Iraq

Recommended Vaccinations For Iraq

For Most Travellers

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.

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 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.

Cholera

Cholera does occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

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.

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.

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.

Measles

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

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

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.

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research the contact information for local police and medical facilities, and carry it with you. Depending on what you need, contact your: family and friends, travel agent, insurance provider, employer, airline Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

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.

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.