Southern Iraqi port city on the Shatt al-Arab
Iraq's main port city, on the Shatt al-Arab waterway near the Persian Gulf, with an international airport and river canals. It is the country's principal maritime outlet.
Founded in the 7th century, Basra was a major center of early Islamic scholarship and Indian Ocean trade during the Abbasid era.
Best Nov–Mar · Extreme heat Apr–Sep — this reflects Iraq's seasonal weather and crowds.
Visa on arrival (Kurdistan) / advance visa. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Iraq government or embassy before you travel.
Iraqi Dinar (IQD). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Arabic is the primary language in Iraq.
Dial 115 for emergencies in Iraq.
Tap water here is generally rated "Avoid tap". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type C/D/G. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Basra on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 115. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Basra and your government's current travel advisory before you go.