Iraq

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Iraq is located in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. The population is about 31.8 million people. The government is a parliamentary democracy with a president as a chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Iraq is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, including the Assyrians and the Babylonians, that flourished in the areas around the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

Before 1979, Iraq was a prosperous nation with an economy based on oil revenues. Then in 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, thus beginning the ten-year war, which drained the economy of both countries and caused great loss of lives on both sides. In 1990, Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait. This action was met with a military response by a coalition of forces led by the United States, referred to as the Persian Gulf War. Another US-led coalition invaded Iraq in 2003 under the premise that Iraq had and was producing “weapons of mass destruction,” and President Saddam Hussein was ousted. The following years have seen crime, violence, insurgency, and chaos.

Violence continues in Iraq. The Sunni Muslims are responsible for much of the sectarian violence aimed at undermining the Shia-dominated government. The political and security situation in Iraq remains volatile.

Currency	IQD: Iraqi dinar
Language	Arabic, Kurdish
Capital	Baghdad
Recent Alerts	7
Latest Alert	July 23, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Iraq (23 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Iraq. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Iraq through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Iraq.
Malaria The World Health Organization reports that there is a limited risk of malaria infection from May to November in areas in the north below 1,500 metres (Dunhok, Erbil and Sulaimaniya Provinces). Anti-malaria medications are not recommended. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports no malaria transmission in Iraq.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Polio There were sporadic cases of polio reported in 2014. Travellers should always have their childhood vaccinations up to date, including polio.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera does occur in this country.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Iraq.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Polio Vaccine There were sporadic cases of polio reported in 2014. Travellers should always have their childhood vaccinations up to date, including polio.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Iraq.

None required.

Safety and Security in Iraq

Emergency Numbers

There are no centralized emergency services in Iraq and the emergency medical service infrastructure is very limited. Some countries advise those travelling in Iraq to hire professional security teams for escort and/or for emergency services and assistance, including medical evacuation.

Personal Safety

Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Iraq due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and the dangerously unstable security situation. Numerous insurgency groups operate in Iraq. Some countries advise citizens who do decide to visit or stay in Iraq to hire professional security teams and to vary the routes of travel and routine.

There is a high risk of kidnapping and terrorist attack in Iraq. Kidnapping victims have been taken from homes, workplaces, and while travelling, and many victims have been killed.

Petty crime is common, including theft from hotel rooms, pick-pocketing, etc.

There are deadly bombings occurring frequently in Iraq.

Travel on roads throughout Iraq, including in metropolitan areas, is dangerous due to random deadly attacks on civilian vehicles, as well as Iraqi military and police convoys. Attacks occur day or night, but travel at night is even higher risk and should be avoided. Attacks on vehicles have involved gunfire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). There is a risk of carjacking, robbery and bogus vehicle checkpoints.

Homosexuality is not tolerated in Iraq. Strictly avoid public displays of affection.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress and behave conservatively to respect local customs.

Women may face harassment in Iran, particularly those travelling alone. Women should take cues from the local women - dress conservatively and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

Sandstorms, severe drought and heat (especially between May-October) may threaten the health and safety of the traveller.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel to Iraq due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and the dangerously unstable security situation. Numerous insurgency groups operate in Iraq. If travelling to Iraq, hire professional security teams and to vary the routes of travel and routine.

Extreme Violence

There is a very high risk of extreme violence and kidnapping throughout Iraq. Attacks often target residential and highly populated areas.

Political Unrest

Demonstration are common throughout the country are usually result in violence.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 23, 2021