The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
On 22 December the Government of Iraq announced a ban on passengers travelling to and from the UK. Please consult your airline before travelling. See Coronavirus
Periodic lockdowns in response to coronavirus have occurred across Iraq and can happen at short notice. If this occurs while you are in Iraq, you should comply with measures introduced by the local authority. See Coronavirus
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has imposed strict travel restrictions between provinces. These are published through local media and on the Ministry of Interior website.
Regional tensions have increased in the run up to the first anniversary of the killing by the United States of senior Iranian and Iraqi security leaders Qasim Soleimani and Abu-Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad International Airport on 3 January. It is possible that the security situation could deteriorate in the period around this date. The situation remains uncertain and could worsen at short notice. You should avoid any rallies, marches or processions, and follow the instructions of local authorities. See Political and security situation
There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant, have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place, keeping these under review, and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.
In the event of a sudden deterioration in the security station, there may be limits to the assistance the FCDO can provide. You should not assume that the FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country.
According to Iraqi law you must have a visa before you travel, even if you’re intending to travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. See Visas
The Iraqi Prime Minister announced the territorial defeat of Da’esh in Iraq on 9 December 2017. However, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks in Iraq. You should remain vigilant and monitor media reports. See Terrorism
There’s also a high threat of kidnapping throughout the country, from both Daesh and other terrorist and militant groups, which can be motivated by criminality or terrorism. You should review your security arrangements regularly and consider carefully any travel plans around the country. See Kidnap
Turkey conducts regular military action in the north of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and, occasionally, further south. There is particular risk in mountainous areas, especially around Qandil, Makhmur, and near the border with Turkey. Crossing points along the Iraq-Turkey border may also be affected. See Kurdistan Region
The government of Iraq is taking measures to improve the structural integrity of the Mosul Dam as there is a risk the dam could fail. It’s currently impossible to accurately predict if or when this might occur. See Local travel
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in Iraq. The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil operate a limited consular service by appointment only. The Embassy and Consulate-General’s ability to visit locations across Iraq is limited and travel to unsecure areas to deliver consular services may not be possible.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.