Genvisec againsts all travel to:

 

Anbar province

Ninewah province

Salah-ah din province

Diyala province

Tam’mim (Kirkuk) province

 

We advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. All travellers should seek professional security advice before visiting the country.

 

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.

 

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 EU terrorism legislation, you could be prosecuted on return to your home country.

 

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.

 

Local travel

 

Foreign government officials serving in Iraq live and work under strict security rules. All foreign 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 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.

 

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

 

Foreign 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 foreign companies visit and operate successfully in Iraq. However, movement is restricted and companies nearly always travel with close protection security teams. 

 

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. For other nationalities please contact you government to see if they provide a similar service.

 

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

 

Most foreign Embassies in Baghdad  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). From previous experience it is highly unlikely that your government will be able to provide much support at all so plan accordingly. 

 

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

 

Health

Medical facilities are limited. 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.

 

The temperature in summer months can exceed 50 ºC (122ºF), which can result in dehydration and serious health problems.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 122 (01 122 from a mobile) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company

promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

According to Iraqi law you must get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at the Iraqi Embassy in your home country.

 

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 your home country.

 

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.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

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.