Highlights of Kurdistan

Notes

Essentials

Visas
Most nationalities, including the UK, US and EU nationalities, are granted visas upon arrival at Erbil airport, which are valid for ten days. Regulations can and do change and so we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the most up to date information.

Airport Tax
No departure tax currently applies when leaving Iraq by air.

Health and Immunisations
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis.

Insurance
What should my travel insurance policy cover?

• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad

• 24 hour emergency service and assistance

• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property

• lost and stolen possessions cover

• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover

• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover

• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions
Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The currency in Iraqi Kurdistan is the Iraqi Dinar. For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com.

Where currency can be exchanged
It’s relatively easy to exchange money in Iraq’s larger towns and cities – either at banks or moneychangers. However once you get away from the main centres it can become more difficult, so we recommend that you change enough money in major towns to last you through until you reach the next one. ATM machines are usually widely available. It’s best to bring foreign currency in US dollars.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
It is not possible to change travellers’ cheques or use credit cards in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Best time to go
The best time to visit Kurdistan is from February to May and September to November.

Main Language
The main language spoken in the region is Kurdish. This is split into two different dialects – Kurmanji, spoken mainly in Dohuk, and Sorani which is spoken mainly in Erbil and Suleimaniyah. You will find that many people have a good grasp of English, although the further away from larger towns you go, the less likely this is to be the case.

Main Religion
Iraqi Kurdistan is predominantly Sunni Moslem, with significant minorities of Christians and Yezidis.

Food and drink
Kurdish cuisine is based on lamb, chicken, rice and bread, and the use of many fresh herbs and vegetables. Fish served in restaurants is often barbecued over an open fire to make a traditional Iraqi dish called mazgouf. Fresh fruit or paklava, a Middle Eastern flaky pastry and nut dessert, is usually served after the main course. While many types of fruit and vegetables are available throughout the year, seasonal and local products, such as wild asparagus, native rhubarb, green almonds and buffalo yoghurt, are highly prized and enjoyed. Black tea with sugar is the most popular beverage both inside and outside the home.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

As a rough guide, a simple meal will cost around $5-10, while something more elaborate will cost $15-30 or more depending on where you eat.

Transport 
Our tours in Iraq use either minibuses or cars which although not luxurious are perfectly comfortable.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night – in some areas it can get quite cool in the mountains. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun. You should make sure that you bring a waterproof jacket for any rainy days.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines

Women should not enter mosques unless specifically told they can do so and you should always refer to your guide regarding dress code and behaviour in and near religious sites.

You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Haggling is a way of life in the Middle East when making many purchases, especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept, and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this, it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

Please make sure that you take any rubbish back to the hotels with you where it can be properly disposed of – this includes cigarette butts as well.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is common practise in Iraqi Kurdistan. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few dollars will always be gratefully received.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Iraq that we visit. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or if would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Iraqi Kurdistan:
1 Jan Independence Day.
6 Jan Armed Forces Day
21 Mar Nowruz
9 Apr Liberation Day.
17 Apr FAO Day
1 May Labour Day
14 Jul Republic Day
27 Jul Anniversary of Shi’ite Rebellion
8 Aug Ceasefire Day
3 Oct National Day
25 Dec Christmas Day

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year.

Electrical Supply
Electrical supply is 220V and plugs usually have two round pins like most European countries or three pins as in the UK. It is recommended that you take a multi adaptor plug.

Recommended Reading

Iraq – Then and Now – The Bradt Guide
Geoff Hann and Karen Dabrowska

Sweet Tea with Cardamom
Teresa Thornhill

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 10/1/11

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674