Guidance

Country bulletin: internal relation, civil documentation and returns, Iraq, May 2026 (accessible)

Updated 6 May 2026

Reference: IRQ-001-05-26

May 2026

Summary: This bulletin provides updated guidance for decision makers following the promulgation of new Country Guidance on Iraq.

Summary

In April 2026, the Upper Tribunal (UT) promulgated a new Country Guidance (CG) decision on Iraq: AH, AK & AJ (Identity documentation; returns to the KRI) Iraq CG [2026] UKUT 150 (IAC). The decision includes several significant changes from the previous CG (known as ‘SMO2’), particularly regarding travel through checkpoints in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and the introduction of an Iraqi National Identity Document (INID) application service at the Iraqi Embassy in London. The paragraphs below summarise the key points from the new CG, with a focus on those that represent a change from SMO2.

Validity of the Civil Status Identity Document (CSID) and importance of the Iraqi National Identity Document (INID)

CSIDs are no longer valid in Iraq. However, a CSID may be of some assistance to a person in passing through checkpoints (see below). In general, a person must have an INID in order to live and travel in Iraq without encountering treatment breaching Article 3 ECHR. If they do not have an INID before arriving in Iraq, they must be able to obtain one within a reasonable timeframe after arrival. [headnote 11]

Travel from Erbil airport to a home area in Erbil or Duhok governorates

There is no standard practice followed by those manning checkpoints in the KRI. It is therefore not possible to say what exactly will be required of a person who is stopped at a checkpoint without an INID. Decision makers must consider, on a case-by-case basis, the methods by which the person might be able to prove their identity to the checkpoint personnel in order to convince them that they do not pose a security risk. These methods consist of the following:

• Presenting one or more of the following documents (original documents or copies): Iraqi driving license, CSID (even if expired), CSID with a cut corner along with a letter confirming application for an INID [see paragraphs 225 and 245] authorisation letter issued by Erbil airport (this is a document provided by the airport authorities which contains a person’s details and a request to facilitate them). [headnote 22E]

And/or:

• Having a family member, a local Mukhtar or official attend the checkpoint to vouch for them. [headnote 22F]

Due to inconsistent practices at checkpoints, it is not possible to say that one of the above documents will, by itself, generally be sufficient to allow a person to pass through a checkpoint. Nor is it possible to say that having someone attend the checkpoint to vouch for a person will, by itself, generally be sufficient. However, in some cases, either of these things may be sufficient. Overall, the greater the number of documents the person is able to present, and the greater the influence of the individual who comes to vouch for them, the lesser the risk of experiencing treatment that would breach Article 3 ECHR. [headnotes 22F and 22G]

Decision makers must consider this documentation issue on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the person’s individual circumstances and credibility.

In addition, a person might be able to travel home from Erbil airport without needing to pass through any checkpoints other than those on the perimeter of the airport, at which they are unlikely to face treatment breaching Article 3 ECHR. The burden is on the person to demonstrate that they would have to pass through additional checkpoints on their journey home. [headnote 22B]

Travel from Erbil airport to a home area in Sulaymaniyah governorate

While return to Sulaymaniyah airport may be possible, decision makers must, until further notice, proceed on the basis that Erbil airport will be the point of return for Iraqis whose home area is in Sulaymaniyah governorate (see Airports available for return of Iraqi nationals for further details). The new Country Guidance does not specifically address the risks for a person traveling by road from Erbil airport to Sulaymaniyah governorate. When considering this route, decision makers must take into account the fact that the person will need to cross into an area of different political control (Erbil is controlled by different authorities to Sulaymaniyah). They must also consider: whether the person may be able to travel home without passing through any checkpoints (other than those at the perimeter of Erbil airport); what documentation the person has; and whether the person is likely to be able to obtain an INID via the Iraqi Embassy before leaving the UK (see following page).

Travel from Baghdad airport to a home area in Federal Iraq (including the Disputed Territories)

While return of Iraqis from the Disputed Territories (areas of Federal Iraq bordering the KRI) may be possible, decision makers must proceed on the basis that Baghdad airport will be the point of return for all Iraqis whose home area is in Federal Iraq. To pass through checkpoints in Federal Iraq, a person must possess either a CSID or an INID [headnote 22H]. A person returning to a home area in Federal Iraq must therefore have a CSID or INID with them before arriving at Baghdad airport or be able to obtain one at the airport. The only method by which a person can obtain one at the airport is through a friend or family member physically bringing the person’s CSID or INID to the airport.

Applying for an INID in Iraq

The standard documents required to apply for an INID are a CSID, an Iraqi Nationality Card (INC) and an Iraqi residence card. However, a person may still be able to apply if they lack one or more of these documents, for example by using documents belonging to male relatives or finding out their family’s registration details (i.e. their family’s record in the Family Book). [headnotes 13 – 16]. A person who has no documentation, cannot remember or source their Family Book details, and has no family or other support is unlikely to be able to obtain an INID within a reasonable time after returning to Iraq.

Applying for an INID in London

The Iraqi Embassy in London processes INID applications and issues INIDs. The required documents are the same as those listed above, with the exception of the Iraqi residence card. A person who has no documentation, is unable to remember or source their Family Book details, and does not have the assistance of any male relatives in Iraq is unlikely to be able to make a successful application for an INID at the embassy. [headnote 21D]. However, the onus is on the person to demonstrate that the INID application service is not available to them. In effect, this means that the person is expected to attempt to use the service or be able to explain why they cannot use it

All cases must be considered on their individual facts, with the onus on the person to demonstrate they face persecution or serious harm.

Country information

About this bulletin

This bulletin contains publicly available or disclosable country of origin information (COI) which has been gathered, collated and analysed in line with the research methodology. It provides the basis for the summary.

The topic, structure and content are designed to provide a summary of the Country Guidance case of AH, AK & AJ (Identity documentation; returns to the KRI) Iraq CG [2026] UKUT 150 (IAC) (‘AH, AK & AJ’) and how this case builds on but also differs from the previous Country Guidance case of SMO & KSP (Civil status documentation; article 15) Iraq CG [2022] UKUT 00110 (IAC) (‘SMO2’).

This document is intended to be comprehensive but not exhaustive. If a particular event, person or organisation is not mentioned this does not mean that the event did or did not take place or that the person or organisation does or does not exist.

The COI included was published or made publicly available on or before 28 April 2026. Any event taking place or report published after this date will not be included.

Decision makers must use relevant COI as the evidential basis for decisions.

This bulletin has been developed with assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI). Where AI has been used, it has been reviewed by a human editor. 

NOTE: The use of any maps is not intended to reflect the UK Government’s views of any boundaries.

1.1 Country Guidance (CG)

1.1.1 Unchanged sections of previous CG

1.1.1 In the Country Guidance case AH, AK & AJ (Identity documentation; returns to the KRI) Iraq CG [2026] UKUT 150 (IAC) (hereafter ‘AH, AK & AJ’), heard on 15–18 September 2025 and promulgated on 14 April 2026, the Upper Tribunal (UT) held that: ‘This decision replaces all existing country guidance on Iraq. Sections A, D and E of the following were previously contained in SMO & KSP (Civil status documentation; article 15) Iraq CG [2022] UKUT 00110 (IAC) (“SMO2”) and remain substantively unchanged. Sections B and C have been updated, with some parts remaining unamended from SMO2 in relation to travel to and within Federal Iraq.’ [p2].

1.1.2 For information relevant to Sections A, D, and E, which cover Article 15(c) of the Qualification Directive (QD), internal relocation in Federal Iraq, and internal relocation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

1.2 Airports available for return of Iraqi nationals

1.2.1 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held:

‘Up to September 2025, return of former residents of the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI – previously more commonly referred to as the Iraqi Kurdistan Region or IKR) was to the KRI; all other Iraqis were returned to Baghdad. A new agreement dated 19 August 2025 would permit return of former residents originating from the Disputed Territories to either Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports in the KRI, but this route had not yet been utilised as at September 2025. The Respondent must specify the location of return.’ [headnote 7]

1.2.2 Decision makers must disregard the final two sentences of headnote 7 because the August 2025 agreement does not in fact state that Iraqis from the Disputed Territories can be returned to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports. Nor does the agreement state that Sulaymaniyah airport can be used as a return route for any Iraqis (including those from the KRI). Until further notice, decision makers must proceed on the basis that Erbil airport will be the point of return for a person from the KRI, and that Baghdad airport will be the point of return for a person from Federal Iraq (including the Disputed Territories).

1.2.3 The airport of return is relevant because arrival at an airport close to a person’s home area may reduce the likelihood of being stopped at a checkpoint on their journey home. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the journey is likely to be shorter, meaning the person may have to pass through fewer checkpoints. Secondly, the person would not need to cross into an area of different political control. The KRI is geographically divided, with Erbil and Duhok governorates under the control of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Sulaymaniyah governorate under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Traveling from KDP territory to PUK territory, or the other way around, may involve passing through a greater number of checkpoints, and/or checkpoints with more stringent security measures (see paragraphs 87, 116 and 117 of AH, AK & AJ which summarise Dr Fatah’s oral evidence on this topic). For further information on the KDP and the PUK, see the CPINs Iraq: Actors of protection and Iraq: Opposition to the government in the KRI.

1.3 Validity of the Civil Status Identity Document (CSID) and importance of the Iraqi National Identity Document (INID)

1.3.1 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held:

‘The CSID is no longer issued in Iraq (or elsewhere) and has been replaced with a biometric INID. A CSID is no longer valid in Iraq; however, it will continue to have some limited utility in (i) establishing a person’s identity, alone or in combination with other documents; and (ii) an application for an INID. The utility of a CSID has diminished in recent years as the roll-out of the INID has gathered pace and will continue to diminish further as that process is completed. [headnote 11]

‘As a general matter, it is necessary for an individual to have an INID in order to live and travel within Iraq without encountering treatment or conditions which are contrary to Article 3 ECHR.’ [headnote 12]

1.4 INID applications

1.4.1 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held:

‘Applications for an INID can be made (i) with all of the required standard documents; (ii) with alternatives to the standard documents; and (iii) using processes to obtain the required standard documents or information. [headnote 13]

‘The standard documents required for an INID application: An application for an INID must include bio-data for the applicant (an iris scan, photograph and fingerprints) which must be taken in person. The standard documents required for an INID application are a CSID (or existing INID for a renewal application), an Iraqi Nationality Card (INC) and a residence card. An Iraqi passport is optional. [headnote 14].

‘Alternatives to the standard documents required for an INID application: The absence of one or more of the required identity documents is not fatal to an application for an INID. In particular, (a) if the applicant’s INC is not available, the INC of a male relative could be used instead, and (b) a residence card may not be available or needed at all for those who are not or have not been resident in Iraq at the time of application. [headnote 15]

‘Ways to obtain the standard required documents for an INID application: A person may be able to obtain the required documents or information, including:

• obtaining such documents left in Iraq from family members or other contacts there;
• obtaining a Surat Qaid [an approved copy of the family register page from the Family Book] from their local Civil Status Affairs (CSA) office in Iraq;
• using copies of a previous ID document and/or documents of a close male relative to identify the relevant family register page of the Family Book;
• making an application to the Court in Iraq for registration, which requires knowledge of the family register page of the Family Book and two witnesses who know the applicant. [headnote 16]

‘Family Book details: Given the importance of the information in the Family Book, some Iraqi citizens are likely to recall it. Others are not. Whether an individual is likely to recall that information is a question of fact, to be considered against the factual matrix of the individual case and taking into account the background evidence. The Family Book details may also be obtained from family members on the father’s side (because the registration system is patrilineal). A CSID and/or an INID of a male relative will contain family registration details which link to other relatives and it is now very likely that any male relatives in Iraq will have an INID card. [headnote 17]

‘1957 Registration Document: The 1957 Registration Document has been in use in Iraq for many years. It contains a copy of the details found in the Family Books. It is available in either an individual or family version, containing respectively the details of the requesting individual or the family record as a whole. Where an otherwise undocumented asylum seeker is in contact with their family in Iraq, they may be able to obtain the family version of the 1957 Registration Document via those family members. An otherwise undocumented asylum seeker who cannot call on the assistance of family in Iraq is unlikely to be able to obtain the individual version of the 1957 Registration Document by the use of a proxy. [headnote 18]

‘… Applications for an INID in Iraq: Once in Iraq, it remains the case that a person is expected to attend their local CSA office in person in order to obtain an INID. All CSA offices have now re opened. There is insufficient evidence as yet to establish that applications could be made in other registration centres outside a person’s home area. [headnote 21A]

‘Although procedures exist for a person to establish their identity within Iraq through the Courts there, it is unlikely that a person will be able to do this within a reasonable period on return to Iraq with no family or other support. [headnote 21B].

‘Applications for an INID from the Iraqi Embassy in London: The general process and standard requirements for an application for an INID are essentially the same as if an application were made at a CSA office in Iraq, save that a person will only need proof of address in the United Kingdom rather than an Iraqi residence card. The Iraqi Embassy in London has the facilities to obtain an applicant’s bio-data. Where a person is completely undocumented, is unable to remember his Family Book details and does not have the assistance of any male relatives in Iraq; they are unlikely to be able to make a successful application for an INID from the Iraqi Embassy in London.’ [headnote 21B]

1.5 Documentation requirements for arrival in the KRI

1.5.1 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held:

‘Where a person is returned to Iraq on a laissez-passer, they may request and keep a copy of the same after arrival, which will show their recent arrival from the United Kingdom. Procedures are in place at both Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports for those who return to the KRI without a CSID or INID and such persons will not be prevented from leaving either airport for this reason. Prior to departure, a person will be given an authorisation letter setting out their name and contact details of the issuing authority, valid for five days, within which a person is expected to return to their home area to start the redocumentation process.’ [headnote 22A]

1.6 Internal travel by road in the KRI

1.6.1 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held:

‘A person may be able to travel from Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports in the KRI to their home area in the KRI or Disputed Territories [defined by the UT as ‘areas of Federal Iraq bordering the KRI’] without needing to pass through any checkpoints other than the ones at the perimeter of the airports, at which there is no real risk of treatment contrary to Article 3. The burden is on an individual to establish that they would need to pass through any further checkpoints for the purposes of establishing a real risk of treatment contrary to Article 3. A fact sensitive assessment of an available route to an individual’s home area may be required [see Locations of checkpoints for a map of checkpoints in the KRI and surrounding areas]. [headnote 22B]

‘If a person does have to pass through any further checkpoint, this may require a check on their identity and assessment of whether they present a security risk, e.g. because their name is on a security list available at the checkpoint. However, it is not established that every person is stopped at every checkpoint. If they are, the checks undertaken range from an informal conversation to the requirement to present formal identity document(s). [headnote 22C]

‘If a person has an INID, that would normally be sufficient for an individual to pass a checkpoint, absent identification of that person on a security list. If a person does not have an INID, they will need to establish their identity by other means or otherwise establish that they do not present a security risk. Alone, neither a valid Iraqi passport nor a laissez-passer, nor a 1957 Registration Document is likely to be sufficient to establish a person’s identity as these are not universally recognised by the variety of actors who control checkpoints in the same way that an INID is. [headnote 22D]

‘There is no standard or consistent practice at checkpoints, however, the following documents are likely to assist an individual in establishing their identity so as to reduce or avoid a risk of ill treatment contrary to Article 3, particularly in combination if more than one is available:

• An Iraqi driving license
• A CSID, even if expired (for a further limited period of time)
• A CSID with a cut corner together with confirmation of an application for an INID
• Within the KRI only, an authorisation letter from Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airport containing the individual’s personal details with a request to facilitate them. [headnote 22E]

‘In addition, a combination of these or other documents, or copies of the same, and/or attendance by someone who can vouch for a person (a family member, local Mukhtar or high-ranking official); is also likely to be sufficient. Overall, the greater the number of identity documents or copies available to a person and greater the influence of a person attending, the less the risk of treatment in breach of Article 3 at a checkpoint. [headnote 22F]

‘A person with either a document from the airport at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah; some form of identification and/or assistance from a family member, local Mukhtar or ranking official is likely to be able to pass through a checkpoint without risk of ill-treatment contrary to Article 3 if they (i) return to Erbil and travel to their home area within the same governorate or to Dohuk governorate (under the same political control); or (ii) return to Sulaymaniyah and travel to their home area within that same governorate. It is expected that a person will be returned to the airport closest to their home area, so for those originating from the Sulaymaniyah governorate, it will be to Sulaymaniyah airport and for those originating from the governorates of Dohuk and Erbil, it will be to Erbil airport.’ [headnote 22G].

Despite the information in the paragraph above, decision makers must proceed on the basis that Erbil airport will be the point of return for all Iraqis from the KRI (including those from Sulaymaniyah governorate). See Airports available for return of Iraqi nationals for further information.

1.7 Internal travel by road in Federal Iraq

1.7.1 Decision makers must proceed on the basis that Baghdad airport will be the point of return for all Iraqis from Federal Iraq (including those from the Disputed Territories). See Airports available for return of Iraqi nationals for further information.

1.7.2 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held: ‘Many of the checkpoints in Federal Iraq are manned by Shia militia who are not controlled by the GOI [Government of Iraq] and are unlikely to permit an individual without a CSID or INID to pass.’ [headnote 22H]

2. Iraqi National Identity Document (INID)

2.1.1 For general information on the Iraqi National Identity Document (INID), including details of the application process to obtain an INID, see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

2.2 Applications at the Iraqi Embassy in London

2.2.1 In October 2024, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website published the following announcement:

‘The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Kingdom in London is pleased to announce to the Iraqi community residing in the UK that appointments are now available for applying for the National Card (in a trial phase), starting from Monday, October 21, 2024.

‘Required Documents:

• Completion of the National Card application form.
• Iraqi nationality certificate in the applicant’s name, or presentation of an Iraqi nationality certificate or National Card supporting document (father, mother, brother, sister, paternal grandfather, uncle).
• Civil status identity card.
• Iraqi passport.
• Proof of identity (if no document is provided in the applicant’s name).
• Proof of address.
• Additionally, please fill out the online form for the National Card by visiting the official website of the National Card Affairs Directorate at the following link: https://www.nid-moi.gov.iq/
• Or access the link here: https://www.nid-moi.gov.iq/?page=5

‘To schedule an appointment for the issuance of the National Card or for inquiries, please contact the number below during working days from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM: +447597175733.’^{[footnote 1]}

2.2.1 The same website published a further announcement in November 2024:

‘The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Kingdom, London, is pleased to announce to the esteemed members of the Iraqi community residing in the UK, the procedures for using the portable system for issuing the National ID card, in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. The details are as follows:

‘– Portable System (VIP): This system may be used upon a personal request made by the citizen or their legal representative to the Ambassador, Consul, or their designated representative. The purpose of the portable system is to visit the applicant’s residence to input personal information, take a photo, and capture biometric data (iris scan and ten fingerprints). A family member or an authorized person must be designated to follow up on the remaining procedures and receive the National ID once printed. The fee for using this portable service is 250,000 Iraqi dinars (141.32 GBP^{[footnote 2]}), in addition to the National ID issuance fee of 6,000 Iraqi dinars (3.39 GBP^{[footnote 3]}).

‘– Portable System (NPK): This service is for citizens who are hospitalized due to serious health conditions or to those who submit a personal request supported by medical reports indicating that the applicant suffers from an illness that prevents or makes it difficult for them to visit the Embassy or Consulate to register in the civil registry system for the issuance of the National ID. The usage of this portable service is free of charge, but the National ID issuance fee of 6,000 Iraqi dinars (3.39 GBP^{[footnote 4]}) still applies. A family member or an authorized person must also be designated to follow up on the remaining procedures and receive the National ID once printed.’^{[footnote 5]}

3. Civil Status Identity Document (CSID)

3.1.1 For general information on the Civil Status Identity Document (CSID), see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

3.2 Validity

3.2.1 In October 2025, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) published a COI report on Iraq which stated: ‘Civil Status ID cards and nationality certificates are no longer in use. As of 1 April 2024, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the end of the use of the Civil Status Identity Card.’^{[footnote 6]}

3.2.2 However, in In AH, AK & AJ the UT held: ‘[A CSID]…will continue to have some limited utility in (i) establishing a person’s identity, alone or in combination with other documents; and (ii) an application for an INID. The utility of a CSID has diminished in recent years as the roll-out of the INID has gathered pace and will continue to diminish further as that process is completed.’ [headnote 11] See Internal travel by road in the KRI for information on the use of a CSID as a means of establishing identity at checkpoints.

4. Other forms of documentation

4.1.1 For information about other forms of documentation, such as the Iraqi Nationality Certificate (INC), passports, driving licenses and residency cards, see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

5. Internal travel by road

5.1 Locations of checkpoints

5.1.1 In January 2025, CPIT conducted a study aimed at locating checkpoints in the KRI and parts of the Disputed Territories. The study was based on information from the following sources: OpenStreetMap, a user-driven map data website^{[footnote 7]}; ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data), a US-based non-profit that describes itself as an ‘independent, impartial global monitor that collects, analyses, and maps data on conflict and protest’^{[footnote 8]}; and Google Earth satellite imagery. The study acknowledged that, due to certain limitations, it was highly unlikely that all checkpoints were identified. It also explained that it focused on the cities Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Kirkuk and Mosul and the major routes connecting those cities, meaning that it may have failed to identify some checkpoints located in rural areas or on secondary roads. The study also noted that the numbers and locations of checkpoints can change.^{[footnote 9]} For further information on the methodology, see the full study (available upon request).

5.1.2 The study identified checkpoints on the perimeter of Erbil airport, as shown in the following image:

5.1.3 In AH, AK & AJ the UT held that ‘… there is no real risk of treatment contrary to Article 3’ [headnote 22B] for a person passing through checkpoints on the perimeter of Erbil airport (see paragraph 1.6.2).

5.1.4 The map below, which was produced using the data collected in CPIT’s checkpoint study, shows routes between the cities of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk and Mosul that do not pass through checkpoints. When referring to these routes, please note the limitations outlined in paragraph 5.1.1 above. The map is zoomed out in order to show all the routes in a single image, meaning that some routes appear to pass through checkpoints even though they do not in fact do so. A KML project file, which allows users to open the checkpoint mapping project on Google Earth to view the routes more clearly, is available upon request.^{[footnote 11]}

6. Internal relocation

6.1 Entry and residency requirements in Federal Iraq

6.1.1 For information on a person’s ability to enter and reside in different areas of Federal Iraq, see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

6.2 Entry and residency requirements in the KRI

6.2.1 For information on a person’s ability to enter and reside in different areas of the KRI, see the archived CPIN Iraq: Internal relocation, civil documentation and returns.

Research methodology

The country of origin information (COI) in this note has been carefully selected in accordance with the general principles of COI research as set out in the Common EU [European Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), April 2008, and the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation’s (ACCORD), Researching Country Origin Information – Training Manual, 2024. Namely, taking into account the COI’s relevance, reliability, accuracy, balance, currency, transparency and traceability.

Sources and the information they provide are carefully considered before inclusion. Factors relevant to the assessment of the reliability of sources and information include:

• the motivation, purpose, knowledge and experience of the source
• how the information was obtained, including specific methodologies used
• the currency and detail of information
• whether the COI is consistent with and/or corroborated by other sources

Commentary may be provided on source(s) and information to help readers understand the meaning and limits of the COI.

Wherever possible, multiple sourcing is used and the COI compared to ensure that it is accurate and balanced, and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the issues relevant to this note at the time of publication.

The inclusion of a source is not, however, an endorsement of it or any view(s) expressed.

Each piece of information is referenced in a footnote.

Full details of all sources cited and consulted in compiling the note are listed alphabetically in the bibliography.

Bibliography

Sources cited

Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in London, Announcement / Portable National Id Issuance System, 11 November 2024

European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Iraq: Country Focus, 8 October 2025. Accessed: 28 April 2026

Home Office:

• Map of checkpoint-free routes in the KRI and surrounding areas, January 2025 (available upon request). Accessed: 28 April 2026

• Response to an information request – Iraq: Checkpoints in the KRI and surrounding areas, January 2025. Accessed: 28 April 2026.

Xe.com, 1 IQD to GBP – Convert Iraqi Dinars to British Pounds, accessed 28 April 2026

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Below is information on when this note was cleared:

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1. Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in London, Announcement: Issuance of…, 17 October 2024 ↩

2. Xe.com, 1 IQD to GBP – Convert Iraqi Dinars to British Pounds, accessed 28 April 2026 ↩

3. Xe.com, 1 IQD to GBP – Convert Iraqi Dinars to British Pounds, accessed 28 April 2026 ↩

4. Xe.com, 1 IQD to GBP – Convert Iraqi Dinars to British Pounds, accessed 28 April 2026 ↩

5. Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in London, Announcement / Portable…, 11 November 2024 ↩

6. EUAA, Iraq: Country Focus, 8 October 2025 ↩

7. OSM, About, no date ↩

8. ACLED, About ACLED, no date ↩

9. Home Office, Response to an information… (pages 2 – 3), January 2025 (available upon request) ↩

10. Home Office, Map of checkpoint-free routes in the KRI and surrounding areas, January 2025 (available upon request) ↩