How to Stay Safe in Iraq
1. Introduction & Travel Advisory
| WARNING — RECONSIDER / DO NOT TRAVEL: Most Western governments advise against all travel (or reconsider travel) to most parts of Iraq due to terrorism, armed groups, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI — Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok) is relatively safer and is the area most commonly visited by tourists and business travellers. This guide covers both Iraq proper and the Kurdistan Region. |
Iraq is the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilisation — home to Babylon, Ur, Nineveh, Ctesiphon, and the Ziggurat of Ur. The city of Mosul (now being rebuilt after ISIS occupation and liberation) contains the ruins of ancient Nineveh. The Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala draw millions of Muslim pilgrims annually. Baghdad, the Abbasid capital, has a rich cultural heritage beneath its troubled modern history.
The country borders Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. The capital is Baghdad. The currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). The population is approximately 42 million.
2. Security Landscape
2.1 ISIS Remnants
While the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) was militarily defeated in Iraq by 2017, remnant cells continue to operate in rural and remote areas, particularly in the desert regions of Anbar, Nineveh, Saladin, and Kirkuk provinces. Periodic attacks on security forces and civilians occur. The security situation in these areas remains volatile. Tourist sites like the ruins of Nimrud and Hatra, near Mosul, are being cleared but remain in recovering areas.
| WARNING — ISIS Remnants: Do not travel independently to Nineveh Province (Mosul), Anbar Province, Saladin Province, or Kirkuk without comprehensive security arrangements and current threat assessments. ISIS insurgent attacks on remote checkpoints and villages continue. |
2.2 Iran-Backed Militias
Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU/Hashd al-Shaabi) operate throughout Iraq and occasionally target Western interests. Rocket attacks on US military facilities and the Green Zone in Baghdad have occurred. In Baghdad, the International Zone (formerly Green Zone) and surrounding areas are targets. Avoid large military convoys, US/coalition military facilities, and embassies as these are potential targets.
2.3 Kidnapping
| WARNING — Kidnapping: Iraq has a significant kidnapping risk for foreign nationals, both in Baghdad and other parts of the country. Kidnapping gangs operate independently of ISIS and PMU. Western nationals are prime targets. Use of fixed predictable routines and conspicuous vehicles increases risk dramatically. |
2.4 Kurdistan Region (KRI)
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok) is administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and has a substantially better security record than the rest of Iraq. Erbil has international hotels, functioning tourism, and generally safe city-centre environments. However, the KRI borders Iran, Turkey, and Syrian Kurdish areas — all of which create spillover risk. Turkish military operations against PKK in KRI border areas occasionally affect civilian safety.
| TIP — Kurdistan Region: If visiting Iraq for tourist purposes, focus on the Kurdistan Region — Erbil Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage), Lalish Yazidi temple, Amadiya, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah bazaar. These areas function as a relatively normal tourist destination. |
3. Transportation
Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport receive regular flights. In Baghdad, use only armoured vehicles with professional drivers for all movements. In the Kurdistan Region, standard vehicles are acceptable in urban areas. Do not travel by road from Baghdad to other cities without comprehensive security arrangements — highway IEDs and banditry are risks on major routes outside secured corridors.
4. Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Baghdad and Erbil have improved but remain limited compared to Western standards. Private hospitals in Erbil (Rozhawa International Hospital) provide better care. Ensure full medical evacuation insurance. Key health risks: extreme heat (Baghdad summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C); cholera; typhoid; sandstorms (frequent April-June); respiratory issues from dust.
| WARNING — Extreme Heat: Baghdad and southern Iraq experience some of the world’s highest recorded temperatures (50°C+) in June-August. Heat stroke is a genuine life risk. Travel during cooler months (November-March) if possible. Carry water constantly. |
5. Common Scams & Threats
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Fake Security Services | Individuals claiming to offer security escort services take payment without delivering genuine protection. | Use only security companies with verifiable international credentials and references from reputable organisations. |
| Checkpoint Extortion | Unofficial checkpoints staffed by armed groups demand payment from travellers. | Use a vetted local security advisor who knows legitimate versus unofficial checkpoints. |
| Currency Fraud | Counterfeit Iraqi Dinars circulate, particularly in markets. | Exchange currency only at official banks or reputable licensed exchange offices. |
| Property Scams | Individuals offer property deals in Kurdistan that have complicated legal titles due to displacement. | Seek proper legal advice before any property transaction in Iraq. |
| False Guides at Archaeological Sites | Unlicensed individuals at sites like Erbil Citadel or ancient ruins demand fees. | Use guides from the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage or through your hotel. |
| Phone SIM Fraud | Vendors sell SIM cards that expire quickly or are registered fraudulently. | Buy SIM cards from official Korek, Asiacell, or Zain shops. |
6. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Police Emergency Baghdad | 104 |
| Ambulance Baghdad | 115 |
| Fire Service Baghdad | 115 |
| Erbil Police | +964 66 222 1166 |
| UN Security (UNDSS Iraq) | Contact through UN agency |
| UK Embassy Baghdad | +964 7901 926 280 |
| US Embassy Baghdad | +964 760 030 3000 |
| Australian Embassy Baghdad | +964 7901 924 045 |
| Kurdistan Regional Government Security | +964 66 225 8050 |
7. Safety Checklist
- Obtain comprehensive security briefing from a specialist security firm before travel
- Consider restricting travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq only
- Use armoured vehicles and vetted drivers in Baghdad and southern Iraq
- Never travel by road without current threat assessment on the route
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before travel
- Carry sufficient cash — international banking access is limited
- Vary routes daily and maintain unpredictable movement patterns
- Register with your embassy before arrival and maintain daily check-ins
- Know your organisation’s emergency evacuation procedure
- Avoid travel June-August if possible due to extreme heat
- Dress conservatively and maintain low profile at all times
- Do not photograph any military, police, government, or religious sites without permission
