Iraq🇮🇶
Iraq, located in West Asia on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, shares its borders with six countries: Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Turkey. Its complex historical and political environment has shaped its relationship with its neighbors. Known for being the cradle of civilization, Iraq offers a rich cultural and historical experience, with ancient ruins like those of Babylon and Ur. Distinctly diverse landscapes, from the lush marshlands of Southern Iraq to the vast desert wilderness in the west and Mesopotamian architecture in the cities, command global attention. Iraq's unique Middle Eastern cuisine is another central piece of the cultural experience and visiting local markets such as the Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is certainly recommended for travelers.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid travelling without a detailed plan regarding transport and accommodation in Iraq.
- Avoid political discussions and demonstrations as they can potentially escalate to violence.
- Avoid night travel especially outside urban areas due to the increased risk of criminal activity.
- Avoid flamboyant public display of wealth as it can attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid public displays of affection to respect the conservative cultural norms.
- It is not recommended to drink the tap water; always opt for bottled water.
- Avoid non-essential travel to areas outside major cities due to ongoing conflict.
- Avoid travelling without proper vaccination as diseases such as cholera are present.
- Avoid poor lit areas and isolated places, especially if you are a woman travelling alone.
- Avoid open expression of LGBTQ+ identity. It can lead to serious backlash due to prevalent conservative attitudes.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Iraq continues to have high crime rates particularly in major cities like Baghdad and Mosul. From theft to violent crime, the risk remains relatively high due to political instability and socio-economic factors. Kidnapping, particularly of foreigners for ransom, has been reported in the region.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism is a grave concern in Iraq with numerous incidents reported over the years. Various extremist groups, including ISIS, have orchestrated attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and foreign nationals. The spike in violence in 2014, as Iraq experienced an insurgency by ISIS, marked one of the most severe episodes.
War ⚔️
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Iraq has seen numerous wars in recent decades affecting its safety, most notably the Invasion of Iraq by the United States in 2003. Even though the country has officially been at peace since the late 2010s, scattered outbreaks of violence do occur.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Natural disasters including earthquakes and seasonal flooding occur, but very rarely have catastrophic impacts. Iraq was hit by a massive earthquake in 2017 along its border with Iran, causing significant loss of life.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in Iraq are often under-resourced and overstressed, particularly outside major urban centers. Additionally, the country has been hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic which put a further strain on its healthcare system.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water quality in Iraq varies across regions and it's generally not advised to drink tap water. Lack of water infrastructure and pollution pose concerns for water safety.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Iraq's disease burden is significant due to limited access to preventive healthcare and ongoing conflict. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera pose serious risks.
Corruption 💸
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Iraq faces high levels of corruption, impacting various sectors of the society and economy. Despite efforts to fight corruption, it continues to be a pervasive issue.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Safety for women in Iraq is a critical concern due to cultural norms and ongoing conflict. Women face significant challenges related to personal safety and rights.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Iraq is not a safe country for queer individuals. Homosexual acts are legal in Iraq, but societal attitudes are generally very conservative and there are numerous reports of violence and discrimination.
Censorship 📺
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Media censorship is common in Iraq, either by government forces or non-state actors, creating a restrictive environment for freedom of expression and independent media coverage.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Iraq's public transportation is fairly developed in city areas. However, it can be less reliable and safe outside the city centres, with reports of accidents and safety incidents.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Iraq's safety is primarily compromised due to the ongoing political instability and high levels of crime and corruption. Traveling to Iraq should be done with caution, and it's recommended to stay updated with the latest safety advisories and local customs.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Numerous foreign embassies are located in the capital, Baghdad with some countries also having consulates in other cities, such as Erbil.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended before traveling to Iraq. Depending on the traveler's location and schedule, other vaccinations like Cholera and Meningitis can also be required.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Iraq is home to dangerous animals including venomous snakes, scorpions, and wild canines. It is recommended to remain cautious, especially during outdoor activities.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iraq which should be obtained prior to travel.
💲 Currency
The Iraqi Dinar is the currency of Iraq. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels or authorized exchange offices.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance is generally low in Iraq, particularly outside of large cities. Cash is the preferred method of payment.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Given the security situation and the complex regulatory environment, Iraq is generally not suitable for work and travel.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Iraq can be moderate compared to Western standards. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the location and lifestyle.