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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes to travel to Iraq...
Terrorism
We strongly advise you not to travel to Iraq because of the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attack. If you are in Iraq you should consider leaving. If you decide to stay in Iraq you should ensure you have appropriate personal security protection measures in place.
The security environment in Iraq remains extremely dangerous. We continue to receive reports that terrorists and anti-government forces are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Terrorist attacks, including kidnappings and deadly attacks on civilians using road-side bombs, suicide vests and car bombs are likely to continue to increase as negotiations on the formation of a new Iraqi government progress. Terrorists and anti-government forces will continue to target prominent Iraqi political figures and events and places associated with this process. The risk of attacks may be higher on dates of significance surrounding the formation of the Iraqi government.
Terrorists and anti-government forces have carried out numerous attacks against places frequented by foreigners such as hotels outside the International Zone and restaurants. A bomb was discovered on a commercial aircraft in Iraq in November 2004 and explosions took place inside the International Zone in October 2004. Several hotels outside the International Zone have been the target of past attacks including the Al Sadir, Baghdad, Palestine, Sheraton and Babylon Hotels. There have also been ongoing attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, including police stations and recruiting centres. Mortar and rocket attacks are common and indiscriminate. Further attacks, including in the International Zone, should be expected.
Kidnappings for ransom and hostage taking for political gain are common in Iraq and may be fatal. Hostage taking of foreign nationals in Iraq remains a prominent extremist tactic. The kidnapping of an Australian in Iraq in April 2005 underlines the very high risk of kidnapping of foreigners in Iraq. A number of foreign nationals have been taken hostage and killed in the past year.
The road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport ('Route Irish') is extremely hazardous, with a high frequency of bomb and indirect fire attacks against Coalition vehicles and foreigners. We are using heightened security measures when Australian officials travel on this route.
You should not travel over Iraqi airspace on aircraft without self-protection capabilities. There have been several attempts by terrorists to shoot down civilian and military aircraft, and further attempts are likely. For this reason Australian government employees do not travel to or depart from Baghdad International Airport on commercial flights.
Military operations against hostile elements in Iraq are continuing and you are advised to avoid all areas where military operations are taking place.
Security restrictions, including curfews and access to the International Zone, can be tightened at short notice. Security arrangements for Australian Embassy staff in Baghdad are at a high level.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
The cities of Baghdad, Mosul, Al-Fallujah, Ar-Ramadi, Tikrit and Samarra, and the areas between them are particularly hazardous because of continuing high levels of attacks by terrorist and anti-government groups.
Car-jackings and looting, use of fire-arms and explosives and incidents of civil unrest are common throughout Iraq.
You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings due to the high risk of violence.
Crime
Violent crime is prevalent in Iraq. A high proportion of kidnappings in Iraq are carried out by criminal gangs who demand large ransoms for the release of their hostages
You are advised to consult a reputable security company about appropriate security arrangements, including at home and at work and for all travel. The Australian Embassy in Baghdad can provide a list of security companies. You are advised to limit travel and transit to essential sites and determine, in advance, the security conditions of areas you are required to visit.
If a terrorist attack or civil disorder occurs, you are advised to maintain a low profile and, in the absence of other advice, remain indoors.
Local Travel
You are advised not to travel by road in Iraq as convoys of vehicles come under attack regularly. There is a risk to vehicles from bombs, landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Essential services in Iraq, including fuel, power and water, are not reliable. While some telephone services have been restored, these also generally remain unreliable.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.
The removal of antiques and artefacts from Iraq is illegal.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Iraq or the Iraq Department of Immigration on (678) 22 354 for the most up to date information.
Health Issues
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time youll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel.
Avian Influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
There has been a human case of avian influenza in Iraq. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Iraq for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. Medical advice should be sought before antiviral medicines are commenced. Australians intending to travel to Iraq for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Iraq should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Iraq should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
In February 2006 the Australian Government decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its embassy in Iraq. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas and it is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
Infectious diseases, such as typhoid and cholera are very common. Iraqi hospitals have limited facilities.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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