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November 12th to 20th: Federal Iraq – LEARN MORE
November 22nd to 28th: Iraqi Kurdistan – LEARN MORE
Located in the far north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan is today a safe but turbulent region, home to some of the most breathtaking landscape in the Middle East, composed of green mountains with snow-capped peaks that, definitely, will break with all the stereotypes you have about Iraq.
Iraqi Kurdistan is no desert and, most importantly, it is not a war zone filled with ISIS terrorists but an autonomous region which, for the last couple of years, has done a tremendous job defending its borders.
It is in fact, one of the safest countries in the Middle East and the most ultimate destination for travelers looking for something unique, very off the beaten track, and who are willing to meet the Kurds, a very proud and brave nation, who turn out to also be some of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered, with similar experiences to Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan.
From visiting a Syrian refugee camp to remote Christian monasteries and millennial villages, discovering Sadam Hussein’s heritage and learning from the conflict against ISIS, Kurdistan may be the high point of all your backpacking travels.
I have visited the country three times, here you have all my travel tips for Iraqi Kurdistan.
This guide focus on the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan.
For the rest of Iraq, including Mosul, Baghdad, Basra, etc. check:
How to travel to Federal Iraq
COVID-19 travel restrictions for Iraqi Kurdistan
For entering Iraqi Kurdistan, you must show you vaccine certificate.
Non-vaccinated travelers can enter with a negative PCR test.
A PCR test is also mandatory when leaving Kurdistan
Which you can do at Zanko Health Center in Erbil, for a 30USD fee.
You can pick up your results after 24 hours.
Travel Insurance for Iraqi Kurdistan with COVID-19 coverage
IATI Insurance is one of the few providers that offers full Coronavirus coverage, not only when it comes to treatment, but also cancellations costs in case you tested positive before departure.
And not only this, but it’s one of the few insurance providers that gives coverage for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan.
Readers of Against the Compass can get an exclusive 5% discount.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Travel Blog – Against the Compass…