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| Iraq
Getting There - International Travel |
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Air
All travel to Baghdad and the adjacent provinces of Al Anbar, Salah
Ad Din, Diyala, Wasit and Babil is recommended
against. The security situation is dangerous and
there continues to be extensive outbreaks of violence. Even the
most important of travel to Iraq should be delayed, if possible.
There has been a steady raise in the number of attacks
against non Iraqi civilians, including British nationals. Several
British nationals have been killed and many others have been seriously
injured in terrorist incidents since the beginning of March 2004.
If in Iraq, security arrangements should be carefully
examined. Terrorists are aggressively targeting
British, international and other interests in Iraq. Targets include
hotels where United Kingdom and other nationals may stay, as well
as civilian vehicles and aircraft. Attacks have often involved the
use of explosives and firearms.
There is a continuing threat from kidnapping, there
have been many kidnappings of non Iraqi civilians, particularly
in the region surrounding Fallujah and Al Ramadi and on the Baghdad-Amman
highway. This threat applies to all nationals therefore all travellers
should be extremely aware.
Iraq’s national airline
is Iraqi Airways (IA). Currently, there is extremely limited access
into Iraq by air. Royal Jordanian Airlines operate some flights
between Baghdad and Amman (Jordan), and flights between Baghdad
and Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic). Qatar
Airways may operate some flights to Iraq.
Approximate
flight times
Approximate
times are as follows:
It takes 6 hours traveling from London Baghdad.
Baghdad International airport
Baghdad (BGW) is 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of the city (travel
time is 20 minutes). Taxi services go to the city with rates negotiable
for shared taxis. There is a surcharge after 10.00 pm.
Airport facilities
Airport facilities include bureaux de change, banks, post office,
duty free shops, restaurants, bars, snack bar, shops and first aid.
Car rental is also available. Coach service is accessible to the
city and returns from Damascus Street (100 minutes before flight
departure). Visitors should note that the airport has frequently
been targeted by rocket and mortar attacks.
Departure
Tax
ID 2000.
Sea
All ports in Iraq are currently closed.
Road
At present, only the borders from Jordan and Turkey are open to
road travel. Before the Gulf War,
major international routes ran through Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic
and Turkey.
Work on the Express Highway, an attempt to link Iraq with Jordan,
Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic has been suspended for the moment.
Rail
There is a rail journey between Baghdad and Istanbul
(Turkey). All other overland routes may not be available to foreigners.
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