IRAQ

Summary

Irish citizens are advised against all travel to Iraq because of the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attacks.  Irish citizens currently in Iraq are advised to leave immediately.

The threat of kidnap of foreign nationals across Iraq remains very high. Individuals have been kidnapped at their residence, work and in transit. Kidnappers do not discriminate between nationalities or religions. Those kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place and some of those kidnapped have been killed.

Terrorists and anti-government forces have carried out numerous attacks against places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels and restaurants .

There have been attacks on international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN and non–Government Organisations.

If you consider your presence in Iraq to be absolutely essential, you should have adequate and continuous professional security arrangements and ensure they are regularly reviewed.

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Iraq. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Please be advised that the Irish Government assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any expenses incurred by Irish citizens as a result of a personal emergency whilst travelling.

Anyone who may have concerns for Irish citizens in Iraq can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs at Tel No. 01-4082000.

The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have a resident Mission in Iraq. Irish citizens are currently advised to level of security when travelling to Iraq.

Safety and Security

Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Iraq. As such, it is not possible for us to provide detailed travel advice as we have no way of objectively verifying information and ensuring that it is accurate, appropriate and up-to-date. Likewise, the level of consular assistance and support we can provide to Irish citizens in times of emergency may be limited. Irish citizens may wish to bear this in mind before making plans to visit Iraq.

In countries where Ireland does not have any formal representation, emergency consular assistance, advice and support may be sought through resident offices of other EU member states.

Please be advised that the Irish Government assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any expenses incurred by Irish citizens as a result of a personal emergency whilst travelling.

Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance in Iraq should first approach their tour operator representative, local tour guide or hotel management and contact their insurance provider. In the event of an emergency, or for help and advice, you can also contact the Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000. However, once again, please be advised that the level of service and assistance we can provide in Iraq may be limited.

For entry requirements and immigration information, please contact the appropriate Embassy or Consulate of Iraq.

Local Laws and Customs

Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Iraq. As such, it is not possible for us to provide detailed travel advice as we have no way of objectively verifying information and ensuring that it is accurate, appropriate and up-to-date. Likewise, the level of consular assistance and support we can provide to Irish citizens in times of emergency may be limited. Irish citizens may wish to bear this in mind before making plans to visit  Iraq.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Iraq. As such, it is not possible for us to provide detailed travel advice as we have no way of objectively verifying information and ensuring that it is accurate, appropriate and up-to-date. Likewise, the level of consular assistance and support we can provide to Irish citizens in times of emergency may be limited. Irish citizens may wish to bear this in mind before making plans to visit Iraq.

Additional Country Info

You may wish to review the travel advice for this Iraq as presented by other Anglophone Foreign Ministries. Suggested links are provided below. Please be aware that The Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland is not in any way responsible for the content contained therein and is not in a position to endorse or validate any of the information supplied by other Governments. These links are merely intended as helpful suggestions for further research in advance of your trip.  

UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk/travel)

Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (www.voyage.gc.ca)

New Zealand: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.safetravel.govt.nz)

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.smartraveller.gov.au)

USA: Department of State (www.travel.state.gov) 

In countries where Ireland does not have any formal representation, emergency consular assistance, advice and support may be sought through resident offices of other EU member states.

EU: (http://ec.europa.eu/consularprotection/index.action)