IRAQ TRAVEL GUIDE

ESSENTIALS | WHEN TO GO | WEATHER | COSTS | ACTIVITIES | SIGHTS

INTRODUCTION

Iraq is the birthplace of many of the Earth's oldest civilisations, including the Babylonians and the Assyrians. Officially the Republic of Iraq, it is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west. The capital, and largest city, is Baghdad.

The political situation in Iraq remains extremely unstable, even though the war was officially declared as over in December 2017. Travelling there remains extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. All foreigners are still in danger of kidnapping, murder, and general armed violence. Although the northeast provinces which comprise Iraqi Kurdistan can be considered relatively safe for foreigners, the margins for errors are small. Sporadic violence can occur anywhere in the country. Tensions have risen especially at the beginning of 2020, with many Western countries recommending its citizens leave immediately due to the threat of a war breaking out or spilling over at any moment.

COVID-19 TRAVEL STATUS

Updated:

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Airports in Federal Iraq have reopened with limited service. Face coverings are mandatory on flights and in airports. Thermal temperature screening is in place at airport entrances and for arrival passengers.Individuals traveling to Iraq are required to carry out a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to the flight and should be prepared to present results at passport control.All travelers arriving from abroad will be requested to quarantine for 14 days and may be requested to provide proof of reservation in a hotel for the duration of the quarantine period.Erbil International Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport are scheduled to reopen with reduced service August 1.Travelers arriving at Erbil International Airport must have a negative COVID-19 test result that is less than 48 hours old. Travelers without a COVID-19 result will be tested at their cost. Arriving travelers must sign a pledge to quarantine for 48 hours at their destination until they receive results.As the situation is changing rapidly, all travelers entering the Kurdistan region, regardless of previous travel, should be aware they could be subject to screening and restrictions upon arrival at the direction of the regional health department, including being quarantined at a facility and for a duration mandated by the regional health department.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

LOCATION MAP

COUNTRY MAP

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QUICK FACTS

• Capital: Baghdad
• Currency: Iraqi dinar (IQD)
• Area: 437,072 km
• Population: 38,43 million (2018)
• Language: Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkmen, Assyrian, Armenian, English (spoken)
• Religion: Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%
• Electricity: 230V, 50Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 1 Jan New Year’s Day.
• 6 Jan Army Day.
• 9 Apr Baghdad Liberation Day.
• 17 Apr FAO Day.
• 1 May Labor Day.
• 14 Jul Republic Day.
• 8 Aug Ceasefire Day (End of Iran-Iraq War).
• 3 Oct Iraqi Independence Day (National Day).

(Also, Maulid an-Nabi,Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Al Hijrah, Ashura)

FESTIVALS

WEATHER SYNOPSIS

Iraq's climate is mainly of the continental and subtropical semi-arid type, except for the north and northeastern mountainous regions that have a Mediterranean climate. The country generally experiences winters that vary between cool and cold, and summers are dry with variations between hot and extremely hot temperatures. Rainfall is seasonal and occurs mostly during the winter season during December through February for most of the country except in the north and northeast, where the rainy season is from November to April. The climate is also influenced by South and Southeasterly Sharqi, which are dry dust winds that impact the country from April to June and September to November. The North, Northwest Shamal Winds also impact the climate, leading to extensive surface heating.

TOURIST SEASONS

HOT MONTHS:

MODERATE MONTHS:

COLD MONTHS:

WET MONTHS:

DRY MONTHS:

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

HEALTH

Be aware of possible health risks in 

Iraq

Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.

Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.

Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.

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