23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Do not travel to Iraq.
Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to:
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The security situation is unstable. It could worsen with little warning.
If there are no commercial options for leaving Iraq, the Australian Government can't help you leave.
In May 2019, the US State Department ordered all non-emergency US Government employees to leave Iraq. This includes staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate in Erbil.
Curfews and other security conditions can change at short notice.
If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq:
Leave Iraq as soon as possible. In the current environment, if you travel to Iraq or stay in Iraq despite our advice, it may not be possible to return to Australia when you want to.
Australian officials have adopted enhanced security measures.
Armed opposition groups are active throughout Iraq. They have staged large, coordinated attacks against the Government of Iraq and civilians.
These groups have killed and injured 1000s of people in many parts of Iraq, especially in the provinces of:
There has also been fighting between armed groups and Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan region.
Terrorist attacks occur often and without warning.
Attacks may target or happen during political events. This includes international meetings and conferences or political rallies.
Religious events, including Ramadan, Ashura and Arba'een, have also been targeted.
Iraqi security forces, supported by international partners, have made recent military gains against armed opposition groups, including Islamic State (IS). However, sporadic attacks still occur across Iraq.
Targets for terrorist attacks include:
Terrorists also target:
In the Kurdistan region, terrorists targeted official buildings in Erbil in 2018.
The International Zone and Bagdad International Airport in Baghdad are regularly targeted by rocket attacks and drones.
Iraqi security forces often conduct security operations across the country with little warning.
Coalition forces are regularly targeted by rockets, improvised explosive device (IEDs) and drones across Iraq.
Coalition forces conduct targeted airstrikes against militants.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
There's a very high, severe and ongoing threat of kidnapping.
Sources report that terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners throughout Iraq. Kidnappers have targeted:
Many foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered. Criminal gangs and terrorists demand large ransoms for releasing hostages. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to breach Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Political rallies and protests often happen in Baghdad and other regions of Iraq. Large crowds can quickly gather and turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings. Security restrictions, including curfews and interruption to internet and social media service, may occur with little notice.
Most rallies and protests are held in Tahrir Square or near government buildings.
If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq, monitor the media and other sources about possible unrest.
If you're in an affected area, stay indoors and follow the advice of local authorities or your security provider.
More information:
Violent crime and corruption are common. Many kidnappings, murders and robberies occur.
Organised criminal gangs, militia and tribal groups are significant threats.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Iraq:
Some fraudulent websites and Facebook accounts in the past claimed to represent the Australian Government in Iraq. They approached local businesses for tender opportunities or individuals for visa application.
Tell the Australian Embassy in Baghdad if you're contacted by fake sites.
Some Australian businesses have been contacted by companies claiming to be Iraqi importers. They offer to do business in unusual or suspicious ways. Scammers may have knowledge of the industry and appear legitimate.
Get legal advice if you or your company is contacted.
Australian companies have been contacted by people claiming to represent the Government of Iraq. They are looking for payments associated with recently won contracts.
Get advice from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Canberra before making any payments.
Some individuals offer to produce Iraqi identification cards. These cards are not accepted by local authorities and, if used, you could be arrested. Only obtain identification cards from relevant Iraqi authorities.
People claiming to be representing the Australian Government, and offering visas have contacted some individuals. To protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with official Australian Government channels such as the departmental website, Australian Visa Application Centres, or the Australian High Commission or Embassy in your country. Visit our Visa Scams page for tips on identifying scams.
More information:
Iraq can experience severe weather and is in an active earthquake zone.
Sandstorms and dust storms are common.
From July to September, daytime temperatures reach over 40°C. Temperatures are often above 50°C.
If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq and there's a natural disaster:
The Government of Iraq has started improving the structural integrity of Mosul Dam. A dam failure would cause significant flooding from Mosul to Baghdad. It could interrupt essential services. A failure of the Mosul Dam cannot be predicted.
If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq and you're in an area near the Tigris River, including Baghdad:
The Australian Government can't help you if commercial flights and other transport options aren't available.
If the Mosul Dam fails:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Iraq.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iraq. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a threat in Iraq.
For information on Iraq's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website (Arabic). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Insect-borne diseases are common.
Malaria is widespread in the southern province of Basrah and areas below 1500m. This includes the northern provinces of:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
The World Health Organization has confirmed human cases of bird flu in Iraq.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases happen. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or have diarrhoea.
Iraq is no longer affected by wild poliovirus. However, it's still at risk from international spread of the disease.
Stay up to date with vaccinations against polio (poliomyelitis). Get a booster dose before you travel.
Health facilities in major cities are limited. In remote areas, they're very basic or not available. Stocks of medical equipment and medicines are severely depleted.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated.
Medical evacuation is very expensive. It may be difficult to arrange because of the security situation.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms and the death penalty.
More information:
The death penalty can be applied for murder, treason, drug and terrorism-related offences.
Get professional advice for local legal matters. Know your rights and responsibilities, especially in family law, such as:
It's illegal to:
Unauthorised filming in a public place is against the law. Authorities have arrested several foreign journalists for filming without approval.
It's also illegal to take photos or film government and security buildings, including:
Although the laws of Iraq do not prohibit consensual sexual acts between people of the same sex these acts could be illegal under other provisions of the law, such as public indecency. Homosexuality is not socially accepted and there are no legal protections against discrimination. Violence against LGBTI people occur.
Local laws can change without notice. Check legal requirements with an embassy or consulate of Iraq.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Iraq recognises dual nationality.
If a dual-national child has an Iraqi father and the child wants to leave the country, you may need proof of the father's permission.
More information:
Hotels may not allow couples to stay unless you can prove you're married.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Iraq. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking is illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
If you travel to Iraq despite our advice, you may be eligible for either a 30-day visa on arrival (Visitor) or a 60-day visa on arrival (Regular). Visa fees apply.
Authorities may refuse entry to Iraq if your passport contains Israeli stamps or visas.
Australian travellers arriving through Erbil International Airport or Sulaymaniyah International Airport may be eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival.
This visa is only valid for travel within the region the Kurdistan Regional Government administers. It's not accepted for travel to other areas of Iraq.
Ensure you understand the conditions of your visa, especially if you are travelling as a member of a group.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact either:
Iraq has introduced a number of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, including curfews and the closure of land borders.
The Government of Iraq continues to urge people to stay at home. If you have an essential need to leave home, you must wear a mask. Most international airports are operating at a reduced capacity. Iraq has previously implemented a range of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Previous measures have also included entry and travel restrictions. Provincial and regional governments have also implemented similar measures across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These measures could be reintroduced at short notice.
If you're travelling to Iraq or making departure plans, you must carry a certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of entry into Iraq. A number of countries, including transit countries, require you to carry a negative COVID-19 certificate. Contact your travel agent for the latest developments. If you are in Iraq, you should leave Iraq as soon as you are able to do so. Contact your travel provider or nearest embassy or consulate of Iraq for latest information on COVID-19 restrictions.
For a child travelling without a parent, the guardian must carry documentation saying that the child's parents allow the travel.
An Australian-Iraqi dual national child with an Iraqi father may need to prove permission from the child's father before authorities will let them leave Iraq.
If despite our advice, you travel to border areas note that border crossings can close with little or no warning.
Sensitive border areas, especially with Syria and Turkey, are military targets.
Security checkpoints are stationed throughout Iraq.
At these checkpoints:
Criminals and terrorists have used false security checkpoints to:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).
On exit and entry you must declare all amounts in excess of IQD200,000, $USD10,000, or the same amount in other foreign currencies. Gems, jewellery or other items valued at USD10,000 or more must also be declared.
US dollars and euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange at local commercial banks and exchange bureaus.
Road travel is dangerous.
Dangers include:
Drink driving is illegal. See Local laws
If, despite our advice, you need to travel by road, first:
More information:
Airport closures or flight suspensions may happen. Double-check flight arrangements before travelling to the airport.
In the past, some airlines have suspended flights to and from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah International Airports due to political tensions.
Aviation safety and security standards may not meet those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Iraq's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Consular services are severely limited due to the security situation.
The Australian Embassy provides limited consular services by appointment only.
Visit the embassy website to make an appointment.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.