Covid-19 vaccination entry requirement
In late April 2022, a new regulation came into force, requiring all travellers to and from Iraq (over the age of 12) to have demonstrable proof of Covid-19 vaccination, in the form of a vaccination certificate. This applies to inbound and outbound passengers.
Vaccine certificates should show two doses of any vaccine, apart from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which requires only a single dose. We advise travelling with a paper copy rather than (or as well as) an app on your phone.
According to various foreign office websites, Covid-19 vaccination certificates must have a ‘scannable QR code'. However, in our experience, checks are only visual, possibly because vaccines may have been taken in any country in the world.
How does this work for inbound travellers?
In our experience, Covid-19 vaccination status documentation is checked in your country of origin, at check-in for your first flight (as it’s likely you’ll be transiting via another country on your way to Iraq). Our vaccination documentation was not checked during transit or on arrival into Iraq.
How does this work for outbound travellers?
Leaving Iraq through Baghdad airport recently, we were asked for vaccination certificates only once, by a medic sat at a table in the airport before check-in. He looked at the documentation and verbally confirmed our names.
Depending on the Covid-19 regulations of your final destination, when leaving Iraq you may need a PCR test or might need to show vaccination status at check-in. For information on getting a PCR test in Baghdad see the post ‘Covid-19 testing for, and in, Iraq’.
Vaccine exempt?
If you are vaccine exempt for medical reasons, this should be demonstrated by a suitable medical report, and a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before flight departure will also be required.
Temporary regulation?
We assume that, as per many countries, this regulation will not remain in force indefinitely. As Iraq doesn’t have a high rate of uptake for the Covid-19 vaccines, some locals believe this travel regulation is a way to try and raise in-country vaccination levels.
Apparently there have been other in-country attempts to boost vaccination rates, by trying to restrict access to jobs, salaries or places of work/education for unvaccinated Iraqi citizens but, as far as we have seen, these do not apply to foreign visitors. However, it’s probably worth carrying a paper copy of vaccine certification, in case this is required at any time.
Information was correct in May 2022. Before confirming travel plans, we advise you check current regulations with your nearest Iraqi embassy, as well as your own government’s foreign ministry advice.
