Iraq
To visit Samarra, you will need to leave your passports in the hands of the army here, and collect a “visitor card” in exchange. You will get the passports back when exiting Samarra. Process is smooth, they are used to handling foreigners.
Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.
Had to give one passport in exchange for a visitor card, show this at the next checkpoints. Got back passports the next day when we left the area. So not allowed to exit Samarra via the road up to Abu Dulaf and Tikrit. You have to go back the same way. But you are free to drive up to Abu Dulaf minaret and return the same way for your passport. This minaret is worth the detour as you can get up close and climb it while the one in Samarra is still closed.
Report Check-InStill closed. Too much hassle, not worth the detour until they open it again.
Not sure if the mosque can be visited, lots of pilgrims around.
the Minaret is closed for repairing! you can only look from the street
Report Check-InTo visit Samarra, you will need to leave your passports in the hands of the army here, and collect a “visitor card” in exchange. You will get the passports back when exiting Samarra. Process is smooth, they are used to handling foreigners.
Report Check-In