Travel information to Iraq

UD has changed the travel recommendations and does no longer request all Swedish personnel to leave the country.  Neither, does it no longer advice to not at all travel to Iraq but only to avoid non-necessary travelling to Iraq. Three provinces are also considered safe to travel to and where UD does no longer advice to refrain from travelling. Those are: Duhok, Erbil and Suleimaniye.

Despite this, great precaution needs to be taken during all times when travelling to Iraq. Any necessary travel should been carried out only after very good planning and together with well known contacts in the country. Travel without, in advance, organized security transport or accommodation arrangements should be avoided. You are also advised not to carry out any movements outside the premises after nightfall. (not referring to: Duhok, Erbil and Suleimaniye).

Any business person intending to travel to Iraq is advised to inform the Embassy, the Consulate and/or Trade Council about his or her travel plans in case of a deteriorated security situation. It is also important to regularly contact family and friends during the visit in Iraq.

Crowds, public buildings and religious places should be avoided to great extent, since these areas previously have been subject to violent incidences.

Swedish Trade Council in Baghdad can support and plan any business activities to make it safe and well planned in order to avoid any hiccup during the visit, both by providing transport and accommodation within the safe compound of the Swedish Embassy and Swedish Trade Council’s Business House.

For more precise travel information please also see: http://www.swedenabroad.com/News____65706.aspx?slaveid=108783