Iraq
Iraq in the Middle East shares a border with Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey.
Keep up to-date with travel advice with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling.
Travel Vaccinations for Iraq
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Iraq.
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, course of Two | £50 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, single Dose | £40 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single dose | £50 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, single Dose | £80 | ||
| Cholera Travel Vaccine | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, course of Two | £35 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, course of Three | £55 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabies, course of Three | £65 |
Advice for Travellers to all Destinations
All Travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
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Risk of Malaria in Iraq
Malaria is a viral illness spread by Mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Iraq
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, may be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP).
Further Travel Health Advice for Iraq
Iraq
If one country can be referred to as the cradle of civilisation, Iraq, once ancient Mesopotamia, is certainly that country, for between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers lies what was the Garden of Eden, and Iraq was home to the Sumerians, the oldest known civilisation. The legendary capital of Baghdad still mirrors its ancient past, against the backdrop of its hectic pace, driven by its petroleum resources and production. One of the most staggering travel experiences awaits visitors to the ruins of Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar, during his reign from 605 BC, built the city and its renowned hanging gardens, one of the wonders of the ancient world. During your visit to Iraq, you can literally immerse yourself in history by touring some of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Heat and Humidity
Be prepared for intense, dry heat in Iraq and be careful when touring that your skin is protected. Drink plenty of water and juices.
Drinking Water
As with most destinations overseas,in Iraq it is recommended that you drink only bottled water, and also use bottled water for brushing your teeth, no matter which area you visit. Even if you are told that local water is safe, do not take the risk.
Food and Drink
Iraqi food is diverse and delicious. Such dishes as shish-taouk, and pelau, the local term for rice, are staple dishes, and barley, mint and dates usually find a place into the main meal of the day, but it follows that with such a long and multilayered history, Iraq has an extraordinary choice of foods. Grilled food is very popular, especially kebabs of beef, and lamb, and chicken. Iraqis love their sweets and pastries made of phyllo, and drenched in honey are everywhere, and many desserts include pistachios. Iraqis love their coffee rich and dark, but you might want to try Arak, an unsweetened liquor made from anise, mixed with water.
Seeking Treatment Abroad
The health care system in Iraq is iffy at best, and it is recommended that in case you require treatment, you use only private clinics. If you require health care services consult your hotel first and if possible, use a clinic in Baghdad. Arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need.
Travel and Health Insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with adequate travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any unusual activities.
In the Neighbourhood – Middle East
If you are travelling further afield throughout the Middle East make sure you check out the Travel Vaccinations that you need for every country that you are going to.
Bahrain
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria
UAE
Yemen
