This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Local Laws (professional legal advice) and Where to Get Help (Embassy phone numbers). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

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, you should consider leaving. If you decide to stay in Iraq, you should ensure you have appropriate personal security protection measures in place.

Iraq is not safe for tourism. Terrorist attacks can occur without warning at any time, anywhere in Iraq.

The security environment in Iraq remains extremely dangerous. We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists and anti-government forces are in the advanced stages of planning attacks directed at destablising the Iraqi government and forcing the withdrawal of Coalition forces. Attacks include the use of indirect rocket and mortar fire, improvised explosive devices (roadside bombs, suicide vests and car bombs), small arms fire and kidnap.

Terrorists and anti-government forces have attacked places frequented by foreigners, including hotels and restaurants, outside and inside the International Zone in Baghdad. Hotels outside the International Zone have been the target of past attacks, including the Al Sadir, Palestine, Sheraton and Babylon hotels.

Mortar and rocket attacks are common, indiscriminate and occur without warning. Australian Embassy officials have tightened their security measures due to rocket attacks in the International Zone. You should take precautions to reduce the threat of injury from indirect fire, including limiting unnecessary movement outdoors.

Kidnappings for ransom and hostage taking of foreign nationals for political gain are common extremist tactics in Iraq and may be fatal. Reports indicate that a number of foreign nationals, including Australians, working in Iraq continue to be at risk of being kidnapped or assassinated by terrorists. A significant number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped and murdered. In May 2007, five foreigners were kidnapped from a government building in central Baghdad. An Australian was kidnapped in Iraq in April 2005.

Terrorists and anti-government forces will continue to target prominent Iraqi political figures and events and places associated with this process. In April 2007, a suicide bomber attacked the cafeteria of Iraq's parliament building in the International Zone.

Terrorists have used significant religious events, including Ramadan, to mount attacks in the past.

There have also been ongoing attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, including police stations and recruiting centres. Terrorists also target public transport, markets, mosques, schools and other civilian infrastructure. Two Australians were killed in a roadside bomb attack on the outskirts of Baghdad in July 2007.

The road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport ('Route Irish') is extremely hazardous, with a high frequency of attacks using improvised explosive devices and small arms fire against Coalition vehicles, civilians and foreigners. Australian officials use heightened security measures when travelling on this route.

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 employees do not travel to or depart from Baghdad International Airport on commercial flights.

Military operations against hostile elements in Iraq are continuing and you are advised to avoid all areas where military operations are taking place. This includes Iraq's northern border where the Turkish military has conducted operations.

Security restrictions, including curfews and access to the International Zone, can be tightened at short notice. You should monitor the media for information about any changes to curfews.

Security arrangements for Australian Embassy staff in Baghdad are at a high level.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

There are continuing high levels of attacks by terrorist and anti-government groups in Iraq. The cities of Baghdad, Mosul, Al-Fallujah, Baqubah, Ar-Ramadi, Tikrit, Basrah, Samarra and the areas between them are particularly hazardous. Attacks can occur without warning at any time, anywhere in Iraq.

Incidents of civil unrest, looting and the use of firearms and explosives are common throughout Iraq.

If a terrorist attack or civil disorder occurs, you are advised to maintain a low profile and, in the absence of other advice, remain indoors.

You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings due to the high risk of violence.

International events and political developments in the region may prompt violence or large demonstrations. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Re-publication of cartoons.

You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about new possible safety and security risks.

Crime

Violent crime is prevalent in Iraq. A high proportion of kidnappings in Iraq are carried out by criminal gangs who demand large ransoms for the release of their hostages.

Carjacking is common.

A number of Australian businesses have been contacted by companies claiming to be Iraqi importers offering to transact business in unusual or suspicious ways. Individuals may have knowledge of the industry and the target company and may appear legitimate. You should seek legal advice if you or your company is asked to participate in such activities. For further information on scams and how to reduce your risk of falling victim to fraudsters, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's SCAMwatch website.

Local Travel

You are advised to consult a reputable security company about appropriate security arrangements, including at home and at work and for all travel. The Australian Embassy in Baghdad can provide a list of security companies. Fully implementing security advice will help to mitigate, but not eliminate, the very high threat of attack.

You are advised to limit travel and transit to essential sites and determine, in advance, the security conditions of areas you are required to visit.

You are advised not to travel by road in Iraq as convoys of vehicles come under attack regularly. There is a risk to vehicles from bombs, landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Essential services in Iraq, including fuel, power and water, are not reliable. While some telephone services have been restored, these also generally remain unreliable.

Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrests.

Piracy occurs in the Gulf. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Iraq is in an active earthquake zone.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Sand storms and dust storms occur regularly.

Wildlife Watching

Iraq is not safe for tourism.

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Banking services are extremely limited by Western standards and routine transactions can be time consuming. There are no automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Iraq.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Iraq, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Information for Dual Nationals below.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy jail terms.

The death penalty can be imposed for murder, treason and terrorism-related offences.

It is illegal to take photographs of government and Coalition buildings, security infrastructure (such as checkpoints and military bases) and embassies. Harsh penalties apply.

Drink driving is illegal. Penalties include confiscation of driving licences, fines and jail.

Alcohol should not be consumed in public.

Iraqi police may arrest anyone who eats or drinks in public between sunrise and sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

Homosexuality is considered taboo in Iraqi society. People suspected of engaging in homosexual acts may be charged with lewd conduct.

Preaching is only permitted in places of worship. It is illegal to attempt to convert a Muslim. Abandoning your religion (Islam) is an offence.

The removal of antiques and artefacts from Iraq is illegal.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are strong Islamic standards of dress and behaviour in Iraq. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

During Ramadan, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset. It is considered impolite to eat, drink or smoke in front of anyone who is fasting during Ramadan.

Public displays of affection between men and women are unacceptable in Iraqi society.

Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples who cannot provide proof of marriage.

Information for Dual Nationals

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Australian/Iraqi dual national children departing Iraq may be required, by Iraqi officials, to provide proof of permission from their Iraqi father to depart Iraq.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Iraq for the most up-to-date information.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Health facilities in Iraq's major cities are limited and in remote areas are very basic or unavailable. Due to the heavy workload placed on the medical system by the current security situation, medical equipment and medicines have been severely depleted. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities would be necessary. Costs would be considerable.

Insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis and sand fly fever) are common in Iraq. Malaria is prevalent in the southern province of Basrah and areas below 1500 metres in the northern provinces of Duhok, Erbil, Ninawa, Sulaimaniya and Ta'mim. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophalaxis against malaria where necessary and using an insect repellent.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink boiled water and avoid raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

There is currently an outbreak of cholera in Iraq, affecting the capital Baghdad and Babil and Missan provinces. The World Health Organization provides further information on this cholera outbreak.

Avian influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Iraq. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Iraq for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long-term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Iraq for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Iraq should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Iraq should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up-to-date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Iraq. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.

Where to Get Help

The Australian Embassy is located within the International Zone, Baghdad. Due to access limitations and the difficult security environment, the Embassy's ability to provide consular services is limited. Logistical and security issues may make it particularly difficult for the Embassy to provide services to consular clients outside of Baghdad.

The working week is Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.

If you are travelling to Iraq, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

If you need urgent consular assistance you should contact the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia. If you need to speak to a consular officer in Iraq, call +964 790 191 2359 or +964 790 193 3477.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.