Borders, visas, costs, transport and everything you need for a trip to Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and beyond.
TravelWhich border should you use to reach Sulaymaniyah or Erbil? A complete guide to the Bashmaq, Tamarchin–Haji Omaran, Parvizkhan and Siranband crossings, with opening hours, traveler customs rules and Iran's 1405 exit fees.
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TravelOfficial vs. market rates for the Iraqi dinar with exact dates, where to change money in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, why Iranian bank cards do not work and what to do instead, the FIB, FastPay and ZainCash wallets, cash declaration limits, and a snapshot of travel costs.
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TravelCan foreigners buy or rent a home in Erbil? Yes, with conditions. The Kurdistan Region's legal framework, the 50,000 dollar property residency, rental paperwork, dated prices for Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, neighborhoods, electricity costs and the real risks — all sourced.
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TravelA step-by-step guide to residency in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: residency card types, the sponsor (kafeel) system, blood test and security clearance, official 2021 fee schedule (still current as of spring 2026), work permits, investor and property residency, and overstay fines with the 2026 grace window.
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TravelTraveling overland from Iran to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah costs a fraction of flying: a VIP bus from Tehran to Erbil was about 1.1 million toman (Nov 2025) versus 18-25 million toman for a round-trip flight (Feb 2026). Distances, border crossings, taxis inside the Kurdistan Region, hotels, and a sample 3-day budget — all with dated prices.
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TravelA clear answer to the most-asked question: who needs a visa for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, what visa on arrival and the e-visa cover, air vs land entry, required documents, and whether a KRG stamp is valid for the rest of Iraq.
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TravelEverything you need for a trip to Iraqi Kurdistan: how to get there by air or land, the highlights of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, the mountains of Rawanduz and Duhok, money, costs and the best season to visit.
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