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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Iraq, please see Ireland.ie.

Iraq

If you’re travelling to Iraq, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

Do Not Travel

General Travel Advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Iraq at this time due to the extremely dangerous security situation in all parts of the country and the very high threat of terrorist attacks.

Irish citizens who are currently in Iraq are advised to leave immediately.

Citizens who consider their presence in Iraq to be absolutely essential, should have adequate and continuous professional security arrangements in place and ensure they are regularly reviewed.

We advise Irish citizens who remain in Iraq to register with the Embassy of Ireland in Jordan if they have not already done so.

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Iraq. A valid passport is required for travel to Iraq. Passport cards cannot be used.

Irish citizens in Iraq are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the  Irish Embassy in Jordan on social media (Twitter@irlembjordan and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

There is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Iraq, which limits our capacity to respond. However, where emergency consular assistance is required for Irish citizens, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Jordan.

The Embassy can be contacted at the following number: +962 6 590 3200. For out of hours emergencies only, contact +962 799732370.

Alternatively, you can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at: +353 1 408 2000.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Unrest

The security situation in Iraq is extremely dangerous and there is a very high threat of terrorist attacks. 

Terrorism

Terrorists and anti-government forces have carried out numerous attacks against places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels and restaurants. There have been attacks on international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnap of foreign nationals across Iraq remains very high. People have been kidnapped at their homes, work and in transit. Kidnappers don’t discriminate between nationalities or religions. Those kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place and some of those kidnapped have been killed.

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. 

Health

Health

Polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers from Ireland to countries where polio transmission is a risk. Before travelling to areas where poliomyelitis cases are still occurring, travellers should ensure that they have completed the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine schedule and have received a booster dose, if necessary. More information is available on the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website.

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you are unsure of the entry requirements for Iraq, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Iraq.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

 

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

There is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Iraq, which limits our capacity to respond. Where emergency consular assistance is required for Irish citizens outside of opening hours, please contact the Embassy of Ireland in Jordan. Alternatively, you can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at: +353 1 408 2000.

Embassy of Ireland
Bashir Kheir Street 12
Abdoun
Amman
Jordan

Tel: +962 6 590 3200

Embassy opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 09:00-13.00

Contact us