Home
Foreign Travel Advice For Iraq
Safety and security
Local travel
5/28/15
British government officials serving in Iraq live and work under strict security rules. All British officials live in secure, guarded accommodation and travel with close protection teams at all times. Depending on the threat level, they may be prevented from travelling to certain areas of Iraq.
If you travel to areas of Iraq to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel, you should take appropriate security precautions before travelling. Outside of the Kurdistan Region you are strongly advised to employ a private security company, make arrangements for secure accommodation and transport and consider pre-deployment training.
~~~
Land borders
Border crossing points with countries neighbouring Iraq may close with little or no notice. There are reports that a number of Iraqi border crossings with Syria are now under ISIL control and have been closed. Three Saudi Arabian border guards were killed at the Arar crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia on 5 January 2015. You should check in advance whether border crossings will be open before travelling through these areas.
Baghdad
British nationals in Baghdad should have robust contingency plans in place and continue to monitor media reporting. You should stay in close contact with your private security companies and monitor our travel advice pages. Routes in and out of Baghdad may become blocked and airports closed or inaccessible at little or no notice. You should plan and check your routes in advance of travelling.
The Kurdistan region
The Kurdistan Region is administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government which has considerable powers of autonomy within Iraq.
While the Kurdistan Region has a different security environment to the rest of Iraq, ISIL controls territory nearby. The security situation in the Kurdistan Region could deteriorate quickly.
Curfews
There are no country-wide curfews at present, but curfews and vehicle bans can be enforced at short notice, particularly around religious holidays, pilgrimages and key political dates like elections.
Advice to business
A number of UK companies visit and operate successfully in Iraq. However, movement is restricted and companies nearly always travel with close protection security teams. Specific guidance for companies seeking to do business in Iraq can be found on the UK Trade & Investment website (UKTI). UKTI are also able to put you in touch with companies operating in Iraq who offer security services.
For UK business visitors on their first few visits to Iraq, the British Embassy in Baghdad can provide accommodation and support services (like meals and laundry) on the secure Embassy compound in the International Zone. In addition, the Embassy’s mobile security teams can provide secure transportation to and from the airport, and to any meetings where an Embassy Officer is accompanying.
Air travel
Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Basra International Airports are generally considered secure, but Baghdad International Airport has been the target of attacks in the past. You should take care within the terminals. Don’t leave Baghdad or Basra International Airports without taking adequate security precautions.
Flight schedules may change without notice. Contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling.
Sea travel
Maritime facilities are under a high risk of attack. Maritime and sailing craft should take great care in the northern Persian Gulf. Vessels transiting the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of attack. You should consider any regional tensions that may affect your route.
Road travel
Road travel within Iraq remains highly dangerous and there continue to be fatal roadside bombings and attacks on military and civilian vehicles. False vehicle checkpoints have been used to launch attacks. There is also a risk of carjacking and robbery.
Road traffic accidents are frequent and often result in fatalities.
Consular assistance
The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil operate a limited consular service by appointment only. It is highly unlikely that the Embassy in Baghdad will be able to intervene in any Iraqi visa-related matters on entry into Iraq, travel to unsecure areas of Baghdad outside the International Zone, or make a visit to a police station in the International Zone within Baghdad or any Iraqi prison (consular staff will, however, try to make contact by telephone).
Local laws and customs
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 when visiting places of religious significance.
In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. See Travelling during Ramadan
Entry requirements
Visas
According to Iraqi law you must get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Immigration officials at airports in the Kurdistan region of Iraq routinely allow travellers to get a visa on arrival. These visas are only valid for 15 days. The government of Iraq doesn’t regard them as valid for travel elsewhere in Iraq.
Documentation
Make sure you have the right documents when you arrive in Iraq, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) if you are carrying weapons.
Foreign nationals have been arrested for failing to provide the correct documentation when requested. For more details see the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Iraq.
The Iraqi authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Iraq. However, ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from Iraq. If you’re using an ETD to leave the country, you’ll need to get an exit stamp from the Baghdad or Erbil Residency Office.
Exit Visas
If you remain in the country for more than 10 days without extending your visa, you’ll need to get an exit stamp to leave the country.
Your sponsor (for example the company you work for) must apply for the exit visa to the Residency and Immigration Office, which is part of the Ministry of Interior. Your sponsor will need to submit letters to the Immigration Office stating the start and end date of employment.
Blood test
All visitors to Iraq, with the exception of those travelling on a tourist visa, are required under Iraqi health regulations to undergo a blood test for HIV and hepatitis within 10 days of arrival. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at the airport when you arrive. In the Kurdistan Region, the test is only required for those staying for more than 15 days
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Foreign Travel Advice For Iraq
Still current at: 28 May 2015
Updated: 15 May 2015
Latest update: Entry requirements section - according to Iraqi law you must get a visa before travelling to Iraq; Terrorism section - car bomb attack in Erbil on 17 April
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
Anbar province
Ninewah province
Salah-ah din province
Diyala province
Tam’mim (Kirkuk) province
Picture
Download map (PDF)
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.
If you’re currently in Anbar, Ninewah, Salah-Al-Din, Diyala or Tam’mim (Kirkuk) provinces you should leave now.
This advice follows attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on towns to the south west of Erbil on 6-7 August 2014. Coalition forces, including the UK, continue to conduct targeted airstrikes against ISIL in northern and western Iraq. Following advances in June 2014, ISIL and other armed groups now control parts of Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Ninewah, Salah-Al-din and Diyala provinces.
The security situation throughout Iraq remains uncertain, and could deteriorate quickly. You should monitor media reporting and make sure you have robust contingency plans in place.
Following fighting in Ninewah province, large numbers of displaced persons have travelled to Dohuk province in the Kurdistan Region, joining other displaced persons already taking refuge there. If you are travelling to this region you should factor this in to your planning.
On 15 March 2015, several rockets landed on the outskirts of Erbil, to the west of the city. No injuries were reported but some carriers have suspended flights to and from Erbil airport. If you’re planning to travel to Erbil check with your airline or travel company to confirm your itinerary.
On 26 January 2015, a Fly Dubai aircraft was struck by gunfire on approach to Baghdad International Airport. No injuries were reported. As a result some carriers have suspended flights until further notice. If you’re planning to travel to Baghdad, check with your airline or travel company to confirm your itinerary.
If you travel to those parts of Iraq to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel:
consider your security arrangements carefully and take all necessary security precautions, including contingency plans. Outside of the Kurdistan Region, you should employ a professional security company. See Local travel
avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people; if you become aware of any nearby violence, leave the area immediately
There is a high threat of terrorism including kidnapping across Iraq. Terrorist groups operating in Iraq routinely use kidnapping as a tactic. Westerners continue to be targeted and many terrorists in Iraq view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets. If you travel to Iraq to fight, and your activities amount to offences against UK terrorism legislation, you could be prosecuted on return to the UK.
There was a marked increase in the number of terrorist attacks in Iraq in 2013, and this trend continued in 2014. Although terrorist incidents have been less frequent in the Kurdistan Region the situation could deteriorate rapidly. See Terrorism
The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil are able to offer limited consular assistance only.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
According to Iraqi law you must get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at Iraqi missions overseas, contact the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Immigration officials at airports in the Kurdistan region of Iraq routinely allow travellers to get a visa on arrival. These visa are only valid for 15 days. The government of Iraq doesn’t regard them as valid for travel elsewhere in Iraq.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Safety and security
Local travel
5/28/15
British government officials serving in Iraq live and work under strict security rules. All British officials live in secure, guarded accommodation and travel with close protection teams at all times. Depending on the threat level, they may be prevented from travelling to certain areas of Iraq.
If you travel to areas of Iraq to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel, you should take appropriate security precautions before travelling. Outside of the Kurdistan Region you are strongly advised to employ a private security company, make arrangements for secure accommodation and transport and consider pre-deployment training.
~~~
Land borders
Border crossing points with countries neighbouring Iraq may close with little or no notice. There are reports that a number of Iraqi border crossings with Syria are now under ISIL control and have been closed. Three Saudi Arabian border guards were killed at the Arar crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia on 5 January 2015. You should check in advance whether border crossings will be open before travelling through these areas.
Baghdad
British nationals in Baghdad should have robust contingency plans in place and continue to monitor media reporting. You should stay in close contact with your private security companies and monitor our travel advice pages. Routes in and out of Baghdad may become blocked and airports closed or inaccessible at little or no notice. You should plan and check your routes in advance of travelling.
The Kurdistan region
The Kurdistan Region is administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government which has considerable powers of autonomy within Iraq.
While the Kurdistan Region has a different security environment to the rest of Iraq, ISIL controls territory nearby. The security situation in the Kurdistan Region could deteriorate quickly.
Curfews
There are no country-wide curfews at present, but curfews and vehicle bans can be enforced at short notice, particularly around religious holidays, pilgrimages and key political dates like elections.
Advice to business
A number of UK companies visit and operate successfully in Iraq. However, movement is restricted and companies nearly always travel with close protection security teams. Specific guidance for companies seeking to do business in Iraq can be found on the UK Trade & Investment website (UKTI). UKTI are also able to put you in touch with companies operating in Iraq who offer security services.
For UK business visitors on their first few visits to Iraq, the British Embassy in Baghdad can provide accommodation and support services (like meals and laundry) on the secure Embassy compound in the International Zone. In addition, the Embassy’s mobile security teams can provide secure transportation to and from the airport, and to any meetings where an Embassy Officer is accompanying.
Air travel
Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Basra International Airports are generally considered secure, but Baghdad International Airport has been the target of attacks in the past. You should take care within the terminals. Don’t leave Baghdad or Basra International Airports without taking adequate security precautions.
Flight schedules may change without notice. Contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling.
Sea travel
Maritime facilities are under a high risk of attack. Maritime and sailing craft should take great care in the northern Persian Gulf. Vessels transiting the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of attack. You should consider any regional tensions that may affect your route.
Road travel
Road travel within Iraq remains highly dangerous and there continue to be fatal roadside bombings and attacks on military and civilian vehicles. False vehicle checkpoints have been used to launch attacks. There is also a risk of carjacking and robbery.
Road traffic accidents are frequent and often result in fatalities.
Consular assistance
The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil operate a limited consular service by appointment only. It is highly unlikely that the Embassy in Baghdad will be able to intervene in any Iraqi visa-related matters on entry into Iraq, travel to unsecure areas of Baghdad outside the International Zone, or make a visit to a police station in the International Zone within Baghdad or any Iraqi prison (consular staff will, however, try to make contact by telephone).
Local laws and customs
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 when visiting places of religious significance.
In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. See Travelling during Ramadan
Entry requirements
Visas
According to Iraqi law you must get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Immigration officials at airports in the Kurdistan region of Iraq routinely allow travellers to get a visa on arrival. These visas are only valid for 15 days. The government of Iraq doesn’t regard them as valid for travel elsewhere in Iraq.
Documentation
Make sure you have the right documents when you arrive in Iraq, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) if you are carrying weapons.
Foreign nationals have been arrested for failing to provide the correct documentation when requested. For more details see the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Iraq.
The Iraqi authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Iraq. However, ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from Iraq. If you’re using an ETD to leave the country, you’ll need to get an exit stamp from the Baghdad or Erbil Residency Office.
Exit Visas
If you remain in the country for more than 10 days without extending your visa, you’ll need to get an exit stamp to leave the country.
Your sponsor (for example the company you work for) must apply for the exit visa to the Residency and Immigration Office, which is part of the Ministry of Interior. Your sponsor will need to submit letters to the Immigration Office stating the start and end date of employment.
Blood test
All visitors to Iraq, with the exception of those travelling on a tourist visa, are required under Iraqi health regulations to undergo a blood test for HIV and hepatitis within 10 days of arrival. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at the airport when you arrive. In the Kurdistan Region, the test is only required for those staying for more than 15 days
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Foreign Travel Advice For Iraq
Still current at: 28 May 2015
Updated: 15 May 2015
Latest update: Entry requirements section - according to Iraqi law you must get a visa before travelling to Iraq; Terrorism section - car bomb attack in Erbil on 17 April
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
Anbar province
Ninewah province
Salah-ah din province
Diyala province
Tam’mim (Kirkuk) province
Picture
Download map (PDF)
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.
If you’re currently in Anbar, Ninewah, Salah-Al-Din, Diyala or Tam’mim (Kirkuk) provinces you should leave now.
This advice follows attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on towns to the south west of Erbil on 6-7 August 2014. Coalition forces, including the UK, continue to conduct targeted airstrikes against ISIL in northern and western Iraq. Following advances in June 2014, ISIL and other armed groups now control parts of Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Ninewah, Salah-Al-din and Diyala provinces.
The security situation throughout Iraq remains uncertain, and could deteriorate quickly. You should monitor media reporting and make sure you have robust contingency plans in place.
Following fighting in Ninewah province, large numbers of displaced persons have travelled to Dohuk province in the Kurdistan Region, joining other displaced persons already taking refuge there. If you are travelling to this region you should factor this in to your planning.
On 15 March 2015, several rockets landed on the outskirts of Erbil, to the west of the city. No injuries were reported but some carriers have suspended flights to and from Erbil airport. If you’re planning to travel to Erbil check with your airline or travel company to confirm your itinerary.
On 26 January 2015, a Fly Dubai aircraft was struck by gunfire on approach to Baghdad International Airport. No injuries were reported. As a result some carriers have suspended flights until further notice. If you’re planning to travel to Baghdad, check with your airline or travel company to confirm your itinerary.
If you travel to those parts of Iraq to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel:
consider your security arrangements carefully and take all necessary security precautions, including contingency plans. Outside of the Kurdistan Region, you should employ a professional security company. See Local travel
avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people; if you become aware of any nearby violence, leave the area immediately
There is a high threat of terrorism including kidnapping across Iraq. Terrorist groups operating in Iraq routinely use kidnapping as a tactic. Westerners continue to be targeted and many terrorists in Iraq view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets. If you travel to Iraq to fight, and your activities amount to offences against UK terrorism legislation, you could be prosecuted on return to the UK.
There was a marked increase in the number of terrorist attacks in Iraq in 2013, and this trend continued in 2014. Although terrorist incidents have been less frequent in the Kurdistan Region the situation could deteriorate rapidly. See Terrorism
The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil are able to offer limited consular assistance only.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
According to Iraqi law you must get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at Iraqi missions overseas, contact the Iraqi Embassy in London.
Immigration officials at airports in the Kurdistan region of Iraq routinely allow travellers to get a visa on arrival. These visa are only valid for 15 days. The government of Iraq doesn’t regard them as valid for travel elsewhere in Iraq.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
