Karbala: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Karbala is a major city in central Iraq. It is the capital of Karbala Governorate. With a population of around 800,000 people in 2024, Karbala is the second-largest city in central Iraq, after Baghdad.

Karbala · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places

Now in the cityKarbala+27°CPartly cloudy · sunrise 06:22 AMupdated 05:26 PM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map2

Exchange rateIQD 1,517.81per 1 $IQD — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Avoid parts of the countryPart of the country is off limits entirely.

Full text

Updated information about regional tensions (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 4The authority advises against travel altogether.

terrorism
kidnapping
armed conflict
crime

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Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks , and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq . Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Karbala: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Places on the map2

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here