Iraq travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Iraq travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Border areas

Despite counter-terrorism operations and regional peace efforts, the northern borders of Iraq remain dangerous due to the presence of terrorist groups and occasional military strikes against them. People suspected of illegally crossing the Iraq-Syria border risk being detained by the Iraqi authorities and if convicted, sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

Unexploded ordnances

Despite clearing efforts, unexploded ordnance from previous wars in the region continue to pose a security risk throughout Iraq, especially in border areas with Iran and Kuwait. The following governorates are also affected due to past terrorist activity:

• Kirkuk
• Salah ad-Din
• Nineveh
• Diyala
• Anbar

If you suspect that unexploded ordnance may be present:

• be extremely vigilant, especially in remote areas
• stay on paved and main roads
• don’t walk in fields 
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails 
• report any suspicious items to local authorities

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Iraq, especially in certain northern and western governorates, and in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Despite international and Iraqi counter-terrorism operations, terrorist groups remain active in the country, including in Baghdad. Additional attacks could occur.

Attacks have involved:

• suicide vests
• improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• vehicle-borne IEDs
• rockets and mortars
• assault weapons

Targets could include:

• government buildings
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• cultural venues
• Iraqi and international security forces

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections 

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Crime

Violent crime

Organized criminal groups are active throughout Iraq, especially in southern governorates. Many individuals possess weapons, which increases the likelihood of violent spillovers. Armed clashes erupt regularly between rival tribes and militias and with Iraqi security forces. Kidnappings of civilians for ransom or for political and religious reasons also occur. You should avoid going outside after dark as security conditions worsen at night.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons face extreme discrimination, harassment and violence, including by police officers, based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

This includes:

• kidnapping
• torture
• sexual assault
• murder

Iraqi law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

In July 2024, amendments to the anti-prostitution law entered into effect in Iraq.

These amendments set out penalties for convicted offenders, including:

• large fines
• up to 15 years’ imprisonment for same-sex relations
• at least 7 years’ imprisonment and large fines for “promoting homosexuality”
• up to 3 years’ imprisonment for transgender persons, gender-affirming medical interventions and those who “intentionally act like women”

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iraq.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur, especially in larger cities. In the past, there have been clashes between protestors and security forces, who used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. 

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Checkpoints

Official security checkpoints conducting ID checks are common across the country. Militias sometimes set up unofficial checkpoints and force the payment of bribes. There is a risk of violence and arbitrary arrest at these checkpoints

• Exercise caution at all times
• Carry the original version, not only photocopies or digital versions, of a valid government-issued ID, such as your passport, at all times
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents in case they are seized or lost
• Follow the instructions of the individuals requesting the documents

Curfews

Authorities impose curfews on short notice throughout the country. Monitor local media to stay informed.

Cellular network coverage

Cellular network coverage is adequate in large cities, but unreliable or sometimes unavailable in remote areas.

If you plan to travel to remote areas:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
• keep a supply of water, food and fuel if you’re driving
• carry an emergency kit

The Arba’ een

The Arba’ een pilgrimage in 2026 will take place around August 3.

The event attracts a large number of pilgrims each year, from several foreign countries. There is an increased security risk during the pilgrimage as Iraqi authorities may not be able to conduct ID checks on all individuals entering Iraq, some of whom enter illegally. Iraqi security forces have thwarted attacks targeting Arba’een pilgrims in the past.

Before and during the pilgrimage, you can expect:

• large crowds
• a heavy presence of security forces
• street closures
• disruptions to transportation, which start around a week before the event

limited availability of accommodation

If you travel to Iraq during the pilgrimage:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the northern Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Road safety

Drivers do not respect traffic laws and speeding and tailgating are common practices.

Travel by road remains highly dangerous. Fatal roadside bombings and attacks on military and civilian vehicles continue to happen. There is also a risk of carjacking and robbery.

Due to the country’s high liability risk, it is difficult to obtain car insurance.

Public Transportation

Buses

Buses run irregularly and routes are subject to frequent changes. Rundown transit vehicles are frequently involved in accidents.

Trains

Avoid travelling by rail, as the rail system is old and poorly maintained.

Mosul Dam

A dam failure can’t be predicted, but could cause significant flooding and disrupt essential services from Mosul to Baghdad, along the Tigris River as well as areas adjoining the dam. Monitor local media reports and prepare contingency plans. The Government of Canada has a very limited ability to provide consular services in Iraq.

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Iraqi authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Iraq.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Federal Iraq

Canadian passport holders must have a visa to enter Iraq. If you are travelling by air via Baghdad International Airport, the visa must be obtained at an Iraqi Embassy or Consulate or online before travelling.

After 10 days in the country, you must register your arrival with the Iraqi Residence Office (Ministry of Interior). After three months in Iraq, you must apply for a one-year residence permit.

You will be subject to additional screening measures prior to being issued an Iraqi visa if your passport contains an Israeli visa or border stamp. This does not apply to Canadians travelling to the region of Kurdistan. 

Electronic visa portal – Iraqi Ministry of Interior

Kurdistan Region of Iraq

You must obtain an electronic visa for Kurdistan online before travelling. If you plan to travel outside of Kurdistan to other regions of Iraq, you must obtain a distinct Iraqi visa prior to travelling.

If you leave federal Iraq or Kurdistan without a valid visa you may have to pay a fine upon departure.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is not widely available. Medical facilities in Iraq are scarce. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. There is a risk of counterfeit medicines.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Iraq.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Iraq.

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Travelling with medication

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty.

Alcohol

While inconsistently enforced, Iraqi law prohibits the importing, manufacturing, and selling of alcoholic beverages. You should avoid travelling to Iraq with alcohol at the risk heavy fines if convicted.

Do not drink alcohol outside of licensed facilities. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Iraq.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Iraq, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

Child custody

Under Iraqi law, any child born to a male Iraqi citizen, including those with dual citizenship, is considered an Iraqi citizen. Even if the mother is a foreign national, Iraqi authorities may still consider the child as Iraqi, in which case the father’s authorization would be required for the child to travel outside of Iraq.

Marriage

Iraq is a parliamentary republic, but Iraqi law closely adheres to Islamic principles and beliefs, which are the main source of legislation in the country.

In Iraq, marriages between Canadian and Iraqi citizens are subject to the rules of conduct and Islamic law.

Marriage outside Canada

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Iraq.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iraq by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Iraq to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytism is forbidden.

Islamic practices and beliefs form the basis of the country’s customs, laws and regulations.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Ramadan

In 2027, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 7.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Identification

You must carry photo identification as well as a legally certified copy of your visa and registration at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration in a safe place, in case the originals are lost or confiscated.

Customs

Customs authorities strictly enforce regulations concerning the import or export of pieces of art and antiquities. It is strictly forbidden to take antiquities, archeological finds or antique carpets out of Iraq.

There are strict laws regarding:

• purchase and exportation of antiquities and objects of special significance to the country's cultural heritage
• access, excavation, research, filming and photographing of archeological sites

To avoid any difficulties, make sure you:

• obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities
• have the proper permit to conduct activities related to cultural heritage and archeological sites

Failure to comply can lead to severe punishment, including heavy fines, jail sentences and possibly the death penalty.

Money

The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). The economy is primarily cash-based. U.S. dollars are accepted in some shops.  You may have difficulty finding ATMs that accept your international bank card. There are a limited amount of ATMs compared to in Canada.

You cannot leave Iraq with more than USD 10,000 in cash, or its equivalent in other currencies, unless you declared the amount when you entered the country.

Natural disasters and climate

Dust storms

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Sandstorms and dust storms may occur any time, particularly during the summer months.

Winds can blow sand at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some individuals.

During a storm:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Flooding

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, and bridges damaged.

• Avoid the affected areas
• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Droughts

In Iraq, episodes of limited rainfall may lead to severe droughts, significantly reducing the drinking water supply, especially in the south of the country.

During dry periods:

• always keep water supplies on hand
• follow the instructions of local authorities