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Country Guide > Middle East > Iraq | |
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Travel - International Travel Warning All travel to Baghdad and the adjacent provinces of Al Anbar, Salah Ad Din, Diyala, Wasit and Babil is advised against. The security situation is dangerous and there continues to be widespread outbreaks of violence. Even the most essential of travel to Iraq should be delayed, if possible. There has been a steady increase in the number of attacks against non-Iraqi civilians, including British nationals. A number of British nationals have been killed and many others have been seriously injured in terrorist incidents since the beginning of March 2004. If in Iraq, security arrangements should be carefully reviewed. Terrorists are actively targeting British, international and other interests in Iraq. Targets include hotels where UK and other nationals may stay, as well as civilian vehicles and aircraft. Attacks have often involved the use of firearms and explosives. There is a continuing threat from kidnapping. There have been numerous kidnappings of non-Iraqi civilians, particularly in the region surrounding Fallujah and Al Ramadi and on the Baghdad-Amman highway. However, this threat applies to all nationals. Air Iraq’s national airline is Iraqi Airways (IA). At present, there is extremely limited access into Iraq by air. Royal Jordanian Airlines operate some flights between Baghdad and Amman (Jordan), and flights between Baghdad and Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic). Qatar Airways (website: www.qatarairways.com) may operate some flights to Iraq. Approximate flight times From Baghdad to London is six hours. International airports Baghdad (BGW) is 18km (11 miles) south of the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxi services go to the city with rates negotiable for shared taxis. There is a surcharge after 2200. Airport facilities include banks, bureaux de change, post office, duty-free shops, bars, restaurants, snack bar, shops and first aid. Car hire is also available. Coach service is available to the city and returns from Damascus Street (100 minutes before flight departure). Visitors should note that the airport has repeatedly been targeted by rocket and mortar attacks. Departure tax ID2000. Sea At present, all ports in Iraq are closed. Rail There is a rail journey between Istanbul (Turkey) and Baghdad. All other overland routes may not be accessible to foreigners. Road At present, only the borders from Turkey and Jordan are open to road travel. Before the Gulf War, principal international routes ran through Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey. Work on the Express Highway, an attempt to link Iraq with Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic has been suspended for the time being. For further information, contact the Iraqi Interests Section for up-to-date political conditions and border details. |