Business Customs
Visiting U.S. company representatives find Iraq’s business environment to be complex. Business cards in English or in both English and Arabic are recommended. Email addresses and websites should be included with your contact information. English is more commonly spoken in the business community and in government offices but knowing and using a few words in Arabic will be useful. In general, the dress code is formal in most business and official settings. Businesspeople dress in suits. Women should dress modestly in keeping with cultural norms.
Travel Advisory
The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to Iraq due to COVID-19, terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. The current security environment slows economic development in many areas of Iraq and discourages U.S. corporate security offices from approving travel to Iraq. Americans visiting Iraq are advised to check the U.S. State Department’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html / for the latest information on travel to Iraq. Travelers should check this link for any updates to the security situation before leaving the United States.
The Embassy is located on Al-Kindi Street, (Baghdad), The telephone number is 964-0760-030-3000 and the website is: https://iq.usembassy.gov/ The Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
Visa Requirements
To enter Iraq, passports must be valid for at least six months after the dates of travel. In March 2021, the GOI began issuing two-month, single-entry visas-on-arrival at Iraqi airports and border crossings to U.S. citizens. Since this is a new process, travelers are encouraged to check with the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the latest information. Business visitors needing a longer stay can apply for a business visa at the Iraqi Embassy in Washington. Foreign investors can request support from the National Investment Commission in expediting a visa. You are encouraged to submit your visa application as far in advance of travel as you can. Iraq has HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on all visitors that are unevenly enforced.
The KRG also issues 30-day visas-on-arrival to U.S. citizens. However, these visas are not valid outside the IKR. U.S. citizens who plan to stay for a longer period should obtain an extension from the local residency office.
Visit the Iraqi Embassy at http://www.iraqiembassy.us/ for the most current visa information. The Embassy is located at 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007; phone number is 202-742- 1600; fax number is 202-333-1129.
For the latest information on Iraqi visas, go to http://www.iraqiembassy.us/page/visas-to-iraq or call the Iraqi Embassy at (202) 483-7500.
Please also consult the Department of State’s International Travel page for Iraq: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iraq.html.
Currency
Local currency is the Iraqi dinar, which is divided into 1,000 fils. The rate of exchange is fixed at $1 = IQD1,450.
Telecommunications/Electric
Cell phone usage is widespread. Internet usage is growing in popularity and performance. 4G Mobile phone services are reliable in major cities, with 3G in other parts of the country. Prepaid Sim cards are widely available for visitors at reasonable cost. Zain and AsiaCell are the two most widely subscribed mobile companies, and branches are found in most malls and commercial areas.
Transportation
Please see travel advisory above. In Baghdad, official yellow taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Careem is the most popular rideshare service. Women traveling alone should sit directly behind the driver. Culturally, it is inappropriate for women to take the front seat next to the driver.
Language
The official language is Arabic. In Baghdad, English is widely understood and spoken among the educated classes including many businesspeople. Kurdish is the main language in the IKR.
Health
Public hospitals are in bad condition and lack many medications. Private hospitals can provide better service. There is no health insurance in Iraq, and Iraqi healthcare providers do not accept foreign health insurance. Payment is due at time of service.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Iraq is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (seven hours ahead during Eastern Daylight Time). The work week is Sunday through Thursday. The standard business hours for most banks are 8:30am-3:00pm. Most businesses are open 8:30 am-1:30 pm and 3:30 pm-6:30 pm. Government offices are normally only open 8:20am-2:00pm. During the month of Ramadan, business hours are usually only six hours per day. Business appointments on Friday should be avoided.
Government Offices Standard Business Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 8:20am – 2:00pm.
Banking sector:
Monday: 8:30 – 15:00