Iraq Travel Itinerary - Visa Application Document body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #000000; color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; padding: 40px 20px; } .container { max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; } header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong { color: #ffffff; } h1 { font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .document-meta { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 30px; } .itinerary-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; } .day-box { background-color: #000000; border: 2px solid #000000; outline: 1px solid #333333; padding: 20px; page-break-inside: avoid; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; } .day-header h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.4rem; } .day-header .location { font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; } .activity-list { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .activity-list li { margin-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 15px; position: relative; } .activity-list li::before { content: "-"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; } .highlight { font-weight: bold; } footer { margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #000000; } .tips-section { margin-bottom: 20px; } .tips-section h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; } .tips-list { list-style-type: square; padding-left: 20px; font-size: 0.95rem; } .tips-list li { margin-bottom: 8px; } .official-note { text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-top: 30px; } @media print { body { background-color: #ffffff !important; color: #000000 !important; padding: 0; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong, .location { color: #000000 !important; } .day-box { background-color: #ffffff !important; border: 2px solid #000000 !important; outline: none !important; margin-bottom: 20px; box-shadow: none !important; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000 !important; } footer { border-top: 1px solid #000000 !important; } @page { margin: 2cm; } } Travel Itinerary Destination: Republic of Iraq (Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Najaf, Samarra, Erbil) Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Purpose of Travel: Tourism & Historical/Spiritual Heritage Day 1 - Baghdad: Arrival and the City of Peace Flight Arrival & Transfer: Depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka and arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) via a connecting flight (common layovers include Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul). Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Iraqi National Museum: Head to the National Museum of Iraq to view one of the world's most critical and comprehensive collections of ancient Mesopotamian, Babylonian, and Assyrian artifacts. Al-Mustansiriya Madrasah: Visit the 13th-century Al-Mustansiriya Madrasah, renowned as one of the oldest Islamic universities in the world, featuring stunning architectural details along the Tigris River. Al-Mutanabbi Street & Shahbandar Cafe: Walk along Al-Mutanabbi Street, the historical heart of Baghdad's intellectual and literary life. Conclude the day with a visit to the famous Shahbandar Cafe to experience local tea culture. Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad. Day 2 - Baghdad: Golden Domes and Ancient Walls Kadhimiya Mosque: Begin the morning at the magnificent Kadhimiya Mosque. Admire its twin golden domes and intricate tilework, a breathtaking example of Islamic architecture. Abbasid Palace: Explore the 12th-century Abbasid Palace, the last remaining palatial structure of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad, known for its striking brick arches and deep-cut ornamentation. Al-Qishla: Stroll through the heritage site of Al-Qishla and view its prominent Ottoman-era clock tower, set beautifully against the Tigris River. Modern Monuments: Visit the city's iconic modern landmarks, including the striking Monument to the Unknown Soldier and the Victory Arch (Hands of Victory). Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad. Day 3 - Babylon: The Ancient Metropolis Transit to Babylon: Take a day trip south of Baghdad to the ancient city of Babylon, the legendary capital of King Nebuchadnezzar II and the supposed site of the Hanging Gardens. Archaeological Exploration: Walk through the reconstructed Ishtar Gate, walk along the ancient Processional Way, and explore the sprawling ruins of the southern palace. Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud): Visit the towering ruins of the Borsippa Ziggurat, a site traditionally associated by local lore with the biblical Tower of Babel. Saddam Hussein’s Palace: See the abandoned hilltop palace of Saddam Hussein, which overlooks the ruins of Babylon, providing a stark architectural contrast between Iraq's ancient and modern histories. Accommodation: Return transit for an overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad. Day 4 - Karbala & Najaf: Spiritual Landmarks Karbala Holy Shrines: Travel to the holy city of Karbala. Visit the Imam Husayn Shrine and the nearby Al-Abbas Shrine, two of the most revered and spiritually significant sites in Shia Islam. Najaf Transit & Imam Ali Shrine: Continue south to Najaf. Visit the awe-inspiring Imam Ali Holy Shrine, instantly recognizable by its massive golden dome and breathtaking mirror-work interiors. Wadi-us-Salaam: Explore Wadi-us-Salaam (The Valley of Peace). Spanning over 1,400 acres, it is recognized as the largest cemetery in the world and holds immense historical and religious importance. Accommodation: Evening return to Baghdad or opt for an overnight stay in Najaf. Day 5 - Samarra: The Spiral Minaret Transit to Samarra: Travel north to the city of Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that briefly served as the capital of the Abbasid Empire. Great Mosque & Malwiya Minaret: Visit the expansive ruins of the Great Mosque of Samarra. Climb the iconic Malwiya Minaret, a unique spiral tower rising 52 meters above the desert landscape. Qasr al-Khalifa: Explore the impressive, sprawling ruins of Qasr al-Khalifa (the Abbasid Palace) and the surrounding archaeological layers of the ancient city. Al-Askari Shrine: Stop at the highly venerated Al-Askari Shrine to view its beautifully reconstructed golden dome and intricate tile mosaics. Accommodation: Return transit for an overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad. Day 6 - Erbil: The Citadel of the North Domestic Flight: Transfer to BGW in the morning and board a short domestic flight to Erbil International Airport (EBL), the vibrant capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Erbil Citadel: Explore the Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site proudly recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. Qaysari Bazaar: Walk through the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, located directly at the foot of the citadel. Browse for traditional Kurdish crafts, textiles, and local spices. Sami Abdulrahman Park (Wildcard): Spend the late afternoon in Sami Abdulrahman Park, the largest park in the region, remarkably built on the site of a former military base and now serving as a symbol of peace. Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Erbil. Day 7 - Erbil: Landscapes & Departure Kurdish Textile Museum: Return to the Citadel to visit the Kurdish Textile Museum, dedicated to preserving traditional tribal weaving arts and antique rugs. Mountain Landscapes: Take a short scenic drive outside the city limits to view the rugged northern landscapes, visiting the Gali Ali Bag Waterfall or the Pank Resort area. Souvenir Procurement: Pick up final local specialties before departure, such as pure Kurdish mountain honey, premium dried fruits, or traditional hand-woven "Klasha" shoes. Airport Transfer & Departure: Transfer securely to Erbil International Airport (EBL). Complete exit immigration and board the return flight to Dhaka (DAC) via a major transit hub. Essential Travel Notes & Embassy Tips Visa Requirements & Pre-Approval: Bangladeshi passport holders require a pre-approved visa to enter the Federal Republic of Iraq. As visa-on-arrival policies frequently change and have been largely suspended for many nationalities, ensure you secure a valid e-Visa through an authorized sponsor or obtain a standard sticker visa from the Iraqi Embassy in Dhaka prior to booking flights. Internal Travel & Checkpoints: Traveling between cities in Iraq (e.g., Baghdad to Babylon or Samarra) involves passing through multiple security and military checkpoints. You must carry your original passport, printed visa, and itinerary at all times. Remain patient, polite, and fully cooperate with security personnel. Never photograph military installations or checkpoints. Dress Code & Religious Etiquette: Iraq is a conservative country. Modest dress is strictly enforced, particularly in holy cities like Karbala, Najaf, Kadhimiya, and Samarra. Men must avoid wearing shorts. Women are required to wear loose, full-length clothing and must cover their hair with a hijab. "Abayas" are typically required to enter religious shrines and are usually available to borrow at the entrances. Currency & Cash Culture: The official currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Iraq operates primarily as a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of high-end international hotels. Bring crisp, clean, untorn US Dollar bills issued after 2013, as these can easily be exchanged at local exchange bureaus or markets. Kurdistan Region Entry: The Kurdistan Region (Erbil) has its own administrative autonomy. While the standard Federal Iraq visa generally permits travel to Erbil, border crossing rules can fluctuate. Always double-check current entry alignments with your tour operator or the Embassy prior to booking the domestic flight. This document is prepared for visa application, immigration clearance, and comprehensive travel planning.