Baghdad — International Zone

The International Zone (formerly Green Zone) in Baghdad has some medical facilities used by diplomatic and contracted personnel — including Ibn Sina Hospital (a US-operated facility for certain authorized personnel). Outside the IZ, Baghdad hospitals are severely under-resourced. Medical care in Iraq requires institutional planning and dedicated providers — individual travelers cannot rely on local facilities.

Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah)

The Kurdistan Region has better healthcare infrastructure than the rest of Iraq. Erbil has several functioning private hospitals. The security situation in KRI is significantly more stable than the rest of Iraq. However, even KRI facilities are not equipped for complex or critical care — evacuation to Amman or Istanbul remains necessary for serious illness.

Evacuation Destinations

Amman, Jordan (2 hours flight) and Dubai, UAE (2 hours flight) are the primary medical evacuation destinations. Both have world-class private hospitals. International SOS and Control Risks maintain regional capacity in Iraq. Any professional traveler to Iraq should operate under an institutional medical evacuation plan — individual commercial insurance is often inadequate.

US Embassy Baghdad

Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad
Phone: +964 770 443-6300
After-hours emergencies: +964 770 443-6300
Very limited capacity outside the International Zone.
iq.usembassy.gov

US Consulate Erbil (Kurdistan)

Serving the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI):
Phone: +964 66 259-0000
Provides consular services for US citizens in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk governorates.

US State Dept 24/7 Hotline

From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Available 24 hours. Call immediately in any emergency.

Extreme Heat

Iraq experiences some of the world's most extreme summer heat — Baghdad regularly exceeds 48°C (118°F) in July and August. Heat is a genuine threat to life. Remain indoors during midday, drink at least 4–5 liters of water daily, wear lightweight loose clothing, and use shade and air conditioning aggressively. Avoid all non-essential outdoor activity June–August during daylight hours.

Dust Storms

Severe dust storms (shamal) are common in Iraq, particularly April–June. Visibility can drop to near zero and fine particulate matter causes hazardous air quality. Those with respiratory conditions are at serious risk. Wear an N95 mask outdoors during dust storm conditions. Seal doors and windows and use air purifiers indoors.

Landmines & UXO

Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain a serious hazard in areas of former conflict — particularly western Anbar province, former ISIS-controlled territories (Nineveh, Mosul area), and parts of the Kurdish-Arab boundary regions. Never leave established roads in these areas. Do not pick up or approach unfamiliar objects.

Road Safety

Traffic accidents are a major cause of injury even beyond conflict-related risks. Iraqi driving is aggressive, roads are often poorly maintained, and vehicle checkpoints require slowing suddenly. Never travel between cities by road at night. Use armored vehicles where available for professional travel. Avoid all road travel outside the International Zone without professional security.

Terrorism — ISIS Remnants

Despite territorial defeat, ISIS continues to conduct attacks in rural northern and western Iraq — particularly in Nineveh, Kirkuk, Salah ad-Din, and Diyala provinces. Attacks include ambushes, roadside bombs, and shootings. Avoid all areas outside KRI and Baghdad without professional security assessment.

Iran-Backed Militia Attacks

Iran-backed militia groups have conducted rocket and drone attacks against US-related targets — including the US Embassy, military bases, and contractor facilities. These attacks occur without warning. US citizens near diplomatic or military facilities face elevated risk. Follow all shelter-in-place instructions from the Embassy immediately upon receipt.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping of foreigners for ransom remains a documented threat throughout Iraq. US citizens are particularly high-value targets. Do not publicize your travel plans, maintain unpredictable movement patterns, vary routes and timings, avoid establishing routines, and travel with professional security where possible.

Kurdistan Region — Relatively Safer

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) — Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk — is significantly more stable than the rest of Iraq and has hosted international tourism, business travel, and humanitarian operations. However, KRI is not immune to conflict spillover. Kidnapping and terrorist incidents have occurred. Professional security assessment remains recommended even in KRI.

Cholera & Enteric Disease

Cholera outbreaks occur in Iraq, particularly during periods of infrastructure failure or flooding. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and dysentery are all present. Safe water and food hygiene are critical — drink only bottled or purified water and eat only cooked food from known, reliable sources.

Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are endemic in Iraq. Transmitted by sand fly bites at night. US military personnel have experienced leishmaniasis outbreaks during deployments. Use DEET repellent and permethrin-treated clothing at dusk and night. Use fine-mesh nets (standard mosquito nets do not stop sand flies).

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

A tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease present in Iraq. Cases have been documented, particularly in relation to livestock handling during Eid al-Adha (animal slaughter festival). Avoid contact with livestock, use tick repellent in rural areas, and avoid blood or tissue exposure from animals. No vaccine available — prevention is the only protection.

Air Pollution & Dust

Baghdad and other Iraqi cities suffer from chronic air pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and waste burning. Combined with frequent dust storms, air quality can be hazardous. Travelers with respiratory conditions should carry adequate medication and wear N95 masks during periods of poor air quality.