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TRAVEL REPORT
Iraq

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 (Ramadan) has been updated.

For more information on avian influenza, see our Global Issues.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Iraq

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Iraq, except for the areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (the provinces of Dahuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah). See “Regional Warning” below for more information. Except for those in the Kurdistan region, Canadians currently in Iraq should leave.

Due to continued disputes over the results of the March 2010 parliamentary elections, political demonstrations, violence, kidnappings, and assassinations may occur throughout Iraq. Some demonstrations have become violent in the past, causing deaths and injuries. Canadians are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they are expected to take place, as they may turn violent without warning. Canadians should also monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

The security situation remains extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Car bombings, vehicle ambushes, and mortar and rocket attacks occur regularly. Attacks resulting in numerous fatalities continue to occur in Baghdad, including in the International Zone.

The list of targets includes Coalition and Iraqi security forces, Iraqi government offices, mosques, churches, hotels, universities, restaurants, public buildings, bus terminals, and open markets. Individuals have also been targeted, including personnel working for the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, foreign embassies, and non-governmental organizations, as well as both Iraqi and foreign civilians. Much of the violence is random and many of the victims are innocent passersby. There is a high risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Travel by road is not safe. Attacks occur regularly on the road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport. This puts travellers at exceptional risk. Although travel at night is especially dangerous, attacks are also common during the day.

A curfew is strictly enforced in the International Zone from midnight to 6 a.m. All civilian movements are forbidden and all control points are closed to outgoing and incoming movements during the curfew hours. Other curfews may be imposed throughout the country on short notice. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the media in order to stay informed of changes.

Canadians who choose to stay despite this warning should be accompanied by professional security escorts at all times. They should also carefully review their security arrangements on a regular basis.

Entry or re-entry into Iraq from other countries is problematic, and travellers may be refused permission to enter. In general, Canadians should exercise extra caution when travelling in Iraq’s border regions due to the heightened level of tension with neighbouring countries.

Considering that there is no resident Canadian government office in Iraq, the Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in Iraq is severely limited (see Section 5).

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the provinces of Dahuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah, which are under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

While there are still some attacks and threats from terrorist groups, this region has been significantly less susceptible to the violence plaguing the rest of Iraq.

Border areas with Turkey and Iran should be avoided at all times. As borders are porous, travellers can unknowingly cross into Turkey and Iran, which could lead to serious problems with Turkish and Iranian authorities. Furthermore, in response to security concerns, Turkish and Iranian military forces have been carrying out periodic cross-border operations against identified Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in border areas with Iraq.

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Canadians travelling to any part of Iraq should register with the Embassy of Canada in Amman, Jordan, plan their own security arrangements, limit their movements to areas not prone to violence, monitor local news reports and news broadcasts, and remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Checkpoints

Security checkpoints have proliferated in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq. Due to heightened tensions at security checkpoints, extra respect and cooperation should be exercised. The wearing of an Iraqi police or army uniform is not a guarantee that the wearer is bona fide or operating in an official capacity. This warning is particularly important at ad hoc checkpoints, where murders, kidnappings, and robberies frequently occur.

Carry a photo ID as well as a legally certified copy of your visa and registration with you at all times. Furthermore, keep your passport and visa in safekeeping facilities.

Threat to Foreigners

Except in the Kurdistan region, the threat to foreigners, including Canadians, is very high. A number of Canadians have been kidnapped, injured, or killed in Iraq over the past several years. More than 200 foreigners, including journalists, humanitarian workers, contractors, and soldiers, have been abducted since 2005. Many of the hostages have been killed or are still missing.

Crime

Crime and corruption are rampant. Carjackings and robberies are common. The security situation deteriorates after nightfall in most areas. Violent conflicts involving organized criminal elements, street gangs, militant groups, rival militias, and Coalition/Iraqi security forces pose grave dangers.

Demonstrations

International and national events may trigger demonstrations. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds, and demonstrations, and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning.
 
Telecommunications

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. The use of mobile phones is widespread in the major cities, though network service is often intermittent.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Iraqi authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq for up-to-date information.

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 Iraq.

All Canadians travelling to Iraq must obtain a visa. Visitors who stay in Iraq for less than five days need a visit visa. After 10 days in the country, visitors must renew their visa at the Iraqi Residence Office (Ministry of Interior). Furthermore, after three months in Iraq, they must apply for a one-year residence permit to regularize their entry visa.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, 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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Iraq. The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in Iraq 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, Fourth Floor, Abdalhameed Shoman Street, 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.jordan.gc.ca

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

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health 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 Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

Since 2006, there have been two confirmed human deaths due to avian influenza in Iraq, according to the World Health Organization. No deaths have been reported since 2007. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

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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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities in Iraq are scarce and below Western standards. Canadians should bring their own medical supplies, including a first aid kit, and make sure they carry a sufficient amount of their prescripton medications in their original container.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases chances of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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8. 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religion

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. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

According to Iraqi law, 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.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Women’s Safety

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is forbidden.

The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by long detention or even death penalties. Visitors should not drink alcohol outside licensed facilities. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

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.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

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.

Motorists frequently disobey traffic rules, including traffic lights, failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, speeding, tailgating, and not yielding the right of way. Visitors should not travel at night. Due to the country's high liability risk, travellers may have difficulties obtaining car insurance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Buses run irregularly and routes are subject to frequent changes. Rundown transit vehicles are frequently involved in accidents.

Rail Travel

The rail line is old and best avoided.

Air Travel

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.

However, several regional and international carriers provide regular service to Erbil International Airport in the Kurdistan region.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Travellers cannot leave Iraq with more than US$10,000 in cash unless it has been declared upon entry. U.S. dollars are accepted. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted. There are very few automated banking machines (ABMs).

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. 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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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

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.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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