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Climate in Iraq
Most of Iraq has a hot arid climate. Summer temperatures average above 40°C (104°F) for most of the country and frequently exceed 48°C (118°F). Winter temperatures infrequently exceed 21°C (70°F) with maximums roughly 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F) and night-time lows occasionally below freezing. Typically precipitation is low, most places receive less than 250mm (10 in) annually with maximum rainfall during the months of November to April. Rainfall during the summer is extremely rare except in the very north of Iraq.

Curfews
There are no country-wide curfews at present, but curfews and vehicle bans can be enforced at short notice, particularly around religious holidays, pilgrimages and key political dates like elections.

Advice to business
An increasing number of Ccompanies visit and operate successfully in Iraq. However, movement is restricted and companies nearly always travel with close security protection teams. Specific guidance for companies seeking to do business in Iraq can be found on the UK Trade & Investment website (UKTI). UKTI are also able to put you in touch with companies operating in Iraq who offer security services.

Air travel
Baghdad, Erbil and Basra International Airports are generally considered secure, but you should take care within the terminals. Don’t leave Baghdad or Basra International Airports without taking adequate security precautions.

General tips for travel
1. The travel adaptor to use is the normal two pin European style, but take a US two pin too just in case.
2. Take some US dollars with you; you can get local money if you need it when there.
3. Carry small denominations of US dollars.
4. Use high factor sunscreen if working outside.
5. Be aware that smoking in public places is permitted, and smoking is very common.
6. Bring wetwipes and bacterial handwash as sanitation can be poor.
7. Don’t drink the tap water. Use bottled water instead and ensure the seals of the bottles have not been tampered with.

Preparation
Be physically and mentally prepared. Iraq still has extreme poverty and poor infrastructure means it is often difficult to get around.

In the summer it is scorching hot with temperatures of 50 degrees centigrade. Just living there will sap your energy if you are not used to it. Electricity often fails so be prepared for this and take a surge protector for if/when the generator kicks in.

Ensure you have appropriate insurances in place prior to travel for your personal situation and ensure you have the appropriate inoculations for the region. Carry a basic medical kit with clean needles as hospitals tend to be poorly stocked.

Consider taking a dental care pack and ensure you have personal medication with you. Speak to your doctor as it may be worth taking additional medicines with you too in case you become unwell.

Getting into Iraq and immigration (Baghdad International Airport)

Iraq is Arabic speaking but English is often understood in the large hotels and restaurants. You cannot get Iraqi dinars at the airport, so take US dollars with you. It is worth changing some dollars into dinars when you get there.

Most international travellers need a visa, which you must get prior to arrival in country. You can get a visa from the Iraqi embassy. You will need a sponsor in the country and you will need to apply for a media permit.

When you land, you will need to fill in a landing card. Bear in mind your own personal security when travelling: be careful about using personal addresses; try to use a work address if possible.

The toilets in the airport are still often without toilet paper and running water. Take your own toilet roll and handwash.

Those of you who have visas or don’t need visas can go straight through passport control. You may need to show your letter of invitation, so have this ready.