Risk level(s)

Safety and security

If you are currently in Iraq, consider departing by commercial means if it is safe to do so. If you decide to travel to Iraq despite this advisory, be extremely confident in your security arrangements, assess the risks of travelling in Iraq, monitor local developments closely and register with and closely follow messages issued through our Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Due to the unpredictable security situation, the Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in all parts of Iraq is severely limited. Monitor local news reports and instructions from local authorities closely, and remain alert to your surroundings at all times.

Insurgency

Since March 2013, the number and intensity of security incidents and sectarian-related violence have increased across Iraq. Popular targets include Iraqi security forces, government offices and large public gatherings. Some attacks have also targeted residential areas to maximize casualties.

Iraqi military efforts to retake Mosul from Daesh fighters may lead to increased levels of insecurity in other cities across Iraq, as fighters leave Mosul and seek to carry out attacks elsewhere. The security situation in Iraq remains extremely volatile and could deteriorate suddenly.

Extremist insurgents led by Daesh have threatened to push to Baghdad and regions further south.  Attacks in KRG-controlled towns to the southwest of Erbil occurred in early August 2014. Following the targeted airstrikes against Daesh in northern Iraq by coalition forces, there are heightened threats of attacks against Western interests and of kidnapping of foreigners.

Potential Arab-Kurd violence is also of concern. Iraq’s internal stability is further undermined by the ongoing political situation, in which government officials compete for power along ethnic and sectarian lines.

Car bombings, vehicle ambushes and mortar and rocket attacks occur regularly across the country, including in Baghdad and the International Zone (IZ) of Baghdad, resulting in numerous fatalities. These attacks are coordinated, and result in many casualties among bystanders. The risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time remains high.

Armed clashes between Iraqi security forces and militants have been taking place in the province of Anbar since the beginning of 2014, with the most severe fighting concentrated in Qaim and Rawa. Numerous casualties have been reported and thousands of residents have fled the province.

KRG-controlled provinces of Dahuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah (see Advisory)

Areas under KRG control remain vulnerable to the impacts of both regional instability and internal tensions. Some areas in northern Iraq are still under Daesh control. Extremist insurgents led by Daesh are responsible for attacks on KRG-controlled areas, including towns southwest of Erbil. If you are in the Kurdistan region, you should take precautions to leave areas close to the conflict. Areas liberated from Daesh are still dangerous because of remaining mines or other explosives hazards. The region could encounter a rise in terrorist attacks as Daesh loses further territory. Exercise a heightened level of vigilance and plan your security measures accordingly.

Given the very volatile security situation, you may be denied entry into or exit from KRG-controlled areas at border points in Iraq. Your movements inside the KRG-controlled areas may also be restricted by security forces.

Threats to foreigners

The threat to foreigners is very high; foreigners present a prime kidnapping target for criminal and terrorist groups hoping to extort money.

Stay in secure, guarded accommodations, travel with close protection teams at all times and take all necessary security precautions if you decide to travel to Iraq. You are strongly advised to consider employing a professional security company and to adhere to their advice for the duration of your stay. You are also strongly advised to acquire comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and retaliatory attacks are common throughout the country, and typically result in deaths and injuries. There is greater unrest in the western and northern provinces due to ongoing Sunni protests and increased militant activity. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Crime

Crime and corruption are rampant. Carjackings and robberies are common. Security conditions deteriorate after nightfall in most areas. Violent conflicts involving organized criminal elements, street gangs, militant groups, rival militias and Iraqi security forces pose grave dangers.

Checkpoints

Security checkpoints have proliferated in Baghdad and in other parts of Iraq. Be very respectful and cooperate fully at security checkpoints. An Iraqi police or army uniform is not a guarantee that the wearer is operating in an official capacity. Exercise particular caution at ad hoc checkpoints, where murders, kidnappings and robberies frequently occur.Border areas

Avoid travelling to border areas. Iraqi forces are attempting to contain the effects of the deteriorating security situation in Syria, and Kurdish rebel groups are frequent targets of military operations into Turkey and northwest Iran. You may encounter serious problems with local authorities when crossing porous borders.

Women’s safety

Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Road safety

Motorists frequently disobey traffic rules, including traffic lights, yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and yielding the right of way. Speeding and tailgating are common practices.

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

Travel by road is not safe. Although travel at night is especially dangerous, attacks are also common during the day.

The road leading to the Baghdad International Airport has been targeted by several attacks.

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

Rail travel

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

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Curfews may be imposed on short notice throughout the country. Monitor local media in order to stay informed of changes.

The Government of Iraq has begun to take measures to improve the structural integrity of the Mosul Dam.  A dam failure could cause significant flooding and disruptions to essential services from Mosul to Baghdad, particularly along the Tigris River, as well as in areas adjoining the dam. A failure of the Mosul dam cannot be predicted; therefore, you should monitor local media reports and prepare contingency plans. The government of Canada will not be able to provide consular services in the event of a dam failure.

Carry photo identification as well as a legally certified copy of your visa and registration at all times. Keep your passport and visa in safekeeping facilities.

Telecommunications services are very poor or non-existent in remote areas. Cellular network coverage is widespread in major cities.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Iraqi authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Entry or re-entry into Iraq from other countries is problematic, and you may be refused permission to enter.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Iraq, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Iraq. You will require a visit visa if you remain in Iraq for less than five days. After 10 days in the country, you must renew your visa at the Iraqi Residence Office (Ministry of Interior). After three months in Iraq, you must apply for a one-year residence permit to regularize your entry visa.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities in Iraq are scarce and below Western standards.

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 & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Driving

An international driving permit is required.

Illegal or restricted activities

Religious proselytizing is forbidden.

The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect a long detention or even death penalties.

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

Customs

You cannot leave Iraq with more than US$10,000 in cash, unless it was declared when you entered the country.

It is strictly prohibited to take antiquities, archaeological finds or antique carpets out of Iraq, in accordance with the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its first protocol.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Iraq. If local authorities consider you an Iraqi citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Iraqi passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Custody

According to Iraqi law, the child of a male Iraqi national is considered an Iraqi national. Even if the name of the child is written in the mother’s foreign passport, Iraqi authorities may consider the child an Iraqi national and the child will require the father’s permission to travel.

Religion

Islamic practices and beliefs form the basis of the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 27.

Money

The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). The economy is primarily cash-based. U.S. dollars are accepted; credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not accepted. There are very few automated banking machines.

Natural disasters & climate

Iraq is subject to sandstorms and dust storms, as well as flooding caused by heavy rains.

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

The Canadian embassy in Baghdad does not provide in-person consular services. For consular service and assistance, contact the Embassy by phone or email.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Baghdad and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.