IQ flagLow riskAsia · Western Asia

Iraq Travel Health Guide

Low risk

Iraq carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

Overall risk

Low risk

Malaria

None

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure all routine vaccines are up to date before traveling, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Iraq who haven't been vaccinated, including infants 6-11 months old.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated.

Recommended

Measles

Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including infants 6-11 months who need an early dose.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Iraq, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Recommended

Cholera

Cholera is present in Iraq but rare in travelers. Vaccination may be considered for some travelers going to areas with active transmission.

Situational

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Iraq. Rabies vaccines may only be available in larger medical facilities. Consult a healthcare provider about pre-exposure vaccination based on your planned activities.

Situational

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for disease prevention in Iraq, but is required for entry if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including transit stops over 12 hours.

Situational

Disease risks

Traveler's Diarrhea

Rural northern areas; low risk in Baghdad.

Moderate risk

Emergency numbers

Police

104

Medical / Ambulance

122

Fire

115

U.S. Embassy

+1-240-553-0590

Iraq travel health FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel to Iraq?▼

For travel to Iraq, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Is there malaria in Iraq?▼

No — Iraq is not considered a malaria-risk destination, so antimalarial medication is not routinely needed. Basic insect-bite precautions are still sensible.

Is it safe to travel to Iraq?▼

From a travel-health standpoint, Iraq is currently rated low risk. Iraq carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

What are the emergency phone numbers in Iraq?▼

Key emergency numbers in Iraq are Police 104, Medical / Ambulance 122, Fire 115 and U.S. Embassy +1-240-553-0590. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.