Is it safe to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan? [closed]
Considering the current situation with ISIS in Iraq, is it safe for U.S. citizens to travel to Erbil and other major cities (Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah) in the Kurdish provinces in Iraq? Are there any U.S.-based travel agencies that could help arrange a tour of the region?
safety event-based-effects iraqi-kurdistan iraq
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
closed as primarily opinion-based by CMaster, JoErNanO♦, Berwyn, David Richerby, JonathanReez♦ Jul 8 '16 at 13:25
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |
Considering the current situation with ISIS in Iraq, is it safe for U.S. citizens to travel to Erbil and other major cities (Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah) in the Kurdish provinces in Iraq? Are there any U.S.-based travel agencies that could help arrange a tour of the region?
safety event-based-effects iraqi-kurdistan iraq
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
closed as primarily opinion-based by CMaster, JoErNanO♦, Berwyn, David Richerby, JonathanReez♦ Jul 8 '16 at 13:25
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
1
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
1
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45
add a comment |
Considering the current situation with ISIS in Iraq, is it safe for U.S. citizens to travel to Erbil and other major cities (Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah) in the Kurdish provinces in Iraq? Are there any U.S.-based travel agencies that could help arrange a tour of the region?
safety event-based-effects iraqi-kurdistan iraq
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
Considering the current situation with ISIS in Iraq, is it safe for U.S. citizens to travel to Erbil and other major cities (Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah) in the Kurdish provinces in Iraq? Are there any U.S.-based travel agencies that could help arrange a tour of the region?
safety event-based-effects iraqi-kurdistan iraq
safety event-based-effects iraqi-kurdistan iraq
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
edited Jul 8 '16 at 6:30
JonathanReez♦
49.8k41237510
49.8k41237510
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
asked Jul 8 '16 at 1:07
AustinAustin
333
333
closed as primarily opinion-based by CMaster, JoErNanO♦, Berwyn, David Richerby, JonathanReez♦ Jul 8 '16 at 13:25
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as primarily opinion-based by CMaster, JoErNanO♦, Berwyn, David Richerby, JonathanReez♦ Jul 8 '16 at 13:25
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
1
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
1
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45
add a comment |
1
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
1
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45
1
1
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
1
1
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
I travelled to Erbil two months back. You should not have any issues but it is not advised to stay for many weeks. The same is not the case with Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. During my stay I was advised to not leave Erbil city because of possibility of widespread terror attacks. However, i am not sure if this qualifies for all types of trips. It is not a place for tourism at this point of time. However, if you are on some sort of business trip it should be quite safe.
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I travelled to Erbil two months back. You should not have any issues but it is not advised to stay for many weeks. The same is not the case with Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. During my stay I was advised to not leave Erbil city because of possibility of widespread terror attacks. However, i am not sure if this qualifies for all types of trips. It is not a place for tourism at this point of time. However, if you are on some sort of business trip it should be quite safe.
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
add a comment |
I travelled to Erbil two months back. You should not have any issues but it is not advised to stay for many weeks. The same is not the case with Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. During my stay I was advised to not leave Erbil city because of possibility of widespread terror attacks. However, i am not sure if this qualifies for all types of trips. It is not a place for tourism at this point of time. However, if you are on some sort of business trip it should be quite safe.
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
add a comment |
I travelled to Erbil two months back. You should not have any issues but it is not advised to stay for many weeks. The same is not the case with Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. During my stay I was advised to not leave Erbil city because of possibility of widespread terror attacks. However, i am not sure if this qualifies for all types of trips. It is not a place for tourism at this point of time. However, if you are on some sort of business trip it should be quite safe.
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
I travelled to Erbil two months back. You should not have any issues but it is not advised to stay for many weeks. The same is not the case with Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. During my stay I was advised to not leave Erbil city because of possibility of widespread terror attacks. However, i am not sure if this qualifies for all types of trips. It is not a place for tourism at this point of time. However, if you are on some sort of business trip it should be quite safe.
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
answered Jul 8 '16 at 11:20
DarthVaderDarthVader
2,44431741
2,44431741
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
add a comment |
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
1
1
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Perhaps you could answer another question about Kurdistan? :)
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 11:46
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
Nope. I was there for a little under 6 days and I had nothing to do with a blood test. And it seems like the user wanted this info a year ago :)
– DarthVader
Jul 8 '16 at 11:53
1
1
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
+1 I know a few people who've been to Erbil recently on business related trips - security is tight. I wouldn't go there on holiday though because a) you'd be an unnecessary burden on security, b) consensus seems to be, it's pretty dull (for obvious reasons), c) you really should have a reliable, professional local contact to make sure you're travelling safely, only have safe drivers, etc.
– user568458
Jul 8 '16 at 15:27
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Yeah that's true. Make sure you take a room in one of the established hotels near the city center. Or in one of the residential "villages" which come with their own security personnel.
– DarthVader
Jul 9 '16 at 8:14
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
Looking go do some dissertation research in Erbil, so I'd need to be there for several weeks. I'm looking to establish a research affiliation and find a reliable local host; not looking to go too far afield.
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:43
add a comment |
1
The State Department says it's not safe, even in the areas you've mentioned.
– Michael Hampton
Jul 8 '16 at 6:37
@MichaelHampton it says the same about Crimea, which is perfectly safe. I'm not saying Kurdistan is safe to visit, but the State Department is not always correct.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 8 '16 at 9:04
1
Safe by what standard? Where in the world do you consider "safe" enough?
– CMaster
Jul 8 '16 at 11:16
I've found that State travel warnings are not always a reliable signal of the security situation on the ground -- Uganda and Vietnsm were great trios despite the warnings. Both were considerably safer than my hometown of Southside Chicago!
– Austin
Jul 9 '16 at 12:45