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Security is a major concern. Should companies and individuals decided to travel. Austrade would encourage you to consult our Embassy. Organise and plan your movements and security requirements. There are Australian security firms operating in the region that can provide bodyguards, hardened cars, due diligence on property and potential Iraqi business partners, and security for goods and buildings.
Australians planning to travel, or who are currently visiting or resident in Iraq, are urged to exercise care and monitor developments that may affect their safety through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) current general travel advice and bulletins. Individuals should take sensible precautions and ensure that travel documentation, including passports and any necessary visas, for themselves and their dependents are valid and up-to-date.
The Government formally recommends Australians not to travel to Iraq at this time (specific travel advice for Iraq).
Security concern travelling by vehicle:
- From Jordan - Highway 1 from Jordan is a high-quality four-to six-lane road. The travel time is estimated at 10 hours from Amman to Baghdad (four to five hours from the border). This route is considered completely unsafe at present for any Western visitor. Individuals must always travel in convoy. Private security firms may be utilised for travel along any route. Petrol and convenience stores along Highway 1 are generally functioning, but if one has to travel this route, it is highly recommended to plan and carry extra water, food and fuel to simply avoid any non-critical stops. Petrol prices range from $7.50-$12.50/100 litre.
- From Turkey – this is considered to be the most convenient method of travel going to Iraq. One must fly into either Istanbul or Ankara, then take a connecting flight on Turkish Airlines to the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir. A bus service is available to take passengers to the Iraqi border (approximately a four-hour drive) and then onto Baghdad via Erbil and Kirkuk. Travel from the north to Baghdad by road is again considered unsafe for Westerners, especially the some 60km north from Baghdad. To assist with arrangements, contact travel agencies in Turkey.
- From Kuwait to Basra - the considerable method of travel from Kuwait to Basra is by private hardened vehicle (approximately a three-hour drive). Public bus service does not appear to be available. The two official border-crossing points that are open in Kuwait are Safwan/Abdali and Umm Qasr. The roads from Safwan to Baghdad are considered extremely unsafe.
Health
Australians in Iraq should be aware of the health risks posed by infectious diseases, such as typhoid and cholera, and the poor capacity of Iraqi hospitals to extend medical care.
For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor, travel clinic or the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Further information can be found in the 'Travelling Well' brochure.
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Visitors must not assume medical insurance coverage is valid in Baghdad. We suggest visitors must verify the extent and validity of their medical insurance coverage while in Iraq prior to travel.
Medical care is available in Iraq through 240 public hospitals and 70 private hospitals but all services are not up to Australian standard due to lack of equipment. All fees must be paid in cash. Many would be extremely dangerous places to stay from a security perspective.
The best public hospitals in Baghdad are Al-Yermouk in Mansour, Al-Kindi on Palestine Street in 7th Nissan, and Al-Shaheed Adnan on Baba Muadham Street in Rusafa.
Private hospitals in Baghdad would provide better care and service than public hospitals, but they have no emergency rooms and charge a higher fee. The best private clinics in Baghdad are al-Hayat on 52 Street in Karada, al-Rahebat in Karada, and Karkh hospital for surgery.
The best-known and well-stocked pharmacies in Baghdad with English-speaking pharmacists are Hunnudi and Al-Shaiklee.
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