How to Plan a Trip to Erbil
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Iraq needs.
Your 4-step Erbil plan
Step 1 — Book flights to EBL
Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the main gateway to Erbil. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to EBLStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Sami Abdulrahman Park + Naz City for the best first-time visit — Modern upscale Erbil district with restaurants, cafés, malls.
Where to stay in ErbilStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Erbil Citadel (UNESCO), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Erbil.
Things to do in ErbilStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Careem / Kurdistan taxi apps is IQD 10,000-25,000 (~USD 7-19) and takes 20-40 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
EBL arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Kurdistan Regional Government has SEPARATE visa policy from federal Iraq — visa-free for 30+ nationalities (US, UK, EU, JP, KR, TR) up to 30 days at Erbil airport. Bring passport with 6-month validity. Federal Iraq visa (for Baghdad, Basra) is separate + more restrictive.