- Travel Advice
DFAT advice for Iraq
When travelling to Iraq, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Iraq.
| Iraq overall | This Advice is current for Thursday, 28 August 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
[top]Summary
- We strongly advise you not to travel to Iraq because of the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attack. If you are in Iraq and are concerned for your safety, you should consider leaving. Australians who decide to stay should ensure they have appropriate personal security protection measures in place.
- Terrorist attacks can occur at any time, anywhere in Iraq. We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists and anti-government forces are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
- Terrorist attacks, including those against civilians using roadside bombs, suicide vests and car bombs, are directed at destabilising the Iraqi government and forcing the withdrawal of Coalition forces and are likely to continue. Rocket and mortar attacks, including in the International Zone in Baghdad, occur without warning.
- Kidnappings and hostage taking are common in Iraq and may be fatal. A significant number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped and killed. Recent reports indicate that a number of foreign nationals working in Iraq continue to be at risk of being kidnapped or assassinated. The kidnapping of an Australian in April 2005 underlines this very high risk to foreigners.
- Civilian and military aircraft are subject to attack from small arms fire and missiles. Further attempts to shoot down aircraft are likely. There have been security breaches at the civilian terminal at Baghdad International Airport. Australian government officials fly on aircraft with self protection capabilities whenever possible and take commercial flights to and from Baghdad International Airport when no alternative is available.
- The road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport ('Route Irish') is extremely hazardous, with a high frequency of attacks against Coalition vehicles, civilians and foreigners. Heightened security measures are used when Australian officials travel on this route.
- Due to the difficult security environment, the Australian Embassy's ability to provide consular and passport services is limited, particularly outside Baghdad.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Iraq. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Iraq.
- Given the unpredictable security situation and very high threat of terrorist activity, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
