Iraq

Recommended Vaccinations For Iraq

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

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.

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.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who will live in Iraq for more than 3 months.

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.

Recommended Medications For Iraq

There are no recommendations for Iraq at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Iraq

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Iraq.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Iraq through contaminated food or water.

Cholera

Cholera does occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Safety & Security in Iraq

Personal Safety

Security in Iraq has improved compared to the height of the ISIS conflict, but serious risks remain. Terrorism continues to pose a threat, with remnants of ISIS remaining active, particularly in provinces such as Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Salah al-Din. Iran-aligned militias, including factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces, also pose risks through attacks on security forces and infrastructure. Kidnapping remains a concern for both political and financial motives, especially involving non-state actors. While Baghdad and other major cities see some stabilization, cross-border and rural areas retain elevated risk, especially near former conflict zones. Demonstrations and protests are frequent and can turn violent. Security forces have used force, detaining or suppressing protesters. Non-state violence, including from tribal groups, also contributes to instability, and civilians remain at risk. Visitors should remain alert and avoid travelling through volatile regions.

Extreme Violence

Iraq continues to face a persistent threat from extremist violence, though its security environment has improved since ISIS lost most of its territory in 2019. ISIS now operates largely as an insurgent force, particularly in remote desert areas and previously contested provinces, and Iraqi Security Forces regularly conduct counter-terrorism operations to suppress its remnants. In 2022, Iraqi authorities recorded around 408 terrorist attacks, many involving ambushes, IEDs, and small-scale bombings targeting both security personnel and civilians. Iran-aligned militia groups remain a destabilizing factor, using tactics including indirect fire and IED attacks. While there is no verifiable, up-to-date public data confirming systematic targeting of LGBTQ individuals by these groups, sectarian and political violence continues to threaten civilians. The security situation has stabilized compared to past years, but isolated incidents of violence and insurgent activity remain, especially in certain provinces. Although many of these incidents take place away from major tourist routes, the risk for foreign nationals cannot be entirely discounted. Travellers are advised to avoid volatile areas, stay aware of local security developments, and coordinate with trusted security-aware partners.

Political Unrest

Iraq experienced its most stable period in decades following the 2021 elections, but political fragility persists. The country emerged from a severe political crisis between October 2021 and October 2022 when parliament struggled to form a government. Tensions between Shia political factions, particularly followers of Muqtada al-Sadr and the Iran-backed Coordination Framework, led to violent clashes in August 2022 that killed several people when protesters stormed the Green Zone. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani became prime minister in October 2022 and earned strong approval ratings, temporarily stabilizing the situation. However, underlying grievances from the 2019 mass protests remain unresolved, including complaints about corruption, unemployment, failing services, deteriorating infrastructure, and sectarian politics. Protests continue to erupt periodically, particularly in southern provinces, over poor services and corruption. Security forces frequently use excessive force to disperse demonstrations, employing tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Violent repression of protesters and arrests of journalists covering protests persist. Tensions exist between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government over autonomy, oil revenues, and territorial disputes. Political infighting has blocked key legislation on issues like child protection and domestic violence. Regional tensions, particularly involving Iran-backed militias and U.S. forces, continue to create instability. Authorities impose curfews on short notice, and the political situation can deteriorate quickly with little warning.

Areas To Avoid

Border regions should be avoided entirely due to ongoing conflict and cross-border tensions. The Syria-Iraq border in the west consists of porous desert where ISIS remnants retreated after losing Mosul, and understanding who controls areas between the two countries is difficult. The Turkish-Iraqi border in the north experiences regular cross-border military operations, with Turkish forces conducting strikes against PKK positions. Areas controlled by armed groups near the border face risks from aerial bombardment and clashes. The Iran-Iraq border also presents challenges, with some border areas controlled by Iran-aligned militia groups. Provinces that experienced heavy ISIS occupation, including parts of Anbar, Ninewa (particularly around Mosul), Diyala, Kirkuk, and Salah al-Din, continue to see periodic attacks and have limited security force presence in some areas. While cities like Mosul are generally safe for visitors with proper precautions, surrounding rural areas remain higher risk. The desert regions between major cities in western Iraq are isolated and prone to insurgent activity. Northern Iraq near Sinjar experiences competing armed group presence and Turkish airstrikes, making it unsuitable for travel. Areas near military bases and coalition facilities face elevated risks from rocket and drone attacks. Unidentified minefields exist in certain parts of the country, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, despite ongoing demining efforts. Pay attention to warning signs, and do not stray from established paths in areas that saw heavy fighting. The southern marshlands near the Kuwaiti border have limited infrastructure and services.