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.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Iraq who haven't been vaccinated, including infants 6-11 months old.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated.
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.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Iraq, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Cholera
Cholera is present in Iraq but rare in travelers. Vaccination may be considered for some travelers going to areas with active transmission.
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.
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.
Disease risks
Traveler's Diarrhea
Rural northern areas; low risk in Baghdad.
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.
More country guides
Armenia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Azerbaijan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bahrain carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
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Build my Trip KitSources: 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.