Iraq

The security situation is unstable. It could worsen with little warning.

If there are no commercial options for leaving Iraq, the Australian Government can't help you leave.

In May 2019, the US State Department ordered all non-emergency US Government employees to leave Iraq. This includes staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate in Erbil.

Curfews and other security conditions can change at short notice.

If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq:

• get professional security advice and regularly review your security measures

• have contingency plans

• never visit areas of military activity, including border areas

• obey restrictions set by local authorities

• monitor the media for new safety or security threats

• always be alert to your surroundings

Leave Iraq as soon as possible.

Australian officials have adopted enhanced security measures.

Armed opposition groups are active throughout Iraq. They have staged large, coordinated attacks against the Government of Iraq and civilians.

These groups have killed and injured 1000s of people in many parts of Iraq, especially in the provinces of:

• Anbar

• Ninewa

• Salah ah-Din

• Diyala

• Baghdad

There has also been fighting between armed groups and Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan region.

Terrorist attacks occur often and without warning.

Attacks may target or happen during political events. This includes international meetings and conferences or political rallies.

Religious events, including Ramadan, Ashura and Arba'een, have also been targeted.

Iraqi security forces, supported by international partners, have made recent military gains against armed opposition groups, including Islamic State (IS). However, sporadic attacks still occur across Iraq.

Targets for terrorist attacks include:

• Iraqi security forces

• government offices

• checkpoints

• police stations

• recruiting centres

Terrorists also target:

• Baghdad International Airport and public transport

• mosques and churches

• markets, schools and universities

• funerals and religious gatherings

• foreign embassies

• other civilian infrastructure

In the Kurdistan region, terrorists targeted official buildings in Erbil in 2018.

The International Zone in Baghdad is regularly targeted by rocket attacks.

Iraqi security forces often conduct security operations across the country with little warning.

Coalition forces conduct targeted airstrikes against militants.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

There's a very high, severe and ongoing threat of kidnapping.

Sources report that terrorists and criminal groups continue to look for opportunities to kidnap Westerners throughout Iraq. Kidnappers have targeted:

• academics

• journalists

• people working for NGOs

• people working for foreign companies

Many foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered. Criminal gangs and terrorists demand large ransoms for releasing hostages. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to breach Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

On 31 December 2019 and 1 January 2020 violent demonstrators targeted the US Embassy compound inside Baghdad’s International Zone.

Large violent protests in Baghdad and other cities across Iraq have been taking place since 1 October 2019. Security forces have used tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition against protesters. A large number of protestors have been killed and injured.

Roads in Baghdad, including the main route to the airport, may be closed. Security restrictions, including curfews and interruption to internet and social media service, may occur with little notice.

Political rallies and protests often happen in Baghdad and other regions of Iraq. Large crowds can quickly gather and turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.

Most rallies and protests are held in Tahrir Square or near government buildings.

In September 2018, protests in Basrah became violent. Several protesters died and many more were injured.

In April and May 2016, protesters accessed the International Zone. This is where diplomatic missions are located. The protesters demonstrated at the Parliament, Cabinet Office and Prime Minister's office.

The Kurdistan Regional Government held a referendum on independence from Iraq in September 2017. This led to tensions in the Kurdistan region and neighbouring areas, including Kirkuk Province.

If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq, monitor the media and other sources about possible unrest.

If you're in an affected area, stay indoors and follow the advice of local authorities or your security provider.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Violent crime and corruption are common. Many kidnappings, murders and robberies occur.

Organised criminal gangs, militia and tribal groups are significant threats.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Iraq:

• travel with your vehicle's doors locked and windows up, even when moving

• secure your accommodation, even when you're in it

• always be alert to your surroundings

Scams and fraud

Some fraudulent websites and Facebook accounts in the past claimed to represent the Australian Government in Iraq. They approached local businesses for tender opportunities.

Tell the Australian Embassy in Baghdad if you're contacted by fake sites.

Some Australian businesses have been contacted by companies claiming to be Iraqi importers. They offer to do business in unusual or suspicious ways. Scammers may have knowledge of the industry and appear legitimate.

Get legal advice if you or your company is contacted.

Australian companies have been contacted by people claiming to represent the Government of Iraq. They are looking for payments associated with recently won contracts.

Get advice from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Canberra before making any payments.

Some individuals offer to produce Iraqi identification cards. These cards are not accepted by local authorities and, if used, you could be arrested. Only obtain identification cards from relevant Iraqi authorities.

More information:

• Scamwatch

Iraq can experience severe weather and is in an active earthquake zone.

Sandstorms and dust storms are common.

From July to September, daytime temperatures reach over 40°C. Temperatures are often above 50°C.

If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq and there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe location

• monitor local media and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

• stay in touch with friends and family

The Government of Iraq has started improving the structural integrity of Mosul Dam.

A dam failure would cause significant flooding from Mosul to Baghdad. It could interrupt essential services.

A failure of the Mosul Dam cannot be predicted.

If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Iraq and you're in an area near the Tigris River, including Baghdad:

• monitor local media reports

• have a contingency plan that covers evacuation

The Australian Government can't help you if commercial flights and other transport options aren't available.

If the Mosul Dam fails:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• follow the advice of local authorities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Iraq.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iraq. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medicine

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Authorities have confirmed a number of COVOD-19 cases. It is likely that more cases will be confirmed positive.

Iraq has implemented a range of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Measures include entry and travel restrictions, border closures, curfews, health screening and flight suspensions. Provincial and regional governments are also implementing similar measures across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are common.

Malaria is widespread in the southern province of Basrah and areas below 1500m. This includes the northern provinces of:

• Dohuk

• Erbil

• Ninewa

• Sulaymaniyah

• Ta'mim

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• always insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

The World Health Organization has confirmed human cases of bird flu in Iraq.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases happen. These include:

• cholera

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water

• avoid ice cubes

• don't eat raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or have diarrhoea.

Polio

Iraq is no longer affected by wild poliovirus. However, it's still at risk from international spread of the disease.

Stay up to date with vaccinations against polio (poliomyelitis). Get a booster dose before you travel.

Health facilities in major cities are limited. In remote areas, they're very basic or not available. Stocks of medical equipment and medicines are severely depleted.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated.

Medical evacuation is very expensive. It may be difficult to arrange because of the security situation.

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms and the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty

The death penalty can be applied for murder, treason, drug and terrorism-related offences.

Other laws

Get professional advice for local legal matters. Know your rights and responsibilities, especially in family law, such as:

• divorce

• child custody

• child support

It's illegal to:

• drink-drive or drink alcohol in public

• eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan

• take antiques or artefacts out of the country

• preach anywhere except in a place of worship

• attempt to convert a Muslim

• abandon the Islamic faith, if you're Muslim

Unauthorised filming in a public place is against the law. Authorities have arrested several foreign journalists for filming without approval.

It's also illegal to take photos or film government and security buildings, including:

• checkpoints

• military bases

• embassies

Although the laws of Iraq do not prohibit consensual sexual acts between people of the same sex these acts could be illegal under other provisions of the law, such as public indecency.  Homosexuality is not socially accepted and there are no legal protections against discrimination.  Violence against LGBTI people occur.

Local laws can change without notice. Check legal requirements with an embassy or consulate of Iraq.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• National security

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

• Forced marriage

Iraq recognises dual nationality.

If a dual-national child has an Iraqi father and the child wants to leave the country, you may need proof of the father's permission.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Hotels may not allow couples to stay unless you can prove you're married.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is likely to be between late April and late May in 2020.

During Ramadan, take care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. 

Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

If you're in Iraq, leave straight away. See Safety

If you travel to Iraq despite our advice, you'll need a visa before you arrive. The Government of Iraq issues visas.

Authorities may arrest you for immigration offences if you enter Iraq without a valid visa.

Authorities may refuse entry to Iraq if your passport contains Israeli stamps or visas.

Australian travellers arriving through Erbil International Airport or Sulaymaniyah International Airport may be eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival.

This visa is only valid for travel within the region the Kurdistan Regional Government administers. It's not accepted for travel to other areas of Iraq.

Ensure you understand the conditions of your visa, especially if you are travelling as a member of a group.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact either:

• an embassy or consulate of Iraq, or

• the Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Arabic)

For a child travelling without a parent, the guardian must carry documentation saying that the child's parents allow the travel.

An Australian-Iraqi dual national child with an Iraqi father may need to prove permission from the child's father before authorities will let them leave Iraq.

If despite our advice, you travel to border areas note that border crossings can close with little or no warning.

Sensitive border areas, especially with Syria and Turkey, are military targets.

Checkpoints

Security checkpoints are stationed throughout Iraq. 

At these checkpoints:

• follow the instructions of local authorities

• exercise extreme caution

Criminals and terrorists have used false security checkpoints to:

• stage kidnappings, robberies and murders

• launch attacks

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

2The local currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).

On exit and entry you must declare all amounts in excess of IQD200,000, $USD10,000, or the same amount in other foreign currencies. Gems, jewellery or other items valued at USD10,000 or more must also be declared.

US dollars and euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange at local commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Road travel

Road travel is dangerous.

Dangers include:

• roadside bombs

• attacks at checkpoints

• robberies

• drivers not following road rules

• poor driving

Drink driving is illegal. See Local laws

If, despite our advice, you need to travel by road, first:

• get professional security advice from a company with a good reputation

• arrange personal security measures

• make contingency plans

• get local advice on possible routes

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Airport closures or flight suspensions may happen.

Double-check flight arrangements before travelling to the airport.

In the past, some airlines have suspended flights to and from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah International Airports due to political tensions.

Aviation safety and security standards may not meet those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Iraq's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Baghdad

Consular services are severely limited due to the security situation.

The Australian Embassy provides limited consular services by appointment only.

Visit the embassy website to make an appointment.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Iraq has confirmed an outbreak of COVID-19 and has implemented a range of travel restrictions, border closures, curfews, health screening and flight suspensions. Some exceptions exist for diplomats and returning Iraqi nationals. Other countries within the region have closed their borders and suspended flights to and from Iraq. Further restrictions and suspensions may occur at short notice. Contact your travel provider or nearest embassy or consulate of Iraq for latest information on entry restrictions.