Country guides
Middle East
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
Arabic is the majority language, Kurdish is spoken by approximately 15-20 percent of the population. English is spoken by most businessmen.
Money
The local currency is the Iraqi dinar, which is divided into 1,000 fils. US dollars and euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange at local commercial banks and exchange bureaus.
Tipping
Tipping isn't common or expected in hotels or bars. Passengers aren't expected to tip in taxis either, though they can round up the fare if they feel the ride was good.
Health
There are a few health risks to consider when travelling to Iraq. It's recommended that travellers be vaccinated against polio and typhoid, and cholera outbreaks also occur. Vaccination certificates are required by those arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever. Tap water should not be drunk, including ice in drinks, and food precautions should be taken. Healthcare facilities are limited, especially in rural areas; travellers are advised to have full medical insurance and to consult with their medical practitioner prior to travel.
Safety
All but essential travel to Iraq is advised against as there is a threat of terrorism, with car bombings, vehicle ambushes, drones, mortar and rocket attacks occuring weekly across the country. Foreigners could be prime kidnapping-for-money targets for criminal and terrorist groups. It's best to avoid travelling to border areas. Visitors should be wary of crime, including carjackings, robberies, kidnapping and corruption.
Local customs
The overwhelming majority of Iraqi citizens are devout Muslims, and travellers to the region should be aware that the Koran still provides the basis for many of the country's social mores and customs. Conservative dress (covering the arms and legs) and reserved public behaviour are the norms, and drinking in public is taboo. Photography is becoming more socially accepted, although travellers should exercise caution whenever using their camera. ('Ask First' is probably a good rule to abide by, and visitors should not photograph military installations or personnel.) It is considered rude for anyone to show the soles of their feet or shoes, and to touch or move objects with their feet. Visitors should also avoid using their left hand when greeting others, or when eating, as it is considered 'haram' (impure). During the month of Ramadan, visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public places between the hours of sunrise and sunset, as it is bound to offend local sensibilities. Finally, it might be useful for travellers to bear in mind that in Iraq, an indirect communication style is favoured, with politeness and deference (especially to elders) being highly valued.
Doing business
Most Iraqi businessmen speak English and are polite and conservative in their manner. The same respect is expected in return. Exchanging business cards is normally restricted to senior business figures and it is advisable to have a translation of details on the alternate side. Appointments should be made and punctuality is expected for business meetings. Dress is formal and conservative and though Iraqis do not wear ties, it is not negative for foreigners to do so. Women should dress modestly and cover their hair. Business gifts are quite acceptable. Friday is the Muslim holy day when everything is closed, and most businesses also close on Thursday. During Ramadan business hours may be shortened.
Duty free
Travellers to Iraq may import the following goods tax-free: up to 200 cigarettes, 10 cigars, 250g of tobacco, one litre spirits, two litres wine, and goods valued to goods up to the value of IQD100, 000.
Communications
The international dialling code for Iran is +964. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Hotels and restaurants in Baghdad offer WiFi; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
A vaccination is required for passengers who are older than nine months of age and are travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. This includes those transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Visa extensions are possible by application. Regardless of official guidelines, it is always recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity.
Entry requirements
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. US nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. UK nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. Canadian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. Australian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
South African citizens require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay and a visa to enter Iraq.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. Irish nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay is required to enter Iraq. New Zealand nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.