Iraq customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Iraq strictly prohibits alcohol and pork imports; duty-free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol is prohibited for import by all travellers; no duty-free allowance exists.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free; items above that value are subject to duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages and all alcohol-containing products
  • Pork and pork products
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with special medical license)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with official permit)
  • Pornographic materials and items offensive to Islamic morality
  • Goods originating from Israel or bearing Israeli labels

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment (require a permit from the Communications and Media Commission)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require approval from the Ministry of Transport)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate and inspection)
  • Pets (require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration

All travellers entering or leaving Iraq must declare cash, cheques, or monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in IQD) on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Religious items

Import of religious materials (e.g., Bibles, crosses) is generally allowed for personal use, but items deemed offensive to Islam or Shia/Sunni sensibilities may be confiscated.

Used goods and household effects

Non-residents bringing used personal effects (clothing, electronics) for temporary stay are generally exempt from duty, but new items in commercial quantities are treated as imports and subject to full duty.

Prohibition on alcohol and pork

Iraqi law strictly prohibits the import of alcohol and pork products, regardless of the traveller's religion or nationality. These items are confiscated and may lead to legal penalties.

Frequently asked questions

No. Iraq prohibits the import of all alcoholic beverages for all travellers, regardless of religion or nationality. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.
You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent in IQD or other currencies) without declaring. Any amount over that must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Personal medicines for common conditions are allowed. However, medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, certain ADHD medications) require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Health.
Drones are restricted. You need a permit from the Ministry of Transport before arrival. Without it, the drone may be confiscated at customs.
Goods valued over USD 800 are subject to customs duty and taxes. You must declare them on the arrival form and pay the applicable charges. Failure to declare may result in fines.
No. Pork and all pork products are strictly prohibited for import into Iraq, regardless of quantity or purpose.

Official source

Iraq Customs Authority (General Authority of Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Iraq Customs Authority (General Authority of Customs) before travelling.