Iraq Health Care and Vaccinations

Title Special precautions
Diphtheria

Yes

Hepatitis A

Yes

Malaria

Sometimes

Rabies

Sometimes

Tetanus

Yes

Typhoid

Yes

Yellow Fever

No*

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.

Iraq's health system has suffered from years of neglect and war. Only limited facilities are available and evacuation by air ambulance may be required; therefore, insurance should have provision for this. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Food and drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present: avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Diarrhoeal diseases are common. Vaccinations are sometimes advised for tuberculosis and hepatitis B.

Health certificate

Baghdad requires those staying for longer than ten days to take a test in a state laboratory. It could refuse entry or deport anyone found to be HIV positive, including diplomats.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.