precisely speaking, it is operating in Bismayah. It’s fully paved and like the rest of the city; at peace. See Political and security situation. It is possible that the security situation could deteriorate quickly. Consular support is severely limited in Iraq. Everything has to be build. Baghdad was founded 1,259 years ago on the 30 July 762. Since the coalition invasion in 2003, Baghdad has become one of the most dangerous cities on Earth. On 8 January 2020, Iran fired missiles against two military bases in Iraq containing US personnel, one close to Erbil International Airport. Baghdad isn't the safest country to visit, because of its complicated political situation and turmoil that took over the country and its neighbors. There will be a total curfew on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays alongside a partial curfew from 8pm to 5am Mondays to Thursdays. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Street potholes, broken and dirty sidewalks, and shabby dirty buildings with broken facades are everywhere. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays. So, even if you are still foolish enough to want to go, you will never get a visa. These are published through local media and on the Ministry of Interior website. You should remain vigilant and monitor media reports. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. At least 22 killed after suicide bomber targets crowded Baghdad market: Is Baghdad safe? Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, and the second-largest Arab city after Cairo, with a population of around 7 million. Baghdad can have leftover mines in secluded areas of the city, so do not stray anywhere, do not walk into fields, especially unmarked ones unless you’re guided by someone who knows the area or is sure that it’s safe. Add a New Topic. In England, you must have a permitted reason to travel abroad and complete the declaration form. 2) Getting a visa for the Arab controlled part of Iraq is virtually impossible without military/NGO/contractor sponsorship. Not only it is one of the safest political entities in the world, perfectly apt for assuming full sovereignty to its people as well as to the minorities it protects as a safe haven (yes, also from Shingal), but it goes out of its way and always in a VIP manner, to ease the administrative regularization of the expatriates, so shorten it, facilitate it, ease it and accelerate its good completion and accomplishment. Militant groups opposed to western presence in Iraq continue to pose a threat to UK and other interests in Iraq – including through attacks on Global Coalition military bases, diplomatic premises, and foreign nationals. I never once felt in danger during my stay. See Terrorism, There’s also a high threat of kidnapping throughout the country, from both Daesh and other terrorist and militant groups, which can be motivated by criminality or terrorism. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Iraq at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to the country.. Now is a great time to make a fortune in Iraq. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any religious or political discussions. Visiting Baghdad definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you want to visit it for a short time, it’s okay and you probably won’t have a bad experience – just apply all precautions measures. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. Please consult your airline before travelling. Now is a great time to make a fortune in Iraq. The British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate-General in Erbil operate a limited consular service by appointment only. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. See Local travel. Traveling in groups is recommended in Baghdad. Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Iraq ('Coronavirus' page). Idk what terrorism you guys are talking about !! Author has 66 answers and 54.9K answer views For an American, it is completely safe. Answer 1 of 22: Not for tourism but for business... : Get Baghdad travel advice on Tripadvisor's Baghdad travel forum. Check our advice for each country you will visit or transit through. The Pentagon confirmed the death of Qasem Soleimani, Commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp… No foreign casualties have been reported and Erbil Airport has resumed normal operations. WASHINGTON — US personnel at the American embassy in Baghdad, which has come under attack by pro-Iran protesters, are safe and there are … Corruption is sky high. I live in Baghdad, in what expats call the "red zone" which is anything outside of the Green Zone. Baghdad is, unfortunately, currently in an extremely dangerous security situation, under a very high threat of terrorist attack and very high threat of kidnapping. For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page. The curfew will be in place until 8 March. Walking Towards The Great Mosque Of Samarra. The Government of Iraq announced a curfew in response to rising coronavirus cases from 18 February. See Visas, The Iraqi Prime Minister announced the territorial defeat of Da’esh in Iraq on 9 December 2017. "US personnel are secure and there has been no breach," the spokesperson said. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Baghdad is situated on the Tigris River at its closest point to the Euphrates, 25 miles (40 km) to the west. If you go to Baghdad and you have certain opinions on its history, religion and the sectarian warfare that has been going on for over a decade, keep it to yourself as expressing these opinions in certain areas can end with fatal consequences. In the event of a sudden deterioration in the security station, there may be limits to the assistance the FCDO can provide. It’s currently impossible to accurately predict if or when this might occur. Standing on the roof of Baghdad's Palestine Hotel, Mr Sahaf ignored the sight of Iraqi troops running for cover on the other side of the Tigris river to declare: "Baghdad is safe. safe water which forced its residents to fetch their water from unsafe source. Baghdad is, unfortunately, currently in an extremely dangerous security situation, under a very high threat of terrorist attack and very high threat of kidnapping. The terrain surrounding Baghdad is a flat alluvial plain 112 feet (34 metres) above sea level. 1) No. It’s really not to safe Iraq because 2021 is getting worse and really sad 😢. If you’re going to stroll along ordinary streets of Baghdad, wear clothes that don’t distinguish you from others, because it might make others have wrong assumptions about you. Just be care, not detonate bomb accidentally before you met the crusaders so your holy mission would be in vain and instead of the virgins all you get in Paradise is ugly English cow for eternal life. I live in Baghdad, in what expats call the "red zone" which is anything outside of the Green Zone. It is illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays. You should remain vigilant, have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place, keeping these under review, and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice. Baghdad isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their gender, not to walk around Baghdad, be it during day or night, as the country is essentially in the state of warfare. Historically, the city has been inundated by periodic floods from the Tigris’s tributaries … However, since Baghdad is a huge city, there are very safe areas and some that aren’t. Within the confines of the International Zone, you can ride a free shuttle bus service. There are over 1000. families who have been living here since 2003. Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home (or in Wales, stay local). There are random bombings and targeted shootings. Northern and southern Iraq are much safer than Baghdad. In actual fact, It’s perfectly safe. It can still be a volatile and unpredictable place, and the framework for foreign tourists to arrive en masse, or be guaranteed a safe journey (I was permitted to be in … To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. And America is not safe from the threat of future terrorist attacks from ISIS and its radical Islamic adherents. “The city was divided into safe and unsafe neighbourhoods, [separated] physically behind high concrete walls. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. The more you go away from the center of the city the more you're likely to run into violence especially markets and stands on the street. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. There are random bombings and targeted shootings. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you. Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Baghdad. But you must understand that the risks are huge. It is home to five UNESCO world heritage sites, and tens of thousands of archaeological sites are spread all over the country, which is now mostly safe to visit. See Coronavirus. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The airport has now reopened; please consult with your airline before travelling. Oh and avoid the borders. You should avoid any rallies, marches or processions, and follow the instructions of local authorities. The Diyālā River joins the Tigris just southeast of the city and borders its eastern suburbs. Everything has to be build. One of … Baghdad airport is secure, so transiting there if necessary is safe. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Answer 1 of 13: I am from Pakistan & i have received a job offer from & US company operating near baghdad. If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. US personnel at the American embassy in Baghdad, which has come under attack by pro-Iran protesters, are safe and there are no plans to evacuate, the State Department said Tuesday. Unfortunately, at this time, there's a very high threat of terrorist attacks and a very high threat of kidnapping in this city. However, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks in Iraq. Home > Opinions > Society > At least 22 killed after suicide bomber targets crowded Baghdad market: Is Baghdad safe? You should comply with measures introduced by the local authority. It has not been safe for 15 years. The situation remains uncertain and could worsen at short notice. Corruption is sky high. For an American, it is completely safe. And it is safe to assume that virtually no one living in Baghdad feels lucky when considering the situation in Caracas or Cape Town. The CIA and U.S Embassy do a great job handling Intel and possibly threats to US expats in Iraq, including potential bombings, danger zone, and kidnapping. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. It is also the second-largest city in Western Asia after Tehran. As ISIS tightens its grip on Anbar province, the U.S. insists Baghdad is safe from the terror group. You should not assume that the FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country. Petty crime in Baghdad exists and if you do leave your accommodation be careful in crowded places such as bus and train stations and keep your valuables in your accommodation. It would be best not to go anywhere without an escort from the Iraqi army. Avoid any suspicious parts of the city or going out at all after dark. The CIA and U.S Embassy do a great job handling Intel and possibly threats to US expats in Iraq, including potential bombings, danger zone, and kidnapping. Travel to Baghdad International Aiport (formerly known as Saddam International Airport) is a strange experience, the aeroplane can´t just take a normal landing, for security reason will the pilots employ an old, trusted tactic called a corkscrew landing approach often used on airports around the world that are located in what’s considered to be dangerous areas.