Iraq
Warnings and insuranceSummary
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The travelForeign, insuranceCommonwealth could& beDevelopment invalidatedOffice if(FCDO) youadvises against all travel to all provinces of Iraq except the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and against adviceall frombut essential travel to the Foreign,Kurdistan CommonwealthRegion &of DevelopmentIraq.
Protests Officeregularly (FCDO).take place in and around the International Zone in Baghdad. Protests can, and sometimes do, escalate into violence. You should avoid any rallies, marches or processions, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Areas
Iraq whereremains FCDOsubject advisesto againstregional tensions. A number of areas of Iraq remain subject to sporadic attack by artillery, drones and rockets. See Political and security situation
A threat to Western interests remains, including to UK citizens. You should remain vigilant, have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place, keeping these under review, and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.
FCDODue advisesto the security situation and the advice against all travel to all provinces of Iraq except the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, British nationals are reminded that consular support in all of Iraq (KRI).is severely limited. The security situation across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq could deteriorate quickly and without warning. You should not assume that, in the event of a further deterioration in the security situation, assistance to leave Iraq, including from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, will be available.
FCDOYou advisesmay againstbe alleligible butto essentialobtain travela visit visa on arrival in federal Iraq. Check visa requirements with the Iraqi Embassy in London, or the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester before you travel. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) you may apply for an e-visa online before arrival on the e-visa portal of the Kurdistan Region Government. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival. Both types of visa are valid for travel in the KRI. only. See Visas
FindThe Iraqi Prime Minister announced the territorial defeat of Daesh in Iraq on 9 December 2017. However, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out moreattacks aboutin whyIraq. FCDOYou advisesshould againstremain vigilant and monitor media reports. See Terrorism
There’s also a high threat of kidnapping throughout the country, including from both Daesh and other terrorist and militant groups, which can be motivated by criminality or terrorism. You should review your security arrangements regularly and consider carefully any travel plans around the country. See Kidnap
Since October 2023 drone and rocket attacks directed at US military installations have occurred across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Erbil International Airport has experienced temporary closures for brief periods with operations resuming after a few hours. On 15 January, Iranian missile strikes targeted the north-eastern edge of Erbil city, near the areas of Kasnazan and Mulla Omar, killing and injuring civilians.
Turkey conducts regular military action in the north of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and, occasionally, further south. There is particular risk in mountainous areas, especially around Qandil, Makhmur, and near the border with Turkey. Iran has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks by ballistic rockets and drones, including in Erbil, Koya and surrounding areas. Crossing points along the Iraq-Turkey border may also be affected. See Kurdistan Region
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in Iraq. The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil operate a limited consular service by appointment only. The Embassy and Consulate-General’s ability to visit locations across Iraq is limited and travel to unsecure areas to deliver consular services may not be possible.
As of 26 October, some UK Government staff have been temporarily withdrawn from the British Embassy Baghdad due to risks of a deterioration in the security situation. The Embassy will continue essential work, including consular support, which remains extremely limited in Iraq.
Iranian military activity against IsraelIsrael
On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel.
Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact contact FCDO travel travel on on Twitter, , Facebook and and Instagram. You can also also get email notifications when when this travel advice is updated.updated.
Read Read FCDO advice advice on how to deal with a crisis overseasoverseas..)
Travel
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If FCDOyou plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
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