Is Iraq Covid-19 secure?
A handsome Mesopotamian artefact, with Sumerian writing.
Iraq has faced decades of problems including conflict, foreign invasion, instability and the Islamic State. Covid-19 is just another problem which Iraqis have been taking in their stride. Although a range of Covid-19 vaccines are available, uptake has not been particularly high.
A mandatory negative PCR test, taken within the 72 hours before your flight’s departure, is required to enter Iraq and you should carry a printed paper copy of your result. At present there are no quarantine or self-isolation regulations upon arrival, meaning you can get straight on with exploring this fascinating country.
Measures to prevent the spread of infection are sporadic and largely a matter of personal choice. Masks are mandatory in government buildings, encouraged in some high-end hotels and commonly worn by staff at many cafes and restaurants. In daily life, although some Iraqis choose to wear masks, most do not. It is advisable to carry a face covering, in case this is needed or wanted.
If you come from a country where Covid-19 rules are strictly enforced or largely adhered to, or you are very conscious of the possibility of infection, Iraqis may seem alarmingly relaxed.
Handshaking, for example, remains a popular form of greeting, although you may be able to intercept with a ‘fist-bump’. It is acceptable to use hand sanitiser - you may like to carry your own - or excuse yourself to wash your hands. Even before Covid-19, hand-washing was more common across Iraq than in many European countries. Many cafes and restaurants provide hand sanitiser, sometimes on every table.
Sensible personal basic hygiene measures, including regular hand washing, are advisable. Masks are readily available to buy, as is hand sanitiser.
Be prepared for crowds and possible close physical contact with others in busy places such as religious shrines or bus stations. Travel on public transport can also be a little ‘cosy’, but you can choose a front seat beside the driver (usually at a small extra cost) or buy extra seats to acquire more space.
In case of a resurgence of Covid-19 and future restrictions, for background: There was one lockdown for several months in 2020, which caused severe hardship for casual workers. In 2021, there were several weekend lockdowns and evening curfews, limiting movement in vehicles and the opening hours of some establishments.
Although there haven’t been any recent such measures, if you are travelling during a resurgence of Covid-19 or related measures, it may be worth double-checking current regulations when you arrive, with a local person or hotel staff, including any anticipated weekend lockdowns as, during such times, travel between cities has been largely prohibited, so you could find yourself stuck somewhere for several days.
The Middle East is not necessarily a destination that springs to mind when thinking of freedom. But, with regard to Covid-19 restrictions, in Iraq you can happily enjoy basic liberties which once counted as normality, and that can feel quite liberating.
