Iraq Customs Regulations

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Import Regulations

200 cigarettes or
50 cigars or
250 grammes of tobacco
Up to 1 litre in wines or spirits
500 ml of perfume in two small opened bottles
Local currency (Iraqi Dinar-IQD) and foreign currencies: must be declared on arrival

Israeli currency
Illegal drugs
Guns, Explosives and ammunition – unless authorised
Knives and deadly weapons
Nuclear material – except for legitimate industry or medical purposes
Meat and milk products
Artefacts of important religious or historical importance are completely restricted
Antique carpets
Magazines, films and other material against the public interest
Pets and other animals – unless permission has been obtained
Counterfeit money and goods
Pornographic material

All travellers entering Iraq are required to take an AIDS test. Travellers suffering from AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis or leprosy will be deported.
Material used in the creation of explosives including fertilizers is restricted from entering the country without a special licence from the Ministry Of Trade.
Plants and plant products will require permission from the Ministry Of Trade.
Countries which have suffered outbreaks of bird flu cannot import fowl or poultry products into the country without permission
Any dogs, cats and other pets will have to be cleared by the Iraq live animal desk before being granted permission into the country. All pets will need an Iraq International Health Certificate confirming that the animal is clean of any contagious diseases and a vaccination against Rabies.

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Export Regulations

1. Nationals or residents of Iraq being older than 18 years of age:

a. local currency (Iraqi Dinar-IQD): up to a maximum of IQD 100,000.-;

b. foreign currencies: up to a maximum of USD 10,000.- or equivalent.

2. All other passengers: up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency Export regulations:
1. Nationals or residents of Iraq being older than 18 years of age:
a. local currency (Iraqi Dinar-IQD): up to a maximum of IQD 100,000.-;
b. foreign currencies: up to a maximum of USD 10,000.- or equivalent.
2. All other passengers: up to the amount imported and declared.

Israeli currency
Illegal drugs
Guns, Explosives and ammunition – unless authorised
Knives and deadly weapons
Nuclear material – except for legitimate industry or medical purposes
Meat and milk products
Artefacts of important religious or historical importance are completely restricted
Antique carpets
Magazines, films and other material against the public interest
Pets and other animals – unless permission has been obtained
Counterfeit money and goods
Pornographic material

Weapons being imported into the country will need an in-date Weapon Authority Card from the Ministry of the Interior.
Excessive amounts of foodstuffs including Tea, Sugar, Rice, Wheat, Milk Powder and Vegetable Oil.
Manufactured goods including wood, glass, iron and scrap metals.

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Health & Security

Basic health information for travelers to Iraq

Basic security information for travelers to Iraq

🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Iraq

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from countries infected with the disease. Other travellers are strongly advised to obtain vaccination for protection before visiting the country.
Tap water and other local water sources should be considered unsafe and boiled thoroughly before being drunk. Sealed bottled of water should be obtained and drunk where possible. Milk is likely unpasteurised and dairy products should be avoided.
All meat, fish and vegetables should be considered contaminated and should be well cooked and served boiling hot for safety. Any items of native fruit should be peeled before being eaten. Food and drink served from vendors maybe underprepared or contaminated and travellers buy from them at their own risk.
Several Food and water borne diseases are present throughout Iraq including Hepatitis A, Cholera, and Bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Travellers are advised against swimming in any pools, lakes or similar sources of native water which might be contaminated. Long term visitors to the country should also obtain vaccinations against TB and Diphtheria for protection.
Malaria is present in the rural northern sections of the country between May and October. All travellers are strongly advised to obtain plenty of close fitting clothing and insect repellent for protection and should seek out immediate medical assistance in the event of infection.
HIV and Hepatitis B are endemic to the region and travellers should undertake all necessary precautions when dealing with bloody needles or when engaging in sexual intercourse during the course of their visit. Travellers should note the potential for serious punishments resulting from sexual encounters between unmarried partners or between Muslims and non Muslims visiting the country.
Visitors to the country should avoid any wild dogs or other animals whose bites might contain Rabies. If bitten travellers should immediately clean the wound and seek out medical assistance to check for signs of infection.
Sections of the country exist at an altitude greater than 2.500m where altitude illness can potentially pose a danger. All travellers visiting these regions are advised to stop what they are doing if feeling lightheaded or nauseous and should slowly descend to a lower altitude and rest until symptoms decrease.
The British Foreign Commonwealth office states that” the temperature in summer months can exceed 50 ºC (122ºF) and drop as low as 10ºC (50ºF), which can result in dehydration and serious health problems” and that plenty of bottled water is recommended in order to combat exhaustion and dehydration.
The overall standard of healthcare is very limited throughout the entire country and may be practically none existent in more rural or isolated areas. Travellers are strongly advised to take obtain full travel and health insurance prior to beginning their visit and to take a medical kit with them in case of an emergency. Local medical assistance may be expensive and doctors will likely demand cash upfront for any services rendered. An emergency airlift to a nearby country may be required in the event of serious illness or injury.

🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Iraq

Owing to the continued state of violence and political instability, all but essential travel to Iraq remains currently unadvised. Any travellers planning on visiting the country should exercise extreme caution throughout the duration of their visit and keep updated regarding the current political situation in the region. All foreign visitors should stick rigidly to prearranged tourist routes and avoid any activities or behaviour which could draw any unnecessary attention to their presence and potentially endanger their lives.
There remains a high risk of acts of terror occurring in Baghdad and throughout the rest of the country with a number of attacks being recently performed on foreign embassies and civilian areas. Suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices continue to cause mass casualties to foreign citizens and Iraq government and civilians alike and several popular tourists locations have been attacked by bombs and other deadly weapons.
Areas of Iraq under the direct control of the Kurdistan Regional Government are marginally safer than other sections of the country but random acts of violence by Al Qaida and other extremist groups remains a serious danger.
All travel to the border with Iran and Turkey should be avoided unless absolutely necessary thanks to ongoing military operations in the area. Unmarked minefields remain a danger near the Turkish border and aerial bombardments are frequent. Borders may not always be clearly marked and could lead to trouble with Iranian or Turkish authorities if crossed even inadvertently. Any travellers needing to visit these border regions should check with local authorities prior to beginning their journey.
Petty theft is common throughout Iraq and all foreigners visiting the country should keep their passport and other valuables in a safe and secure location at all times throughout their visit and avoid any obvious public displays of wealth which could serve to attract unwanted attention. All visitors to the country should also avoid walking alone throughout any part of the country and travel of any sort is not recommended after dark. Travellers should also keep a copy of their passport with them at all times in the event of accident or stoppage by the police or the security services. All foreigners are often victims of kidnappings for either economic or political reasons. Many hostages are killed by the kidnappers and travellers to the region should always remain cautious and alert whilst inside the country.
There have been several recent demonstrations in Baghdad and other cities across Iraq. All travellers are strongly advised to avoid any large crowds and demonstrations which could suddenly turn dangerous and violent. Foreigners visiting the region should stay updating regarding the countries current social and political environment both prior to and during their visit.
Visitors planning on driving throughout Iraq should exercise considerable caution at all times. Local vehicles and road conditions are often poor and unreliable and travel accidents are quite common. Urban street lighting may not be functioning and all travellers should avoid driving down poorly lit roads throughout the night. Local drivers often drive at fast speeds and traditional traffic rules and regulations may not always be applied. Incidents of carjacking have been reported throughout Iraq during both the day and throughout the evenings. Drink driving is illegal and can lead to heavy fines and jail sentences.
Military and civilian vehicles have regularly come under sudden assaults from both small arms fire and more deadly random explosive devices. Potential shortages in fuel mean that all foreign drivers should make certain that they have obtained sufficient amounts for their intended route before beginning their journey. All foreigners should avoid driving alone throughout the country but remain alert to the fact that large groups or convoys of vehicles could present a potentially tempting target for local terrorists and insurgent groups.
Iraq is in a seismically active zone and Earthquakes, many of them potentially dangerous, are a regular occurrence. In the event of an Earthquake, travellers are urged to stay calm and to contact their nearest embassy at the first available opportunity to confirm their condition. Much of the country is arid desert and travellers visiting during the hot summer months should take precautions against the often intense heat.
Iraq is a Muslim country and Islamic believes are central to most local laws and customs. Visitors to the country are advised to avoid any conversation or overt behaviour which could potentially cause offence. Eating or drinking in public during the holy month of Ramadan is not recommended and alcohol cannot be legally consumed in public.
Photos taken of important government, military and religious sites are currently prohibited and may be removed and destroyed by the security services. Local prison conditions may be more brutal than most foreign visitors are used to and travellers should avoid any activities which could bring them to the attention of the police and other government forces. Travellers should always remember to ask permission before taking photos of local inhabitants in order to prevent any possible misunderstandings.
Homosexuality is illegal in this country and could lead to a criminal charge if caught in public. Men and women couples visiting Iraq should take care to avoid any overt displays of affection in public places which may serve to attract unwanted attention.

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Contact Information

For further assistance please contact the Iraqi Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.

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Official Website

www.irancustoms.com/default.htm