Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 20 August 2009, 11:52 NZDT
Still current at:
23 November 2009
There is extreme risk to your security in Iraq and we advise against all travel. Terrorism, kidnapping and the hostile security situation present a significant risk to New Zealanders in Iraq. Any New Zealanders currently in Iraq with concerns for their safety are advised to depart.
New Zealanders who decide to travel to Iraq against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company (with experience in Iraq), for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.
There is a continuing high threat from terrorism throughout Iraq. Terrorists and anti-government militants continue to conduct frequent and lethal attacks on a wide range of targets in Iraq, including inside the International Zone in Baghdad. Attacks continue to target foreigners, Iraqi political figures and those associated with the Iraqi government. There have been attacks on the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, journalists, foreign contractors and visitors to Iraq as well Iraqi civilians. Targets have included places where foreigners congregate such as hotels and restaurants in addition to mosques, churches, public transport, police stations, army recruiting centres, Iraqi government buildings and party political offices. Terrorist attacks can occur without warning at any time, anywhere in Iraq.
Kidnapping for ransom and the hostage taking of foreign nationals by extremists for political gain is a significant problem throughout Iraq, but particularly in Baghdad. More than 200 foreign nationals (including aid workers, security contractors, journalists and soldiers), have been kidnapped since 2005. Many hostages have been killed or remain missing. Close security protection is extremely important for those working or moving around Baghdad, but does not mitigate the risk entirely.
Incidents of civil unrest and looting occur from time to time in Iraq. If you are in an area affected by civil unrest, looting or violence, we recommend you keep a low profile, find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice.
Security restrictions like curfews and vehicle bans can be imposed at short notice. We recommend you adhere to any restrictions imposed by the local authorities and seek local advice on any changes to curfews.
Areas of military activity should be avoided at all times.
While there have been no recent attacks, civilian and military aircraft have been attacked by missiles and small arms fire in the past and there have been security breaches at Baghdad International Airport. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.
Travel by road in Iraq can be extremely dangerous. There continue to be fatal attacks against both civilian vehicles and military convoys involving roadside bombs and small arms fire. The road between Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport is particularly hazardous, with regular attacks against vehicles carrying military personnel, foreigners and civilians. In addition to the threat from terrorism/kidnapping, there is also an ongoing criminal threat from armed carjacking and robbery.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Iraq, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who get into trouble is severely limited.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Iraq should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Iraq – exclusions may well apply.
New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in Iraq despite this advisory are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Middle East
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)
Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
