Iraq
Regional risks
This section has safety advice for regions of Iraq. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Northern and western Iraq
Areas liberated from Daesh are likely to contain remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.
Baghdad
Routes in and out of Baghdad and its airport may close with little or no notice. Check your routes in advance of travelling.
Stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
Avoid political gatherings and large crowds. Reduce your movement around banks, restaurants, and shopping malls. Follow instructions from security officials.
Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)
There is still a risk of attacks by Daesh in KRI.
Turkey carries out regular military operations in the north of KRI and on occasion, further south. There is particular risk in mountainous areas:
- The Amedi Mountains Region
- Erbil (Arbil) Governate’s border with Iran in areas north of the Choman-Haji Omaran Rd
- near the border with Turkey
Military action may affect crossing points along the Iraq-Turkey border.
Foreign 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.
Desert areas
Infrastructure in terms of communications, healthcare and security in remote desert areas will be limited.
Basra
Protests are common in Basra. Stay alert, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice.
Land borders
Border 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.
Landmines
Landmines 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.