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Aggregating global travel advisories

Travel Advisory for Republic of Iraq

This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Republic of Iraq from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Republic of Iraq.

The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-09-06

AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level

Level 4 - Do Not Travel

AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index

5
Safety Index Score

Overview

Iraq remains a high-risk destination with severe security concerns, including terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Most international governments advise against all travel due to the volatile political and security environment.

Detailed Advisory Summary

Iraq is currently experiencing a period of extreme instability fueled by ongoing regional tensions, internal political friction, and a persistent threat from militant groups. The security landscape is characterized by a high risk of terrorism, kidnappings of foreign nationals, and violent clashes between various armed factions and security forces. While the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has historically been perceived as relatively more stable, it too faces significant security challenges, including occasional military strikes and rocket attacks on infrastructure. Travelers should be aware that the consular support provided by most foreign governments is severely limited, meaning that in the event of a crisis, injury, or detention, assistance may be impossible to secure. The infrastructure, including the healthcare system, is largely underdeveloped and often incapable of handling complex medical emergencies. Furthermore, the country is subject to strict legal codes rooted in Islamic principles, where behaviors considered offensive or illegal—such as the promotion of certain ideologies or public photography of sensitive sites—can result in severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment or the death penalty. Road travel is particularly hazardous, with pervasive risks of roadside bombings, carjackings, and the presence of unexploded ordnance. Given the volatile nature of the current environment, any travel to Iraq is strongly discouraged by the international community.

Risk Level Summary by Government Source

Source Risk Level Updated Official Link
Global Affairs Canada Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-09-01 View Source →
U.S. Department of State Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-06-26 View Source →
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-09-03 View Source →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-08-22 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-09-02 View Source →
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-03-05 View Source →
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-04-16 View Source →
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-07-21 View Source →
Auswärtiges Amt Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-07-09 View Source →
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-08-05 View Source →
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-03-06 View Source →
Regjeringen (Norway) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-05-27 View Source →
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-09-06 View Source →
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-03-03 View Source →
BMEIA (Austria) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-08-12 View Source →
0404 (Korea) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-07-30 View Source →
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) Level 4 - Do Not Travel 2026-08-07 View Source →

Safety and Security Analysis

Vaccination Information

Required Vaccines

  • None

Recommended for Most Travelers

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Polio

Recommended for Some Travelers

  • Rabies
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Consult a travel health specialist regarding the risk of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and Leishmaniasis.

Visa Information

Visa Types

Type Requirement Stay Limit Cost Conditions Details
Tourist e-Visa 60 days $160 Must apply via official portal at least 24 hours prior to travel.
  • Online Portal: eservice.evisa.iq
  • Entry Requirement: e-Visa is mandatory for federal Iraq.
Kurdistan Regional Visa e-Visa or VoA 30 days 103,000 IQD Valid only for the Kurdistan region; not valid for federal Iraq.
  • Portal: visit.gov.krd
  • Note: Visa on arrival is becoming increasingly restricted.

Entry & Legal Compliance

  • Passport Validity Needed: 6 months
  • Blank Pages Required: 1
  • Dual Citizenship Policy: Not recognized
  • Proof Of Onward Travel: Required by airlines
  • Currency Limit Declaration: 10,000 USD
  • Drone Usage Law: Strictly prohibited

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 104
  • Ambulance: 122
  • Fire: 115
  • National Emergency Hotline: 112

Common Scams & Tourist Traps

  • Romance Scams: Individuals posing as doctors or soldiers on social media requesting money for travel or medical expenses.
  • Visa Scams: Fraudulent websites claiming to offer official government visas to extract funds from unsuspecting travelers.

Cultural Etiquette in Republic of Iraq

Do

  • Dress Conservatively: Wear loose, modest clothing, especially in religious areas.
  • Respect Ramadan: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Don't

  • Public Photography: Do not photograph military bases, government buildings, or security checkpoints.
  • Proselytizing: Religious proselytism is strictly forbidden.

Advisory Comparison by Government Source

Global Affairs Canada

Updated: 2026-09-01
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
This advisory emphasizes the extreme discrimination and violence faced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, explicitly noting the 2024 anti-prostitution law amendments. It also highlights the specific dangers of unexploded ordnance in border regions and the limited consular capacity of the Canadian government in Baghdad.

U.S. Department of State

Updated: 2026-06-26
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel status, citing the limited ability to provide emergency services. It includes critical advice for U.S. citizens to leave DNA samples with medical providers and draft wills, reflecting the severe nature of the risks involved.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The French advice provides a highly granular breakdown of red-zone areas where travel is formally discouraged, including specific districts in Baghdad. It offers unique, practical advice for travelers, such as the necessity of using armored vehicles and having a trusted local contact for safety monitoring.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
This source warns that travel insurance may be invalidated if traveling against FCDO advice. It provides specific details on legal requirements like publishing lost passport notices in local newspapers and the risk of being detained for inadequate paperwork.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Australia’s advice is particularly detailed regarding exit trafficking and family law disputes. It provides specific warnings about the risks of false security checkpoints being used by criminals and terrorists.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Spanish advisory focuses heavily on the legal perils of internal borders, warning that crossing from the Kurdistan Region into Federal Iraq without the proper visa is treated as a severe immigration crime. It notes the total ban on alcohol implemented in 2024, warning travelers of heavy fines for possession.

Spain highlights the catastrophic impact of climate change on the region, warning of severe droughts and lethal sandstorms that completely halt outdoor activities. It also stresses that consular assistance is practically non-existent outside of the heavily fortified diplomatic zones.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Irish advisory is concise, emphasizing that the Embassy in Amman is the primary point of contact due to the lack of a resident embassy in Iraq. It highlights the high threat level for foreigners in hotels and restaurants.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Japanese advisory focuses on the rapid deterioration of security following regional military escalations. It provides extensive details on the types of local scams, such as 'romance scams' involving fake military or UN personnel.

Auswärtiges Amt

Updated: 2026-07-09
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
New Zealand provides clear guidance on the active terrorist groups and the sectarian violence inherent in the country. It highlights that the government will not arrange evacuations, placing the burden of safety entirely on the traveler.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Swiss advisory notes that any decision to leave or stay is entirely voluntary and at the traveler's own risk. It highlights the specific use of live ammunition by security forces to disperse protests.

Regjeringen (Norway)

Updated: 2026-05-27
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Dutch advice provides a very clear color-coded map system, distinguishing between red (no travel) and orange (essential travel only) zones. It includes practical tips for what to do in a crisis, such as staying in well-secured hotels.

Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)

Updated: 2026-03-03
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Italian advisory provides a detailed timeline of updates and highlights the high seismic risk of the country. It also specifies the prohibition of exporting art and antiquities, which can lead to heavy criminal penalties.

BMEIA (Austria)

Updated: 2026-08-12
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Austrian advisory is direct, warning that consular assistance is extremely limited and that the government may seek reimbursement for any protection or rescue measures undertaken.

0404 (Korea)

Updated: 2026-07-30
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
The Finnish advisory highlights the risk of seismic activity, noting that Iraq is located in an active earthquake zone and travelers must be prepared for sudden natural disasters. It also warns that Iraqi Airways remains on the EU blacklist, failing to meet basic international aviation safety standards.

Finland stresses the importance of self-sufficiency, advising travelers to stockpile cash, food, and water in case of sudden societal collapse or prolonged shelter-in-place orders. It notes the complexities of the ongoing post-election government negotiations, which frequently spark violent urban protests.

Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.

About Travel Advisories for Republic of Iraq

This comprehensive travel advisory page for Republic of Iraq aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.

The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Republic of Iraq.

By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Republic of Iraq and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.

Last updated: 2026-09-06