Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Iraq is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in the Middle East (north of Saudi Arabia and south of Syria), the climate is classified as predominantly dry (arid).
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
See also: Library article for Yellow Fever
- Requirement: No requirement for any traveler as of November 18, 2022 per the 2022 online update of International Travel and Health.
Other Vaccines
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against cholera, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2020) Limited malaria risk due exclusively to P. vivax may exist from May through November in areas in the north below 1500 m (Duhok, Erbil and Sulaimaniya provinces). No indigenous cases have been reported since 2009.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: None
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leptospirosis, plague, schistosomiasis, snakebites, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism, kidnapping, and other ongoing security concerns, US (DOS), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) advise avoiding all travel to this country. UK (FCO) has a more limited warning.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Baghdad. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
High risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups exists throughout the country. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.
Crime
High risk of violent crime (armed robbery, sexual assault, carjacking, gang-related violence, and murder) and high risk of petty crime exist throughout the country.
Theft of valuables from unattended accommodations is common.
Kidnappings by criminal groups occur throughout the country. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment exists and armed conflict may occur throughout the country, particularly in Kurdistan Region and areas bordering Syria and Turkey. Territorial disputes occur in international waters of the Persian Gulf, including near the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs. Piracy (involving commercial and private leisure vessels) may occur in coastal and international waters.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.
Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.
Seasonal flooding occurs.
Extreme heat (which can lead to heat-related illness) occurs from July through September.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Iraq
- United States: [+964] 0760-030-3000; iq.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+964] 783-303-5357; www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/iraq-irak
- United Kingdom: [+964] 7901-926-280; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-baghdad
- Australia: [+964] 780-923-7565; iraq.embassy.gov.au
Iraq's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.iraqiembassy.us
- In Canada: www.mofamission.gov.iq/en/CanadaOt
- In the U.K.: www.mofamission.gov.iq/en/UKLondon
- In Australia: www.mofamission.gov.iq/en/AustCan
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing are required to obtain a work or residence visa. Travelers, including short-term travelers, may be detained or deported after arrival if found to be positive for HIV or hepatitis.
