1st July 2021, London, UK: In a surprising move, the government of Iraq has introduced a new visa on arrival system, making Iraq one of the easiest countries in the world to visit right now.  

Iraq may not be high on most travellers' lists, but after years of war and uncertainty the country is changing for the better. In a bid to act on their new ministerial strategy, the Iraqi government, which inherited a heavy legacy of hostility and distrust from the former regime, claims it is determined to revive its rich heritage and its people.

A part of these efforts is focussed on the tourism industry, where the tourism boards of Iraq and the northern state of Kurdistan are now actively promoting archaeological and nature tourism. On top of this, in a surprising move, the government have announced that visas are now easily available on arrival for a cost of $75, something that in previous years has made visiting Iraq near impossible.

James Willcox, founder of adventure travel company Untamed Borders, who have been running trips to Iraq since 2016 and were the first travel company to offer ski trips to the country, explains that "sorting Iraqi visas for our guests used to be a Kafkaesque experience. It would involve documentation from three different ministries in Baghdad, requiring all guests to send their passports to us in the UK and then queuing for hours at the Iraqi embassy in London, with no guarantee that they would even be approved. Now, you just pay your $75 on arrival. Pre-Covid we took between 30-40 guests to Iraq every year, and with the new visa system, we know this number will grow.”

Often described as the cradle of civilization and the heart of Mesopotamia, Iraq is seeping in ancient history. However, Iraq offers so much more to visitors than just archaeological sites. From Baghdad, once the centre of Islamic learning and known as the house of wisdom, to the mountains in the North and the marshes of the south, trips to Iraq are so diverse, each day bringing completely different experiences.

Even Pope Francis couldn't resist a visit earlier this year, making history as the first Pope to ever visit Iraq.

"If Saddam had been a smart man, Iraq would have been a bigger tourist destination than Egypt." Paula Froelich, New York Times Bestselling Author.

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Untamed Borders Iraq Itineraries:

Iraq: Cradle of Civilization 

A 9-day trip into the heartland of Iraq, travelling the region bound by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Tracing back through history, we will travel to the centres of some of humanity's first civilisations, visiting the ancient Sumerian sites of Uruk, ancient Babylon, and the riches preserved at the National Museum of Iraq. Visit Samarra, a UNESCO world heritage site with an iconic spiral minaret, and the arch of Ctesiphon. We will then explore modern Iraq, mingling with the pilgrims in Karbala and Najaf, two of the most sacred sites in Shi'a Islam, as well as visiting some of Saddam Hussein's old palaces. Finally, we will venture into Iraq's lush marshlands by boat to the point where the two great rivers of antiquity join to create the Shatt al- Arab waterway. From $3,600.

Iraqi Kurdistan

This 7-day trip explores the Northern area of Iraq, Kurdistan, taking in the cultural, geographical and historical highlights as well as getting a greater understanding of life in this semi-autonomous region of Iraq. the trip encompasses many natural sights: from blue waterfalls to steep gorges, deep caves and spectacular mountains between Dohuk and Soran. We explore the regions cultural and ethnic diversity by taking in Christian monasteries, and the spiritual home of the Yazidi people as well as places that give us an understanding of modern Iraq including one of Saddams' palaces and the notorious Red Prison in Sulaymaniyah. From $2,100

Ski Iraq

A country more associated with deserts has some vast mountainous terrain in the northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region which we will explore with a qualified international ski guide. Using the experience the Untamed Borders team has of guiding and climbing in Iraq, we have identified areas that offer some exciting ski touring terrain. From $2,400.

Further reading and information:

About Iraq

Situated between the Euphrates and the Tigris, ancient Mesopotamia pre-dates written history. Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian empires controlled the region, leaving behind a bounty of historical sites and artefacts like lonely desert forts and spiralling minarets. The diverse geographical landscape boasts deserts, marshes, bustling cities and mountains, including the Zagros Mountains where Untamed Borders run ski trips each Winter.  

The Arab Islamic conquest in the 7th century paved the way for the establishment of Islam, which continues to be an important part of the countries culture. Iraq is host to the two holy places of Shia Islam, Najaf and Karbala, as well as the spiritual home of the Yazidi people, Lalish. Beyond the awe-inspiring sites and landscapes, above all, the hospitality of the people across the country, from the Arabs in the South to the Kurds in the North, is often the lasting memory for most visitors. 

How Safe is Iraq?

Iraq has seen security improve dramatically since the fall of ISIS. However there are still risks involved in travelling. Areas in the North West and West of the country still are very sensitive while protests often occur across the whole of the country. For these reasons it is best to travel with a guide or operator.

About Untamed Borders

Founded in 2007, adventure travel company Untamed Borders runs bespoke trips and small group adventures to some of the world's most interesting and inaccessible places. Specialising in trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Middle East, East Africa, former Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus, Untamed Borders takes over 250 guests a year to unusual and largely unvisited areas of the world.

Originally formed by professional fixers supporting journalists wanting to access difficult areas of the world, Untamed Borders still also serves media professionals today. Travelling in small groups and using local guides, the Untamed Borders mission is to add positive benefit to the countries they visit.

For more information or images please contact elise@untamedborders.com