Middle East and North Africa
Iraq |
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Still current at: 02 March 2013
Updated: 11 February 2013 |
No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Terrorism section (car bomb attacks on 8 February). The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Iraq, with the exception of the Kurdistan region, where there are no travel restrictions in place in our travel advice.
(See travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- General
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We advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Iraq,
except to the Kurdistan region, for which we have no travel
restrictions in place.
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You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of
people. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western
demonstrations. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should
leave the area immediately. You should keep yourself informed of
developments, including by regularly checking this advice.
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There is a high threat of terrorism in Iraq, which includes violence, kidnapping and targeting foreign nationals, including those of non-Western appearance.
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There are no restrictions in place against travel to the
Kurdistan region, which consists of the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and
Sulaimaniyah. Terrorist incidents are currently less frequent in the
Kurdistan region than in the rest of Iraq. However, terrorists continue
to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks across the Gulf
region. These include references to attacks on western interests, which
may include residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation
interests.
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You should seek local advice before travelling to the remote
areas bordering Turkey and Iran, where there have been incidents of
shelling, unexploded ordnances and mines. See
Kurdistan Region.
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You should employ a professional security company and take all
necessary security precautions if you intend to travel to areas of Iraq
which are subject to travel restrictions. You should exercise extreme
caution at all times in these areas. See Travel in Iraq.
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Curfews can and are imposed at short notice, often around
religious holidays. Curfew times, when in place must be strictly adhered
to and large gatherings should be avoided. See
Curfews.
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51 British nationals required consular assistance in Iraq in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012. See Consular assistance statistics.
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The British Embassy in Baghdad is able to offer only limited
consular assistance. The British Consulate-General in Erbil is able to
offer limited consular assistance, in the event of an emergency. You
should register your presence with
LOCATE.
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The British Consulate-General in Basra will be closing on 30
December 2012, and is no longer able to provide consular assistance to
British nationals. The British Embassy in Baghdad will manage consular
issues in southern Iraq, and British nationals in Basra or elsewhere in
southern Iraq requiring consular assistance should contact the Embassy
on the number listed below.
- You should seek professional advice and it is strongly advised that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism in Iraq, which
includes violence, kidnapping and targeting foreign nationals,
including those of non-Western appearance. See Terrorism.
We advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Iraq, except
the Kurdistan Region (for which we have no restrictions in place
against travel).Terrorists and insurgents maintain the ability to conduct attacks throughout Iraq.
Terrorist incidents are currently less frequent in the Kurdistan Region than in the rest of Iraq. However, terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks across the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, which may include residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. There are no restrictions in place against travel to the Kurdistan Region (the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah), but you should maintain a high level of security awareness.
Major attacks within the last six months include:
- On 8 February 2013, there were car bomb attacks in Baghdad, Karbala and Shomali, resulting in at least 33 deaths, and injuring approximately 100
- On 3 February 2013, an attack on the Iraqi Police Directorate in Kirkuk killed at least 33 people and wounded up to 70 others.
- On 23 January 2013, a suicide attack at a mosque in Tuz Khormato killed at least 23 people.
- On 22 January 2013, a series of blasts in and around Baghdad killed at least 17 people.
- On 16 January 2013, a series of attacks across Iraq, including in Kirkuk, Tuz Khortmato, Baghdad and Tikrit killed at least 42 people, and injured approximately 200 others.
- On 29 November 2012, a series of attacks occurred across Iraq, including in Hilla, Karbala, Mosul and Fallujah, resulting in at least 45 deaths, and injuring approximately 200.
- On 27 November 2012, there were car bomb attacks across Iraq, including in the cities of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Tuz Khortmato, with reports of at least 29 killed and over 100 injured.
- On 14 November 2012, a series of blasts occurred at locations across Iraq including Kirkuk and Baghdad with reports of at least 17 killed and a larger number injured.
- On 9 September 2012, there were car bomb attacks across Iraq, including in the cities of Kirkuk, Tuz, Baghdad, Al-Amara and Basra, resulting in at least 90 deaths, and injuring approximately 350.
- On 16 August 2012, a series of attacks across Iraq, including in Kirkuk, Baghdad, Tal Afar, Baquba and Mishada, killed at least 53 people and injured scores of others.
Targets
As a foreigner in Iraq, you are a high value target to terrorists, insurgents and criminals who conduct regular and widespread lethal attacks (except in the Kurdistan Region). Commercial, aviation and maritime facilities, government buildings and other related political and security facilities are also at a high risk of attack. Indiscriminate attacks against Iraqi civilian targets also occur.
Targets have included hotels and restaurants where westerners congregate. Terrorists and insurgents continue to attack mosques, large gatherings, churches, army recruiting centres, public transport, police stations, government buildings and party political offices. Ceremonies to mark religious festivals have been targeted, including near churches or holy areas.
Civilian and military aircraft arriving in and departing from Baghdad International Airport and flying to other major cities in Iraq have been subject to attack by small arms. The standard of security at Baghdad International Airport’s civilian terminal has improved. However, there are still concerns and you should exercise caution if using the civilian terminal. In Basra, there is a continuing threat of rocket attacks against the airport.
Methods of attack include shootings, bombings, suicide bombs, vehicle bombs, rockets and mortars.
Kidnap
There remains a high threat of kidnapping and caution should be exercised throughout the country. Individuals have been kidnapped at their residence, at work and in transit. Kidnappers do not discriminate on the basis of nationality, religion, gender, age or profession. Large numbers of people, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Iraq. Many kidnappings have ended with the death of hostages.
The provision of close security protection is extremely important for those working in and moving around Iraq. But this in itself does not remove the threat – a number of those who have been kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place.
If you are in Iraq you are strongly advised to regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully when planning movements throughout Iraq, especially when moving outside the International Zone in Baghdad.
The motives of hostage takers vary from political to profit. British nationals should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
The Kurdistan region
There are no travel restrictions in place on travel to the Kurdistan Region (the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah).
The three provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah form the Kurdistan Region (KR) and are administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government which, under the 2005 constitution, has considerable powers of autonomy within a federal Iraq. The KR has been more successful in its counter-terrorism efforts than the rest of Iraq. The threat of terrorism and kidnap in the KR nevertheless remains.
In addition, Islamist terrorist groups, including al-Qaida in Iraq (AQ-I) and Ansar al-Islam, have infrequently carried out attacks in the KR. A network of Iranian-based Kurdish extremists, affiliated with AQ-I, also mount occasional cross-border attacks. Where they have occurred, attacks have generally targeted the Kurdistan Regional Government.
There is still a high risk of terrorism across Iraq and you should consider taking appropriate security precautions.
Shelling in the border areas with Turkey and Iran in the Kurdistan region still occurs. Turkish security forces have carried out air strikes and incursions into the border areas of Kurdistan, targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). You should seek advice locally on the situation in these remote border areas before travelling there.
Curfews
There are currently no countrywide curfews. However, curfews and vehicle bans can be enforced at short notice, particularly around religious holidays, pilgrimages and key political dates, such as elections.
Ensure you check with the relevant local authorities for curfews before travelling.
Travelling to Iraq
The British Government considers that the threat to British officials
serving in Iraq is serious enough that they must live and work under
strict security rules. All British officials working in Iraq live in
secure, guarded accommodation and must travel with close protection
teams at all times. Depending on the threat level, they may also be
prevented from travelling to certain areas of Iraq.Similarly, if you decide to travel to areas of Iraq to which we advise against all but essential travel, you should take appropriate security precautions before travelling. You are strongly advised to employ a private security company, make arrangements for secure accommodation and transport and consider pre-deployment training on travelling under close protection.
Appropriate security arrangements will not fully remove the risks of travelling to areas to which we advise only essential travel. You should exercise extreme caution at all times and remember that the UK can only offer limited consular support in Iraq. See Consular services.
International and British companies do operate in and visit Iraq. If you are working for British or other businesses and intend to travel to any part of Iraq, you should follow the above advice and contact UK Trade & Investment (in Iraq: baghdad.commercial@fco.gov.uk; in the UK: carl.bruce@ukti.gsi.gov.uk).
Transport
International commercial carriers serve Baghdad, Erbil and Basra International Airports. These airports are generally considered secure, but you should exercise caution within the terminals and not leave Baghdad or Basra International Airports without adequate security precautions (see Safety and Security - Travelling to Iraq).
As noted above, maritime facilities are under a high risk of attack. Maritime and sailing craft should exercise extreme caution if entering the northern Persian Gulf. Vessels also transiting the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack, and you should consider any regional tensions that may affect your route.
The Government of Iraq has closed four border crossings with Iran at Kella, Saranban-Golle, Taiwella and Parweez Khan. The Kuwait/Iraq border is open in both directions at Safwan (Iraq) and al-Abdali (Kuwait) 0800-1600 (local) on most days. These border posts have previously been closed at short notice for indefinite periods.
Road travel within Iraq remains highly dangerous and there continue to be fatal roadside bombings and both random and premeditated attacks on military and civilian vehicles. False vehicle checkpoints have been used to launch attacks. In addition to the threat from terrorism/kidnapping, there is also a risk of carjacking and robbery.
Road traffic accidents are frequent and often result in fatalities.
Local laws reflect that Iraq is a predominantly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious customs at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or visits to places of religious significance.
Visas and documentation
You must have a visa before travelling. You can apply for a visa at Iraqi missions overseas, including the Iraqi Embassy in London. See the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. If you are only travelling to the Kurdistan Region, you may obtain a visa on arrival.
Ensure that you have the appropriate documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, a valid visa, in-date Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) (if carrying weapons) and registration documentation from the Ministry of the Interior and/or military ID if using military routes. The Department of Border Enforcement (DBE) has made a number of arrests, including of British nationals, for failure to provide the appropriate documentation when requested. For more details on required documentation, you should see the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Iraq. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into Iraq.
Blood test
All visitors to Iraq, with the exception of those travelling on a tourist visa, are required under Iraqi health regulations to submit to a blood test within ten days of arrival. The test is for HIV and hepatitis. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at your airport of arrival. In the Kurdistan Region, this is only required for those staying for more than 15 days.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
Limited medical facilities are available. In the event of serious accident or illness, an evacuation by air ambulance may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
In September 2012, outbreaks of Cholera were reported in Dohuk and Sulaimaniyah in the Kurdistan Region. In October 2012 an outbreak of Cholera was reported in Kirkuk. You should check local travel advice before travelling to affected areas, and take precautions such as using only boiled or bottled water and avoiding ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Iraq, seek immediate medical attention. If you are travelling to Jordan, you may either be asked to prove you have been vaccinated against cholera or be required to take antibiotics.
If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Iraq seek immediate medical attention. If you are travelling to Jordan, you may either be asked to prove you have been vaccinated against cholera or be required to take antibiotics.
The temperature in summer months can exceed 50 ºC (122ºF), which can result in dehydration and serious health problems. Drink plenty of water. Weather conditions are arduous.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Iraq.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 122 (01 122 from a mobile) insert phone number] and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Consular services
The British Embassy in Baghdad operates a limited consular service by appointment only, due to security constraints at our current location. If you require consular assistance, emergency passports or notarial services, you must book an appointment before coming to the Embassy. You can book an appointment by contacting us directly on +964 (0)7901 911684 between 08.00 and 16.00, Sunday-Thursday. For all other services, including if you have been arrested or hospitalised, please speak to the Consular Section within these hours. If you are a British national requiring urgent consular assistance, outside normal working hours, please call: +964 (0) 7901 935149; or the Erbil Consulate’s Duty Officer on +964 (0)781 883 7576.
Due to the security situation in Baghdad, it is highly unlikely that the Consular Section will be able to assist with the following:
i) Any Iraqi visa-related matters on entry into Iraq. You are responsible for ensuring that your Iraqi visa and immigration arrangements are in good order before you travel to Iraq. It is extremely unlikely that we will be able to intervene should you encounter immigration difficulties at Baghdad International Airport, either on arrival or departure.
ii) Providing routine consular assistance in unsecure areas of Baghdad outside the International Zone, due to the risk to our consular staff of travelling to these areas.
iii) Making a visit to either a police station outside the International Zone or one of the prisons within Baghdad. However, our consular staff will try to make contact by telephone.
In line with our policy elsewhere in the world, we cannot provide legal advice. We can, however, provide a list of English-speaking lawyers.
If you need information on how to apply for a UK visa, you should visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. The Consular section is unable to intervene in UK visa issues.
The British Consulate-General in Erbil is unable to accept personal callers without appointments, or telephone calls about visas. If you have a query about visas please visit the website www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively, for enquiries in Erbil, you can email Erbil.VisaEnquiries@fco.gov.uk and receive an auto-reply with general advice and details of useful websites.
Registering your presence in Iraq
You should register your presence in Iraq. You can do this in the UK before you leave by using our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad (or if you live abroad) so that our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
For general enquiries please contact the Iraq Team in writing at Iraq Team, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, SW1A 2AH; by telephone on 020 7008 1500; or by email to: iraqtraveladvice@fco.gov.uk.
Forced marriage and child abductions
Some of our consular assistance is provided to victims of forced marriage or international parental child abduction. See our separate guidance on forced marriage and child abduction.
Purchasing property
We are often asked to give assistance in land or property ownership disputes. You should consider taking legal advice before entering into any agreement over the ownership or use of property or other assets. The British Embassy cannot help in these matters.
Consular assistance statistics
Fifty-one British nationals required consular assistance in Iraq in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012, including for 3 deaths, 4 hospitalisations, and 17 arrests.