Iraq Travel Safety

Road safety

Drivers do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or yield the right of way. Speeding and tailgating are common practices. Due to the country's high liability risk, it is difficult to obtain car insurance. Motorists frequently disobey traffic rules, including traffic lights. Travel by road is not safe. Although travel at night is especially dangerous, attacks are also common during the day. Buses run irregularly and routes are subject to frequent changes. Rundown transit vehicles are frequently involved in accidents.

Border areas

Avoid travelling to border areas. You may encounter serious problems with local authorities when crossing borders or risk of injury or death as a result of ongoing clashes, air strikes or other violent incidents that are common to border areas in Iraq.

Rail transportation

Avoid travelling by rail, as the railroad is old and poorly maintained.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.

Crime

Violent conflicts involving organized criminals, street gangs, militants, rival militias and Iraqi security forces pose grave dangers. Crime, including carjackings, robberies and corruption, is common. Security conditions get much worse after dark in most areas.

Religion

The country customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Iraq's culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Although homosexuality is not illegal under Iraqi law, the LGBT community generally keeps a low profile, making it difficult to assess its size or relative freedoms. Local attitudes towards LGBT people may be hostile. There have also been reports of individuals being targeted by extremists. You're advised to exercise discretion.

Illegal or restricted activities

Religious preaching is forbidden. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect a long detention or even the death penalty. Do not drink alcohol outside licensed facilities. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.