Travel Advice and Warnings

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against all travel to Baghdad and the surrounding area, the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Al Anbar, Salah Ad Din, Diyala, Wasit, Babil, Ninawa and At- Tamim. They also advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Al Qadisiyah, Muthanna, Najaf, Karbala, and Dhi Qar.

Travellers to the Kurdistan Regional Government controlled provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah should be aware that there remains a serious threat from terrorist groups in the region. The security situation in Iraq remains highly dangerous with a continuing high threat of terrorism and violence targeting foreign nationals, including individuals of non-western appearance. The threat of kidnap of foreign nationals across Iraq also remains high, and there have been many kidnappings, some of which have resulted in the murder of hostages.

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) near Sulaimaniyah, Northern Iraq have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. Visitors should avoid poultry farms, live animal markets and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. Travellers should also ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.