Travel Vaccines and Advice for Iraq

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Iraq. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Iraq: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, cholera, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Polio cases have been reported in neighboring countries. While vaccination is not currently recommended for Iraq, it should be considered.

U.S. military and some government travelers may be required to receive an anthrax vaccination.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

Yes, you do need a visa to travel to Iraq.

You also need a passport with a blank page for the entry stamp and at least six months validity.

Iraq Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Iraq?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Iraq and U.S. State Department

Upon arrival in Iraq you will need an arrival sticker. When leaving you will need an exit stamp. If you are staying longer than 10 days you will need a residency stamp. If you are intending to come back you will need a re-entry visa.

If you have Iraqi ancestry different rules may apply to you. This can also be true if you are traveling to the country for work.

Iraq has a hot, dry climate with varying mid-high temperatures.

The summer is hot with temperatures in the 100’s. The country experiences low humidity and winds during this season also. August is usually the hottest month.

Winter months are cooler, with temps in the 60’s during the days. January is the coldest month. Freezing temperatures can occur in Iraq, usually at night.

The southern sharqi winds blow from April to June and again from late September to November. These winds can be strong and tend to bring dust storms. Between the sharqi wind periods is the shamal wind from the Northwest. These are usually dry and cooling.

There is little to no rain in summer. Nearly all Iraq’s annual rainfall occurs from November to April. Mountainous areas receive significantly more rain than other regions.

The State Department advises against travel to Iraq for a variety of reasons including terrorism and kidnapping. Make sure to take extra precautions before and during your trip.

Terrorism is a serious risk in Iraq, particularly with ISIS. Expressing support for the Iraqi government, Western institutions and some religious groups can be dangerous. Be careful what you say and where you say it.

Identification checks and checkpoints are commonplace. Officials in Iraq search goods and persons and confiscate goods as deemed necessary. You may be forced to return items at your own expense to wherever they came from. Be polite and patient at the government roadblocks which are all over Iraq.

Power outages are common and generators are not always available. Air quality is sub-standard, especially in Baghdad.

Buses are irregular and constantly change routes. Long-distance buses are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. City transit vehicles are often poorly-maintained and involved in accidents.

Avoid the borders of Iraq, they are largely undefined and potentially unsafe. Petty theft, carjacking, gang crimes, and ransom kidnappings are very common.

The Iraq National Museum was closed after losing nearly 15,000 pieces during conflicts in 2003. It was officially reopened in 2015 after a dozen years in the dark. One-third of the lost items have taken their rightful place back in the museum.

The Iraq National Museum is the perfect choice for to learn about the region’s 7,000 year history. Iraqi lands were part of ancient Mesopotamia. It was also part of the famous Ottoman Empire.

To the Iraqi people, the museum represents both years of striking heritage and a stand against terrorism.

The museum is located in the country’s capital of Baghdad.

Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:

• Cool Clothing – Iraq can be be quite hot. Be sure to pack according to your itinerary. Consider items such as sunscreen, sandals, and airy clothing especially.
• Sun Protection – Heat is just one aspect of the climate. High intensity sun means sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential.
• Adapters for Electronics – Iraq uses 230 volt outlets while America uses 120 volt. Be sure to bring plug adapters and power converters to keep your electronics running.

All Americans visiting Iraq should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Iraq, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Phone: 0760-030-3000

Because Iraq can be a dangerous place, the embassy’s ability to provide services to American citizens may be limited or change quickly. It’s important for travelers to check the embassy’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!