Iraq

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Iraq including the Kurdistan region due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation, the ongoing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in Iraq despite our advice who have concerns for their safety are strongly advised to depart as soon as possible.

Iraq

Security Situation
The security situation in Iraq remains highly volatile and could deteriorate further, with little or no warning. The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remains active in parts of the country, as do other violent extremist groups engaged in sectarian, ethnic and tribal violence and organised crime. Political instability, crime and corruption, and civil unrest are also common in Iraq.

Terrorism
There is a continuing threat of violent attacks across Iraq from terrorist groups. Suicide bomb attacks, roadside bombs, car bombs, rocket attacks, drone attacks and small arms attacks occur frequently. Thousands of people have been killed and injured in these attacks throughout Iraq.

Attacks can occur without warning at anytime, anywhere in Iraq. Terrorists, violent extremists and both pro and anti-government militias continue to conduct frequent and lethal attacks on a wide range of targets in Iraq.

Targets include Iraqi Security Forces, government offices, large public gatherings, places of worship, airports, sites frequented by foreigners and residential areas to maximise casualties. While attacks can happen at any time, there is a heightened threat during religious and public holidays. There is also a heightened threat of attacks against Western interests.

While the security situation in the Kurdistan region is slightly different to the rest of Iraq, there remains a risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist groups remain active close to the Kurdish region and the security situation in the region could deteriorate quickly.

Kidnapping/Crime
Violent crime, kidnapping and corruption are widespread throughout Iraq. Organised criminal groups, militia and tribal groups pose a significant threat. Although violent crime does occur during the day, security conditions get much worse after dark.

Kidnapping for ransom and hostage taking by extremists and militant groups for ideological reasons, political gain or ransom is a significant threat throughout Iraq. Over the past decade a large number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Iraq, including aid workers, security contractors, journalists and soldiers.  Many hostages have been killed or remain missing.

Women and girls in particular may be subject to harassment or mistreatment. Some sectors of Iraqi society and institutions have been known to overlook allegations of domestic violence against women when it is committed by close family members.

Civil Unrest
Political rallies and protests happen frequently in Baghdad and Basra and to a lesser extent Erbil. They can turn violent quickly and have led to injury and death in the past. Political rallies and protests also present viable targets for terrorists.  Police may use tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition to disperse crowds. 

New Zealanders in Iraq are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews or vehicle bans. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly, find a safe location, remain indoors and follow any local advice.

Security Forces
Iraqi Security Forces and international coalition forces are engaged in an ongoing terrorist counter insurgency across central and northern Iraq. They also have a strong presence across the rest of Iraq and conduct targeted airstrikes against militants.

Security restrictions like curfews and vehicle bans can be imposed at short notice.

Security checkpoints are common place and often ad hoc, however false checkpoints have also been used to launch attacks, kidnapping, robbery and murder.

Iraq has a large number of diverse security forces. They do not all enjoy cooperative relationships with one and other.

Turkish and Iranian security forces have also been known to conduct military incursions targeting terrorist or militia groups across Iraq’s northern borders.

Local travel
Travel across Iraq can be extremely dangerous and there continue to be fatal attacks involving roadside bombs and small arms fire.

There is also an ongoing threat from armed carjacking and robbery. Attacks happen during the day, but travelling at night is more dangerous.

Domestic and international border crossings and Iraqi airports may close with little or no notice. Avoid travel to border areas as clashes, air strikes and other violent incidents are common. Sensitive border areas, especially with Syria and Turkey, are military targets.

Piracy
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the northern Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For more information, view the International Maritime Bureaus’ piracy report. 

Mosul Dam
The Government of Iraq has taken and continues to take measures to improve the structural integrity of the Mosul Dam. A dam failure could cause significant flooding and disruptions to essential services from Mosul to Baghdad, along the Tigris River as well as areas adjoining the dam. A failure of the Mosul Dam cannot be predicted. Monitor local media reports and prepare contingency plans. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Iraq, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens requiring consular assistance is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Iraq should consider.

Although homosexuality is not explicitly illegal under Iraqi law, people of the same sex who engage in consensual sexual acts may be prosecuted under other provisions of law, such as public indecency, and local attitudes towards LGBTQI+ people may be hostile. Violence, harassment and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people does occur, you are advised to exercise discretion.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Iraq are strongly encouraged to: 

• Consult a reputable security company (with experience in Iraq) for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.
• Ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times including a robust contingency plan. The New Zealand government will not be arranging an evacuation for New Zealand citizens, should commercial options for departure cease.
• Avoid areas of military activity at all times including border areas, as these areas are dangerous, often the target of military operations and not always clearly defined.
• Have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Iraq – exclusions may well apply.
• Be highly security conscious at all times, particularly in public places when travelling by road and close to government offices.
• New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Iraq to avoid offending local sensitivities. 
• Follow restrictions imposed by the local authorities and seek local advice on any changes to curfews. Exercise particular caution at checkpoints, a uniform is not a guarantee that the wearer is acting in an official capacity.
• Monitor local developments closely through media and other information sources on possible new safety and security risks. Follow instructions from local authorities. Remain vigilant and alert to your surroundings.

New Zealanders who decide to live or travel in Iraq against our advice are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited to Iraq

Street Address Level 25, Suite 2503, International Tower, Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Postal Address PO Box 62292, Abu Dhabi Telephone +971 2 496-3333 Fax +971-2-496-3300 Email nzembassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/united-arab-emirates Hours Mon-Wed 0900-1600, Thu 0900-1530, Fri 0900-1130 Notarial Services: By appointment only, please email to arrange Note Facebook: @nzembassyuae Twitter: @nzinuae

See our regional advice for the Middle East

MIL OSI