Travel Vaccines and Advice for Iraq
Iraq enjoys a rich, ancient history as the site of Mesopotamia, the “Land Between the Rivers”.
The country is surrounded by Iran in the East, Syria and Jordan in the West, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the South, and Turkey in the North. To the Southeast it also has 36 miles of coastline of the Persian Gulf.
Major elements of Iraqi cuisine include spiced and marinated meats such as lamb and chicken, flatbread, Iraqi dates and coffee.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Iraq?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Iraq
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Iraq?
What Is the Climate Like in Iraq?
How Safe Is Iraq?
Explore the Newly Reopened Iraq National Museum
What Should I Pack for Iraq?
U.S. Embassy in Iraq
Do I Need Vaccines for Iraq?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Iraq. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Iraq: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a country with active polio transmission. Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Iraq |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a country with active polio transmission. Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Iraq |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food or water, leading to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The typhoid vaccine provides immunity against this bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the disease, especially in areas where typhoid is common.
- Cholera – Cholera is a waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It’s transmitted through contaminated water or food. Vaccination is the best form of protection.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Polio cases have been reported in neighboring countries. While vaccination is not currently recommended for Iraq, it should be considered.
U.S. military and some government travelers may be required to receive an anthrax vaccination.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Iraq
Prevent Bug Bites in Iraq
Safeguard against bug bites by following CDC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Iraq
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Altitude Sickness in Iraq
At high altitudes, altitude sickness can strike, causing symptoms like headaches and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. If symptoms develop, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest, and medical evaluation if necessary are crucial for recovery and safety.
Infections To Be Aware of in Iraq
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, caused by tick-borne viruses, necessitates protection against tick bites and strict infection control in healthcare.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. It poses a significant health threat to humans and animals. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during peak sand fly activity.
- MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral illness caused by MERS-CoV, initially identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. To prevent MERS, practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals and camels, and follow CDC guidelines for travelers. Vaccination against MERS is not yet available.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a prevalent tropical parasitic disease, spreads through contact with contaminated water. To combat it, avoid infected water sources and use protective clothing.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Iraq?
Yes, you do need a visa to travel to Iraq.
You also need a passport with a blank page for the entry stamp and at least six months validity.
Iraq Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Iraq? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Iraq and U.S. State Department
Upon arrival in Iraq you will need an arrival sticker. When leaving you will need an exit stamp. If you are staying longer than 10 days you will need a residency stamp. If you are intending to come back you will need a re-entry visa.
If you have Iraqi ancestry different rules may apply to you. This can also be true if you are traveling to the country for work.
Passport Health has partnered with industry leaders in travel document services, RushMyPassport and G3 Travel Services. These teams will walk you through the Iraq visa process step-by-step and handle the sometimes difficult communication with embassies and consulates. Start your visa process today!
What Is the Climate Like in Iraq?
Iraq has a hot, dry climate with varying mid-high temperatures.
The summer is hot with temperatures in the 100’s. The country experiences low humidity and winds during this season also. August is usually the hottest month.
Winter months are cooler, with temps in the 60’s during the days. January is the coldest month. Freezing temperatures can occur in Iraq, usually at night.
The southern sharqi winds blow from April to June and again from late September to November. These winds can be strong and tend to bring dust storms. Between the sharqi wind periods is the shamal wind from the Northwest. These are usually dry and cooling.
There is little to no rain in summer. Nearly all Iraq’s annual rainfall occurs from November to April. Mountainous areas receive significantly more rain than other regions.
How Safe Is Iraq?
The State Department advises against travel to Iraq for a variety of reasons including terrorism and kidnapping. Make sure to take extra precautions before and during your trip.
Terrorism is a serious risk in Iraq, particularly with ISIS. Expressing support for the Iraqi government, Western institutions and some religious groups can be dangerous. Be careful what you say and where you say it.
Identification checks and checkpoints are commonplace. Officials in Iraq search goods and persons and confiscate goods as deemed necessary. You may be forced to return items at your own expense to wherever they came from. Be polite and patient at the government roadblocks which are all over Iraq.
Power outages are common and generators are not always available. Air quality is sub-standard, especially in Baghdad.
Buses are irregular and constantly change routes. Long-distance buses are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. City transit vehicles are often poorly-maintained and involved in accidents.
Avoid the borders of Iraq, they are largely undefined and potentially unsafe. Petty theft, carjacking, gang crimes, and ransom kidnappings are very common.
Explore the Newly Reopened Iraq National Museum
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The Iraq National Museum was closed after losing nearly 15,000 pieces during conflicts in 2003. It was officially reopened in 2015 after a dozen years in the dark. One-third of the lost items have taken their rightful place back in the museum.
The Iraq National Museum is the perfect choice for to learn about the region’s 7,000 year history. Iraqi lands were part of ancient Mesopotamia. It was also part of the famous Ottoman Empire.
To the Iraqi people, the museum represents both years of striking heritage and a stand against terrorism.
The museum is located in the country’s capital of Baghdad.
What Should I Pack for Iraq?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Cool Clothing – Iraq can be be quite hot. Be sure to pack according to your itinerary. Consider items such as sunscreen, sandals, and airy clothing especially.
- Sun Protection – Heat is just one aspect of the climate. High intensity sun means sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential.
- Adapters for Electronics – Iraq uses 230 volt outlets while America uses 120 volt. Be sure to bring plug adapters and power converters to keep your electronics running.
U.S. Embassy in Iraq
All Americans visiting Iraq should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Iraq, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Phone: 0760-030-3000
Because Iraq can be a dangerous place, the embassy’s ability to provide services to American citizens may be limited or change quickly. It’s important for travelers to check the embassy’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Iraq
“The nurse helped me review everything I might want or need to prevent illness when I move to Iraq. She was very knowledgeable, and gentle and compassionate when delivering the shots and explaining all the potential diseases and prevention steps. I had a great experience for something that can be quite uncomfortable!”
“My first experience with the staff at the Passport clinic in Sterling, VA was Jun 2010. I need immunizations prior to my first deployment to Iraq. Because I had a good experience when I was recently notified that I was going back to Iraq I knew I would return to Passport Health.”
“Nurse gave me health information and tips for health in Iraq. Also got the vaccines I needed for this trip.”
“I received all the important information regarding my trip to Iraq.”
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