visa requirements:
Visa rules depend on your nationality.
- Some travelers must apply for an e-visa in advance.
- Others may obtain a visa on arrival.
- If you have Iraqi nationality or qualifying Iraqi documents, you do not need a visa.
- If your foreign passport states that you were born in Iraq, you do not need a visa when entering the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG).

Always check the most recent entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.

2. What to Bring With You

Preparing what you physically bring with you is just as important as preparing paperwork and travel logistics. Having the right documents, backups, and essentials can save significant time, stress, and repeat travel later.

1. Original Documents and Copies

If you are planning a permanent or long-term stay, bring original versions of all key documents whenever possible. Some administrative processes in Iraq require originals, and replacing them from abroad can be difficult or slow.

2. Medications and Prescriptions

Bring an adequate supply of any medications you rely on, along with:

Written prescriptions
A brief medical summary if applicable

Many medications are available in Iraq without prescriptions, but some specialized or regulated medications may not be easily accessible, or brand equivalents may differ.

3. Electronics, Power, and Utilities

Electricity standards differ, and preparation can prevent damage or inconvenience:

Bring plug adapters
Some electronics may require voltage converters, especially devices from the United States (e.g., hair dryers)
Check whether your devices are dual-voltage

A power bank is strongly recommended, especially during travel or power interruptions

3. Travel Insurance and Health Preparation

Travel insurance (optional but recommended):
While not mandatory, travel insurance can be helpful, especially during your initial period in Iraq.
- Check whether your Visa or Mastercard includes travel insurance.
- Consider international providers or local insurance options.
- Some e-visa applications include an insurance option (such as Hamraa insurance).
Vaccinations:
Ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
Informing your embassy (optional):
Notifying your country’s embassy or consulate of your presence in Iraq can be useful in case of emergencies or administrative needs.

4. Packing and Shipping Your Belongings

It is important to know that almost everything you need is available in Iraq, at a wide range of prices. Daily necessities, clothing, electronics, and household items are easily accessible. For this reason, many returnees choose to travel light.

That said, consider bringing items that are essential or difficult to replace for personal, professional, or medical reasons.

Suggested items to consider:

Important documents (originals and copies)
Personal electronics and chargers
Prescription medication (with documentation)
Comfortable footwear

Clothing and personal items:

Modest clothing, particularly for rural or conservative areas
Weather-appropriate layers (mountain areas can be cold)
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen

5. Planning Your Travel and Arrival

Itinerary planning:
If you are arriving initially as a visitor or exploring different regions, plan your itinerary in advance. Refer to the tourism section of this guide for suggestions.
Currency:
Bring USD or EUR in cash. These can be exchanged easily at airports or local exchange offices.
Mobile phone compatibility:
Ensure your phone supports local SIM cards so you can connect immediately upon arrival.

6. Maintaining a Base Abroad vs. Shipping Your Belongings

Depending on your return plans, you may choose one of two approaches:

Maintaining an address abroad:
If family members remain in your country of residence, you may be able to keep a postal address or residence there. This allows you to:
- Store belongings without shipping everything to Iraq
- Manage administrative matters (taxes, banking, documentation)
- Maintain flexibility during the transition period
Permanent relocation:
If you plan to settle permanently in Iraq, you may choose to ship your belongings using international moving or shipping companies. These services often offer door-to-door delivery and handle customs procedures.

In both cases, it is highly recommended to register with your country’s embassy or consulate in Iraq. Most countries have at least:

An embassy in Baghdad
A consulate in Erbil

Registration helps with document renewal, administrative matters, and access to consular support.

Staying connected with expatriate communities and cultural institutes can also ease integration. For example, institutions such as the Goethe-Institut or Institut Français in Baghdad and Erbil regularly organize cultural and educational events that support social and professional connections.

As part of this broader process of return mobility, staying in touch with consular and embassy services ensures that you can manage ongoing administrative affairs while maintaining a smooth and flexible transition between your countries of residence and origin. However, it is worth noting that some countries impose restrictions on activities that require legal residence. For instance, Sweden operates an integrated administrative system that makes it difficult to carry out certain procedures, such as obtaining a mobile phone number, without maintaining permanent residency there.

7. Driving License Considerations

Most driving licenses issued in Western countries are recognized in Iraq.

It is strongly recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling.
With a valid foreign license and an IDP, you can legally drive private vehicles throughout Iraq.
In the Kurdistan Region, it is possible to obtain a local driving license valid for one year and renewable through the Traffic Police Department.
An official Iraqi driving license cannot be issued solely based on a foreign license; passing the local driving test is required.

Arriving with proper documentation allows you to drive legally and confidently from the start.

8. Informing Authorities in Your Country of Residence

Depending on your nationality, you may need to inform authorities in your country of residence before leaving, particularly for:

Tax obligations
Social benefits
Residency status

This process varies by country (e.g. France, Canada, USA, UK, Sweden) and should be checked individually before departure.

9. Preparing Enough Cash

Iraq remains a largely cash-based economy.

Most daily expenses (food, transport, services) are paid in cash.
Card payments are limited and unreliable outside certain hotels and businesses.
ATMs exist, but often charge high fees and have withdrawal limits.

Best practices:

Arrive with enough cash to cover several months of expenses, depending on your situation.
Exchange money at local exchange offices, which usually offer better rates than banks.
Informal transfer systems such as hawala (حوالة) are commonly used and widely trusted.

You may legally carry up to 10,000 USD when entering Iraq; amounts above this must be declared at customs.

Careful financial planning is essential, especially since rent is often the largest expense and varies greatly by city and neighborhood.

10. Arrival and Immediate Needs

The first days after arriving in Iraq are a transition period. Focusing on a few essential steps early on will make settling in smoother and reduce stress as you begin your return journey.

1. Entry Procedures

Entry procedures vary depending on where you enter Iraq and your legal status.Kurdistan Region airports (Erbil, Sulaymaniah) operate under KRG authorities, while federal airports (Baghdad, Basra, Kirkuk) operate under the central Iraqi government.

Iraqi citizens may enter using an Iraqi passport or recognized Iraqi documentation.
For returnees without Iraqi documents, entry is sometimes possible without a visa if you can present convincing proof that one or both parents are Iraqi (such as copies of parents’ Iraqi IDs, nationality certificates, or old records). In practice, this depends on:

The individual passport control officer
The clarity and credibility of the documents presented
The point of entry

⚠️ Entry without a visa in such cases is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as a formal right. This topic is addressed in more detail in Chapter 2 (Citizenship & Residency).

Keeping printed and digital copies of all personal and family documents is strongly recommended.

2. Temporary Accommodation

Most returnees begin with short-term accommodation before securing permanent housing. Common options include:

Staying with family or relatives
Hotels or guesthouses
Short-term furnished apartments

Starting with temporary accommodation allows time to:

Explore neighborhoods
Compare prices and living conditions
Complete administrative procedures before committing to a lease

Further details on housing options are covered in Chapter 4: Housing and Accommodation.

3. Local SIM Card and Connectivity

Obtaining a local SIM card is one of the first practical steps after arrival.

SIM cards are available at airports, mobile provider offices, and authorized shops.
A passport or Iraqi ID is typically required for registration.
Prepaid plans are affordable and easy to activate.

For detailed information on providers, coverage, pricing, and internet options, see Chapter 4: Communication and Internet.

4. Transportation from the Airport

Transportation is readily available at all major airports, but costs vary significantly.

Airport taxis are the most accessible option but are considerably more expensive than regular city taxis.
- A ride that would normally cost around $5 inside the city may cost $15–$25 from the airport, which is the normal price for “Airport Taxi”.
- Prices depend on distance and vehicle type and size.
- Airport taxis can pick up directly from the terminal, where regular city taxis, and othe cars are not permitted, only Airport Taxi, Shuttle bus (the usual choice), special coordination car.
Pickup by family or friends is often the most economical and comfortable option.
- After exiting the secure terminal area, free shuttle buses transport passengers to the meet-and-greet halls (arrivals/departures), where non-passengers are allowed.
- Any shuttle bus can be used; no ticket is required. (Erbil International Airport)

Erbil International Airport, for example, is approximately 10 minutes from Ankawa, making pickups relatively easy.

5. Currency Exchange and Cash Access

Cash remains essential in Iraq, especially during the first weeks.

The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Iraq is 1,320 IQD per USD, but the market rate fluctuates daily and typically ranges between 1,400–1,490 IQD, occasionally reaching 1,530 IQD.
Airport exchange counters usually apply the official rate, which is less favorable.
ATMs often dispense Iraqi dinars at the official rate and may charge additional fees.

For these reasons:

Arriving with sufficient cash (USD) is generally the most practical option.
Cash can later be exchanged locally or added to digital wallets if needed.

6. Short-Term Logistics While Settling In

During the first days and weeks, returnees often focus on:

Exchanging currency and securing cash
Understanding electricity, water, and gas arrangements
Locating nearby shops, pharmacies, and services
Beginning registration procedures if staying long-term

This initial phase is about orientation rather than permanence. Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed at first is normal, and most aspects of daily life become clearer with time and routine. Further details on utilities, transportation, banking, housing, and social integration are covered in the following sections of this guide.