It’s understandable that people want to visit Iraq because it’s a beautiful country with many magnificent sights that will take your breath away. Their internet access, on the other hand, needs a lot of work. When Hussein was in power, only the wealthy had access to the internet, but things changed dramatically with the US invasion. Suddenly, the internet was available to everyone, not just a select few.
Unfortunately, this all changed in 2011 when the US withdrew and the Iraqi government reintroduced internet restrictions. You could face up to a year in prison if any of your internet posts or messages are found to be offensive in terms of political, religious, or social values. All of this can be changed by using a VPN, which encrypts your data and reroutes your IP address. Because not all VPNs are created equal, which one is the best option for Iraq?
In Iraq, how do I use a VPN?
If you’ve never used a VPN before, don’t worry; getting started is simple. Here’s how to connect to a VPN in Iraq:
- Select one of the VPN service providers from our list of the best VPNs for Iraq. NordVPN comes highly recommended.
- Sign up for the service, choose a subscription, and enter your payment information. Download the VPN apps for your preferred devices.
- Access the service and connect to a server outside of Iraq.
- Many congratulations! Your internet connection is now encrypted and private, and you will be able to access any content you desire.
NordVPN
The best VPN for Iraq is NordVPN. It operates a large network of over 5,200 servers spread across 60 countries. Because it is registered in Panama, it is exempt from data retention laws, enhancing user privacy.
NordVPN provides access to a variety of streaming services, including US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and others. It does not save any user information, traffic logs, or IP addresses.
This provider is well-known for its adaptability, with options for servers optimized for tasks such as HD video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and more.
NordVPN secures its traffic with 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. This is the most advanced protocol available. An internet kill switch and DNS leak protection are also included as extras. All of this is useful when looking for the best VPNs for Iraq.
There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect at the same time.
SurfsharkVPN
This VPN provider hasn’t been around for long, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t making a name for themselves in the industry. Because of their growing size, they have 800 servers in 50 countries and have become a force to be reckoned with.
Not only are their growing server numbers impressive, but Surfshark can also provide you with lightning fast speeds that rival other VPN services. Furthermore, they do not collect incoming or outgoing IP addresses, browsing activity, used bandwidth, downloads or purchasing information, VPN servers you use, session information, or connection timestamps, ensuring your anonymity.
Their MultiHop feature allows you to connect to multiple servers in different countries at the same time, further masking your location. If your VPN connection fails, a kill switch will terminate all of your internet activity.
Surfshark is a fantastic option for Iraq, but one of the best features this company provides is the ability to use an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with the same subscription.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a VPN industry veteran. It is a service that prioritizes privacy and has the features to support it. A zero logs policy means that no data is kept on file to be handed over to authorities if they ever approach it with a warrant. And, because it is based in the British Virgin Islands, it is protected from overbearing governments in the United States and the United Kingdom.
A kill switch and obfuscated servers ensure that you never leak data and that you can use the VPN without your ISP noticing. Furthermore, this VPN has servers in 94 countries, making it ideal for circumventing censorship and unblocking Netflix US or BBC iPlayer.
This VPN can be used on up to five devices at the same time, and the service offers live chat support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finally, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.
CyberGhostVPN
CyberGhost is ideal for the job. This provider provides excellent Internet security without complicating the user experience. The interface is colorful and minimalistic, with six simple options to tailor the VPN settings to your current online needs (this can include unblocking censored websites, staying extra-safe on public Wi-Fi connections, and more). You’ll be up and running in no time with a single click!
Behind the scenes, CyberGhost has some impressive features, such as 256-bit AES encryption and a massive server network with 6,300 servers in 89 countries around the world. If you prefer a more hands-on approach to configuring your software, you can enable settings to block ads, compress your data stream, or even reduce some security provisions to increase speed (especially useful in bandwidth-starved Iraqi networks). All of this is supported by one of the best no-logging policies in the industry—they don’t even store the email address you use to sign up.
CyberGhost’s lightweight software is compatible with every major operating system, and your subscription provides powerful VPN protection to up to five devices at the same time.
Private Internet Access
PIA is another good option for users in Iraq because it is one of the cheapest services on the market and allows 5 simultaneous connections per account. They do not, however, have servers in as many countries as other providers. They currently have over 3,100 servers in 24 countries, but they do allow P2P traffic and have excellent security features such as DNS leak protection, which is essential in Iraq. There is also 24/7 customer support and a 7-day money back guarantee. It’s difficult to find another low-cost provider with such a high-quality service, given the strength of their encryption and the number of devices they allow per account. The monthly rate drops to $3.33 with a one-year subscription.
How do We Find the Best Iraq VPN
We use strict assessment standards in our evaluation procedures. Some of the primary characteristics we look for in the best Iraqi VPNs are as follows:
Global server coverage: To unblock content in Iraq, you’ll need access to a large number of dependable servers. We look at a variety of server locations and look for servers that are specifically designed for streaming or file sharing.
Security and privacy: When evaluating VPNs, we consider each service’s ability to protect user data and privacy. We look for things like strong encryption, a network kills switch, a no-logs policy, and protection against DNS leaks.
Device compatibility: We perform device compatibility checks to ensure that you can use your VPN while traveling. Each service provider must be compatible with popular devices and operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Price: A VPN should be reasonably priced and offer excellent value for money. We also look for features like money-back guarantees and other value-added features.
The Iraq Restrictions
The Iraq government employs internet filters that are so strict that if any website or content is blocked, the entire website is rendered inoperable. Iraq employs not only internet filters, but also other forms of censorship. The country censor’s television and radio stations, implying that freedom of expression is not taken seriously. Iraq has one of the worst records for free expression, ranking #161 out of 165 in the global press freedom index, which is very concerning for internet users because everything they search for online can be monitored by the government and Iraq. Because Iraq lacks an independent judiciary, Iraq can effectively remove content they deem unacceptable or inappropriate.
The government has actively blocked VPN access since 2014, but Iraqis are still using VPNs to circumvent the country’s censorship methods.
Is using a VPN in Iraq safe?
It is safe to use a VPN service in any location, including Iraq. It encrypts internet traffic, giving Iraqi internet users added security and anonymity. No one can see what the user is doing online when using a Virtual Private Network. As a result, VPN users have complete internet freedom and can do whatever they want while browsing the internet.
However, not all service providers are designed with privacy in mind. Some services, particularly free VPNs, log your internet activity and store the information in order to sell it to third parties. As a result, before opening an account in Iraq, make sure to read the vendor’s privacy policy.
The best VPNs are those that do not log user data and offer strong encryption. As a result, all of our Iraqi service providers have been chosen with Iraq’s digital privacy laws, level of censorship, and surveillance in mind.
Conclusion
Residents and visitors to Iraq are strongly advised to use a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect and enhance their internet activities. NordVPN is my top pick.
NordVPN offers comprehensive online security and privacy. A large global server network allows access to geo-restricted content all over the world. That server network provides fast, secure connections. Native app support is available for popular device platforms, and customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
