Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nConsular support is severely limited in areas where FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nThe US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, Iraq, including the Kurdistan region of Iraq, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nIf you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Iraq’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Iraq set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Iraqi Embassy in the UK.
\n\nBritish nationals who are trying to leave Iraq via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.
\n\nSee ‘Entry requirements’ for Saudi Arabia.
\n\nTo enter Iraq, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Iraq.
\n\nYou are no longer able to get a visit visa on arrival in Iraq. You must apply for a visa on the e-visa portal of the Government of Iraq at least 24 hours before you travel. The visa costs $160 and is valid for 60 days. Ensure that you have a return ticket in place or a ticket out of Iraq to a third destination. Without such a ticket in place, there is a risk of the airline refusing boarding.
\n\nThe government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has introduced a new e-visa process. You can find the details and apply on the e-visa portal of the Kurdistan Region Government. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival. Both types of visas are valid for travel in KRI only.
\n\nMake sure you have the right documents when you arrive in Iraq, including Weapon Authority Cards (WAC) if you are carrying weapons.
\n\nForeign nationals have been arrested for failing to provide the correct documentation when requested.
\n\nYou must have a blood test for HIV and hepatitis unless you’re travelling on a visit visa. You must take the test within 10 days of arrival and repeat it every 90 days while you’re in Iraq. Guidance on where to go for the blood test is available at the airport when you arrive.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Iraq. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nOn entering or exiting Iraq, you must declare:
\n\nThis guide also has additional safety advice for regions of Iraq.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Iraq.
\nAttacks can occur throughout the country, including the Kurdistan region of Iraq, but are more frequent in areas where Daesh had a strong presence and capability. This includes parts of the provinces of:
\n\nForeign nationals are high-value targets for terrorists, insurgents and criminals. Indiscriminate attacks against public places and Iraqi civilians also occur. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visiting by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nThere is a heightened threat of attacks against western interests. While attacks can take place at any time, there’s a heightened threat during religious or public holidays. Militant groups opposed to a western presence pose a threat to UK and other interests in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.
\n\nMethods of attack have included:
\n\nIf you travel to Iraq to fight, and your activities amount to offences against UK terrorism legislation, you could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.
\n\nThere is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Iraq.
\nThis includes both from Daesh and other terrorist and militant groups. Keep your security arrangements up-to-date and carefully plan any travel plans. Kidnappings can be for ideological reasons as well as financial or political gain.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, oil workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe 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 builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nSome areas of Iraq have experienced recent attack by artillery, drones and rockets. Coalition military installations continue to be a target, including in the Kurdistan Region. Iranian targeting of Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups within the KRI increased during the recent conflict.
\n\nIntermittent strikes targeting these groups have continued since in areas across the KRI, including around Rawanduz and Koya. The risk of further strikes remains. Stay away from areas associated with these groups.
\n\nThe threat level may restrict UK government staff from travelling to certain areas.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to Iraq, take security precautions:
\n\nThe security situation may change at short notice. You may need to ‘shelter in place’ or hunker down for several days. Keep essential supplies, such as food, water and medicine where you are staying.
\n\nAnti-British and anti-American sentiment can increase during political tension or because of long-running hostility from some Iraqi militias towards the Global Coalition Against Daesh. Protests or attacks may be directed towards British and American institutes or companies, or those which appear to be connected to Britain or the United States of America. Monitor local media to keep up to date with developments.
\n\nIn the event of widespread disturbances or a deterioration in the security situation, there may be limits to the help that FCDO can provide. Read further information and advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
\n\nEnsure your travel documents are up to date in case you need to leave Iraq at short notice. Do not rely on FCDO being able to help you evacuate in an emergency.
\n\nProtests take place regularly across Iraq, including in and around the International Zone. Clashes between Iraqi security forces and protesters have resulted in casualties and loss of life. Avoid rallies, marches and processions, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\nCurfews and vehicle bans can be imposed at short notice, particularly during protests and civil unrest, but also around religious holidays, pilgrimages and politically sensitive times, such as elections.
\n\nThe proliferation of guns throughout Iraq mean they are readily available to many Iraqi citizens. Guns are frequently used to settle personal grievances, criminal acts and tribal disputes.
\n\nIt is a legal requirement to carry some form of photographic ID in Iraq. Always carry your passport or residence permit. The authorities may stop people for ID checks at checkpoints within cities and on main roads across the country. You should cooperate with officials conducting checks.
\n\nIt is a legal requirement to publish the details of your lost or stolen passport in two local newspapers, after reporting the incident to the police. You may be refused an exit stamp until you have done so.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nThe Arba’-een, an annual pilgrimage that attracts millions of pilgrims to Iraq, usually occurs between August and September.
\n\nIf you travel to Iraq during the pilgrimage, ensure that your belongings are secure at all times. Keep copies of your passports, visas and other important documents.
\n\nIraqi family law is very different from UK law. Male heads of household can impose ‘travel bans’ on family members. Even if you, or your child, hold a British passport, you may be subject to Iraqi laws.
\n\nIf you are leaving Iraq with a child that has an Iraqi or dual-national Iraqi father you may need to show proof of parental permission to travel. This applies even if their mother is with them.
\n\nAuthorities may detain journalists using allegations of inadequate paperwork. Journalists should be extremely cautious and take adequate security measures.
\n\nThe import, manufacture, or selling of alcoholic drinks is punishable by fines of up to 25 million Iraqi dinars (IQD). FCDO is not aware of any instances of Iraqi officials stopping travellers carrying alcohol for personal use.
\n\nIraq continues to practise the death penalty for a range of crimes including:
\n\nThe Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) prohibits sharing footage of drones being launched or target locations with media outlets or on social media, and violations may result in legal action.
\n\nIn July 2024, the Iraqi Parliament updated its Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law which criminalises same-sex relationships, any promotion of same-sex relationships or behaviours, and bans people from changing gender. Under the amendment, same-sex relationships are now illegal and sexual acts could lead to a prison sentence between 10 to 15 years. If the Iraqi authorities consider your actions, clothing or other items to promote LGBT+ identities or prostitution, you could be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined between 10 to 15 million Iraqi dinars.
\n\nUnder the new law, it is illegal to have or perform gender changing surgery, unless you have approval from the courts. You could be imprisoned for up to three years.
\n\nThere is an increased risk of violence and threats (such as blackmail and intimidation) against anyone being thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or supporting their rights. There have been attacks against the LGBT+ community and its supporters.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Iraq, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nRoad travel within Iraq is dangerous. Driving standards are low compared to those in the UK. Road traffic accidents are frequent and often result in fatalities. Fake vehicle checkpoints have been used to launch terrorist attacks. There is also a risk of carjacking and robbery.
\n\nWhen in an airport, be wary of anyone approaching you that you do not know or cannot identify. Do not accept offers from strangers for help or transport. Cooperate fully with security officials at airports and observe any additional security measures.
\n\nYour transfer vehicle should be pre-arranged or provided by a trusted sponsor.
\n\nSince October 2023, drone and rocket attacks have hit Coalition military installations across Iraq. Erbil International Airport has had short closures, with operations resuming after a few hours. Indirect rocket attacks have occurred against Baghdad International Airport and Erbil Airport.
\n\nFlight schedules may change without notice. Contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling. The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Iraq that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nUK government staff working in Iraq are authorised to use aircraft operated by Iraqi Airways for internal flights on a case by case basis.
\n\nPorts are at high risk of attack. Be extremely cautious if you are in any type of vessel in the northern Persian Gulf. Vessels are at an increased risk of attack in:
\n\nConsider any regional tensions that may affect your route and check whether sea borders will be open before your crossing.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFlash floods are common between November and March. Expect disruption to travel. Exercise caution in areas of heavy rainfall, as floods have caused loss of life.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in Iraq.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nSand and dust storms are common during the spring and summer months. Poor visibility can create difficult driving conditions and affect flights.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Iraq. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nAreas liberated from Daesh are likely to contain remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.
\n\nRoutes in and out of Baghdad and its airport may close with little or no notice. Check your routes in advance of travelling.
\n\nStay alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nAvoid political gatherings and large crowds. Reduce your movement around banks, restaurants, and shopping malls. Follow instructions from security officials.
\n\nRoutes in and out of the KRI, including Erbil International Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport, may close at short notice. If the airport closes, expect significant delays at land border crossings. Check your routes in advance of travelling.
\n\nStay alert and follow the advice of local authorities. Stay away from political gatherings and large crowds.
\n\nForeign nationals crossing the border illegally from neighbouring countries into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have been arrested for immigration offences. Prosecuted offenders could face a prison sentence of up to 5 years or fines of several thousand US dollars.
\n\nInfrastructure in terms of communications, healthcare and security in remote desert areas will be limited.
\n\nProtests are common in Basra. Stay alert, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice.
\n\nBorder crossing points with countries neighbouring Iraq may close with little or no notice. If crossing the border, stick to main roads and ensure you use official designated border crossings.
\n\nLandmines and other unexploded weapons are present in some rural and desert areas of Iraq, particularly in border areas. A number of people are killed each year. Some areas have warning signs, but not all. If you are travelling to rural or desert areas take local advice and stick to well trodden paths and well driven tracks, and do not pick up metal objects.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 122 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Iraq, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Iraq. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Iraq where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 122
\n\nFire: 115
\n\nPolice: 911
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Iraq on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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