Travel Report for Iraq

Country Profile for
Iraq

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 31, 2006 11:33 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:59 EST

Iraq

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 8 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to this country. Canadians in this country should leave. (IDW1)

Canadians who are in Iraq despite this warning should be especially vigilant, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and political events, as well as situations where political violence and demonstrations may occur.

The security situation in Iraq is dangerous and unpredictable. The threat to foreigners, including Canadians, is very high. On November 27, 2005, two Canadians were kidnapped. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada strongly advises against involvement in humanitarian missions to Iraq.

There is no Embassy of Canada in Iraq at this time, and the Government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in distress in Iraq. Canadians who are confronted with an emergency will have to make their way to the nearest embassy or consulate of Canada or rely on their own resources. Canadians who choose to remain despite this warning should maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local developments and news broadcasts, and review their security arrangements carefully.

Canadians contemplating travel to Iraq are urged to contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Middle East Division at 1 800 267-6788.

There is an on-going elevated risk of foreigners being kidnapped in Iraq. Kidnappings have occurred in Baghdad, Basra, Fallujah, Kufa, Ramadi, Najaf, Nasiriyah, the Baghdad-Amman highway, and elsewhere. More than 200 foreigners, including journalists, humanitarian workers, contractors, and soldiers, have been abducted in recent months. Many of the hostages have been killed or are still missing.

Attacks resulting in numerous fatalities are frequent in Baghdad and elsewhere. The list of targets includes a growing range of institutions and individuals, including both coalition and Iraqi military forces, Iraqi government ministries, and personnel of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), foreign embassies, and non-governmental organizations, as well as both Iraqi and foreign police and civilians. There is also a danger of attacks on religious buildings, restaurants, and other public places. There are reports of individuals being targeted because they are Christian, and some churches have been bombed.

In addition, there is a high frequency of attacks, undertaken in particular with convoy ambushes, small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). There have been RPG attacks on a number of Baghdad hotels where foreigners may be staying. A sharp increase in the number and sophistication of attacks involving IEDs, most targeting U.S. military convoys, civilian convoys, and Iraqi police stations, has occurred throughout Iraq. IEDs are camouflaged bombs that are placed on main roads and detonated by remote control, often followed by an ambush on disabled vehicles and their passengers. A Canadian citizen was killed in such an attack. Attacks occur along the road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport. The possibility of further attacks puts travellers, including Canadians, at exceptional risk both in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq.

Heightened tensions resulting from the situation in Iraq, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, indicate that Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and should limit their travel both inside and outside of Baghdad. They should be alert to the risk of planned and random killings, as well as kidnappings. Travel by road is dangerous, in particular in Ramadi and Fallujah. While attacks are common during the day, travel at night is especially dangerous. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners.

The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), in conjunction with the ICRC, is engaged in activities to facilitate communications between family members separated as a result of armed conflict in Iraq and other countries. However, the ICRC has drastically reduced its presence in Iraq due to increasing risks to its personnel. For more information, please consult the CRCS Web site (www.redcross.ca), or direct inquiries to your local CRCS branch or the national office at: 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2 (tel.: 613-740-1900, fax: 613-740-1911).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The security situation remains extremely dangerous, unstable, and subject to change. Battles between armed gangs and clashes between rival political factions pose dangers. Anti-coalition political demonstrations occur and sometimes turn violent. Crime is increasing, especially in major cities. The security situation deteriorates after nightfall in many areas, as police forces currently operate only during the day in Baghdad and other cities. Due to heightened tensions at security checkpoints, extra respect and cooperation should be exercised.

Telecommunications facilities are very poor and, in some areas, nonexistent. Telephone calls may be made from hotels, restaurants, and shops. There are no public phones.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Entry or re-entry into Iraq from other countries is problematic, and travellers may be refused permission to enter. Few commercial airlines provide passenger service in and out of Baghdad International Airport due to current conditions and the threat of surface-to-air missile attacks from insurgent forces.

Only the land border with Jordan is regularly open for crossings. Canadians should avoid all travel by road from Amman to Baghdad in view of the heightened security threat. An overland trip from Amman to Baghdad can take over 12 hours, provided there are no problems at the borders. The land border with Syria is only open to returning Iraqis, humanitarian organizations, and diplomatic delegations. The Turkish and Iranian borders are officially closed.

Motorists frequently disobey traffic rules, including traffic lights, failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, speeding, tailgating, and not yielding the right of way. Buses run irregularly and routes are subject to frequent changes. Rundown transit vehicles are frequently involved in accidents. The rail line is old and best avoided. Visitors should not travel at night. Due to the country's high liability risk, travellers may have difficulties obtaining car insurance.

In the past, all foreigners intending to travel to Iraq were required to obtain a "tijwal," or permit, for their vehicle and for all non-Iraqi passengers. It was not necessary to obtain a permit for an Iraqi-registered rental vehicle. An International Driving Permit was required. However, we are unsure whether such regulations continue at this time.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Iraq is subject to sandstorms and dust storms as well as flooding caused by heavy rains. The weather is very dry and hot from May to October.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Islamic practices and beliefs form the basis of the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

Drug related offences are severely condemned, with punishments ranging from life incarceration to the death penalty.

According to Iraqi law applied under the former regime, the child of a male Iraqi national is considered an Iraqi national. Even if the name of the child is written in the mother's foreign passport, Iraqi authorities may consider the child an Iraqi national if the father is Iraqi. The father's permission is required for the child to travel. It is unclear whether this law is still being enforced.

In the past, Iraqi law dictated that a woman under the age of 45 had to travel with an escort. The escort could be her husband, her father, or a close male member of the family who had the permission of the husband or father to act as an escort. Iraqi authorities occasionally applied this law to women travelling on foreign passports. A woman married to an Iraqi, and travelling on her foreign passport, sometimes needed to provide proof of her husband's permission to leave the country. We are unsure whether this law is still being applied.

It is strictly prohibited to take antiquities, archaeological finds, or antique carpets out of Iraq, in accordance with the Convention and First Protocol for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

The work week is Sunday through Thursday.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Iraq. The Canadian government's ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Jordan - AMMAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Pearl of Shmeisani Building, Shmeisani, Amman, Jordan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 815403, Amman, 11180, Jordan
Tel.: 962 6 520 3300
Fax: 962 6 520 3396
E-mail: amman@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.amman.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Amman and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Iraq. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Persons of Arab origin will not be allowed entry into the country, even with a valid visa. The only exceptions to this rule are if you are a journalist, or married to an Iraqi citizen, or if you have a diplomatic passport.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The currency is the Iraqi dinar or U.S. dollar. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Iraq (capital: Baghdad) is situated in the Middle East and borders Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and the Persian Gulf. Tourist facilities are not available. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Drink bottled water and avoid water-based food. Peel fruits and vegetables. Avoid uncooked meat and dairy products. It will be difficult to find adequate medical facilities in an emergency. Bring your own medical supplies, including first aid kit and prescription medicine.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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18. ANNEX

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