Iraq: Authorities plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions nationwide from March 22 /update 83

Event

Iraqi authorities plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions nationwide from March 22. The nightly curfew Mondays to Thursdays will be reduced by an hour to 21:00-05:00; the total curfew will be in place Fridays and Saturdays. The measures apply to all individuals except those working in the health, security, and services sectors. Additionally, authorities will allow malls, restaurants, markets, and cafes to reopen.

Authorities are maintaining mandatory social distancing protocols and the use of facemasks in public. Officials have also banned the entry of all tourists until further notice. Iraqi citizens are permitted to return, subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Additionally, the ban exempts diplomats, government officials, and individuals working in international organizations who tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Authorities in the KRG imposed additional restrictions March 10 to curb the spread of COVID-19. All cafes, nightclubs, and bars must close 00:01-06:00 while cinemas must close completely. Additionally, all individuals traveling into the region from other Iraqi governorates must prove that they tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours before arrival.

The wearing of facemasks remains mandatory in all public places and in vehicles when there are other passengers. Authorities have also banned large gatherings, including weddings, concerts, sporting events, and conferences. Funeral ceremonies and visits to cemeteries are also prohibited.

A ban on flights with Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, the UK, the US, and Zambia, remains in place until further notice. Iraqi citizens in these countries are permitted to return, subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Additionally, the ban exempts diplomats, government officials, and individuals working in international organizations who tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Airports in the region are operational; all outbound and inbound travelers must prove that they tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours before their flight. Outbound passengers who wish to take the COVID-19 test must arrive at government-designated clinics with passports, facemasks, and at least IQD 100,000 (USD 84); authorities will only accept Iraqi currency for payment. Test results are likely to arrive within 24-48 hours. Travelers intending to take the test at the airport for outbound flights may face delays. All arrivals are required to quarantine for at least 14 days. Authorities will exempt officials, business travelers, and tourists on a short stay.

Authorities could ease restrictions related to COVID-19 or implement additional preventative measures, depending on the disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Government of Iraq
Kurdistan Regional Government
World Health Organization (WHO)