Iraq customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Iraq's biggest customs risk is undeclared cash: the dinar is a closed currency and the 10,000 USD declaration threshold is enforced with seizure and legal penalties. Expect physical baggage checks at all entry points, and note that alcohol rules depend on your religion, not just your allowance.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
Non-Muslim travellers aged 18+ may bring 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer, duty-free. Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims under Iraqi law.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or negotiable instruments exceeding 10,000 USD (approximately 13,100,000 IQD) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to 800 USD (approximately 1,048,000 IQD) are duty-free. A flat 20% customs duty applies to the total value of goods above this allowance.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Pork and pork products
  • Alcohol (for Muslim travellers)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medications (must have prescription and declare)
  • Satellite phones and communication devices (require permit)
  • Drones (require permit from Iraqi authorities)
  • Antiques and cultural artifacts (require export/import license)
  • Live animals and plants (require veterinary/phyto-sanitary certificates)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Complete a Customs Declaration Form before reaching the customs desk. Use the green channel only if you have nothing to declare and are within all allowances; otherwise use the red channel. Even green-channel travellers may be selected for a random baggage inspection.

Bringing medication

You may bring personal prescription medication for up to 30 days with a valid prescription and original packaging. Controlled substances, narcotics, and psychotropic drugs require prior approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Codeine, tramadol, and certain sedatives are prohibited without a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

All food products of animal origin, fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil are prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed in small quantities for personal use but must be declared. Meat and dairy products are subject to strict controls.

Rules worth knowing

Cash Declaration

Failure to declare cash or negotiable instruments over 10,000 USD (13,100,000 IQD) can lead to seizure and legal penalties.

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims under Iraqi law. Non-Muslims may bring limited quantities for personal use, but public consumption is restricted.

Currency Controls

The Iraqi dinar is a closed currency. You cannot take more than 200,000 IQD out of the country. Exchanging currency on the black market is illegal.

Duty on Excess Goods

A flat 20% customs duty applies to the total value of goods exceeding the 800 USD allowance, not just the excess amount.

Frequently asked questions

No. The threshold is 'exceeding' 10,000 USD. If you carry exactly 10,000 USD or less, no declaration is required. If you have multiple currencies, convert to USD equivalent to check.
Yes, for personal use up to 30 days with a valid prescription and original packaging. Controlled substances like codeine or tramadol require prior approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Always declare your medication.
No, Iraq does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. Taxes paid on purchases are not refundable at departure.
You must declare the excess and pay a flat 20% customs duty on the total value of goods above 800 USD. You may also face fines if you fail to declare.
Most food of animal origin, fresh produce, plants, and seeds are prohibited. Packaged foods for personal use may be allowed but must be declared. Meat and dairy are strictly controlled.
Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims. Non-Muslims may bring up to 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer duty-free. Public consumption is restricted, and you must be 18 or older.
Narcotics, pork products, alcohol (for Muslims), firearms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit goods, and pornographic materials are prohibited. Restricted items like drones and satellite phones require permits.

Official source

General Commission for Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with General Commission for Customs before travelling.