Local Laws

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances:  The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens outside Baghdad is extremely limited given the security environment.  Host government emergency services and support are limited. 

ISIL controls a significant portion of Iraq’s territory.  Within areas under ISIL control, the Iraqi government has little or no ability to exercise control and ensure public safety.  People belonging to religious and ethnic minorities, LGBT persons, and people who express support for the government of Iraq or Western institutions are at grave risk in these areas and may face kidnapping, imprisonment, or execution.

Iraq continues to suffer from serious deficiencies in public services.  For instance, many areas have only a few hours of electricity per day.  Many families supplement their state-provided electricity through local cooperatives that share generators. 

Travelers should be aware that Iraqi fire and rescue services are still developing, and hotels may not be fully equipped with fire safety equipment.  When staying in a hotel, you should request a room on a lower floor and make sure you have identified the exits nearest your room. 

Telephone (landline) service is very limited; however, calls may be made from hotels, restaurants, and shops.  While cellular service (mobile wireless) has expanded rapidly into urban areas, reliability can vary by region.  Even in urban areas, users may frequently experience dropped calls.  Internet service is available through Internet cafes, but broadband Internet service to homes is currently limited.

Large wire transfers may require Central Bank of Iraq approval due to measures in place to combat money laundering.  Such approvals can be obtained by the sending bank if a customer provides information on the origin of the funds and the reason for their transfer.  Additional information on banking in Iraq is available on the Central Bank of Iraq’s website.

Customs officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraqi ports of entry.  Officers may confiscate any goods they deem may pose a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or social order of Iraq.  Starting in January 2014, Iraq began implementing Tariff Law No. 22, a new schedule of tariffs ranging from zero to eighty percent. Antiquities or cultural items suspected of being illegally exported may also be confiscated, as with goods that are not declared.  Visitors may also be ordered to return such goods, at their expense, to the jurisdiction from which they came. 

The banking and financial infrastructure is underdeveloped, as transactions in Iraq remain largely cash-based.  Hotels usually require payment in foreign currency.  Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are extremely rare in most of Iraq, but the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) provides ATM services in Iraqi dinars at all of its branches in Iraq as well as in USD at its main branch in central Baghdad. 

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBTI Travelers:  The law prohibits discrimination based on race, disability, or social status, but it does not address the issue of sexual orientation or gender identity.  Societal discrimination in employment, occupation, and housing based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and unconventional appearance is common in Iraq.  See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  While in Iraq, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States.  The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services.  The government enforces the law in the public sector, but not in the private sector.  Access for persons with disabilities to buildings and in educational and work settings remains inconsistent.  Public and government buildings, as well as public bathrooms, may not be accessible.