Iraq travel advice

FCDO notice

Regional tensions

The 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. 

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel  

Federal Iraq

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• The parts of Anbar province which are west of, but not including Ramadi City
• Diyala province except for Baqubah City
• Kirkuk province
• Ninawa province
• Salah al-Din province
• Jurf al-Sakr town in Babil province
• Sadr City, part of Baghdad province
• Within 5km of areas that border Iran in Wasit, Maysan and Basra provinces
• Within 5km of Iraq’s borders with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• The remainder of Al-Muthanna province
• Al-Qadasiyah province 
• The remainder of Anbar province
• Babil province (except Jurf al-Sakr town)
• Baghdad province (except Sadr City)
• The remainder of Basra province, including Highways 1 and 8 and the Safwan-Kuwait border crossing
• Dhi Qar Province
• Karbala Province
• The remainder of Maysan province
• The remainder of Najaf province
• The remainder of Wasit province
• Baqubah City in Diyala province
• The road sections of Highway 34 between Baghdad and Baqubah, and Highway 2 between Baqubah and Erbil

Kurdistan Region of Iraq

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Consular support

Consular support is severely limited in areas where FCDO advises against travel.

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

To 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.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.