I know my government (USA) sometimes bans its citizens from travelling to certain foreign countries (eg. Cuba) and that some countries close their borders to tourists (eg. North Korea). My question is: Is it possible for me to visit Iraq as a tourist? What about Iran? Or Afghanistan? And if the answer to any of those is “Yes”, does anyone actually go? Are their tours to these countries?
The State Department maintains a website that gives you information and advice on travel to every country in the world. The entry for Iraq basically says you’re nuts to go there, but remember to apply for your visa with the Iraqi embassy before you leave.
You can now get commercial flights into Baghdad on both Iraqi Airways and Royal Jordanian Air.
eta: Not a terribly reliable source, but apparently the Kurdish region of Iraq is pretty open and easy to get to.
I am American and have been to Iran. These days you can only really get a visa though a travel agent in Iran, but it is easy enough… and very safe with lots to see. North Korea is also possible tho difficult with a US passport (The North Koreans make it difficult for Americans to visit).
Afghanistan is also easy - but fairly dangerous. Iraq is very dangerous, but possible… though unless you have a lot of experience traveling in war-torn areas, it would be crazy. I have traveled in D.R. Congo which is full of warlords and bandits and I would not go to Iraq right now.