Iraq: Visa requirements eased for foreigners leaving Kurdistan Oct. 2 /update 3

Event

On Monday, October 2, Iraqi Interior Minister Qassem al-Araji announced that foreigners stranded in Iraqi Kurdistan due to the international flight ban will be permitted to leave the region via domestic flights to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) without obtaining an Iraqi visa or paying a fine. This applies to foreigners who had entered Iraqi Kurdistan on a visa valid only in Kurdistan and not recognized by Baghdad, and who could previously not travel to other parts of Iraq. However, some reports indicate that this exemption will not be made for journalists, who may still need to obtain an Iraqi visa to leave Kurdistan, a process which typically takes a month.

As a reminder, the international flight embargo remains in place at Erbil (EBL) and Sulaymaniya (ISU) international airports.

Context

On September 29, the central Iraqi government in Baghdad banned all international flights to and from Iraqi Kurdistan until further notice, with an exception for humanitarian and emergency flights (pre-approved by Baghdad). This measure came after Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi demanded that the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) hand over control of its airports to the central Iraqi government or face an international air embargo, an ultimatum which the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) rejected.

This move was the latest in a series of retaliatory measures against the autonomous Kurdistan region, which held a referendum for independence on September 25 that was deemed unconstitutional by Baghdad and criticized by neighboring Iran, Turkey, and Syria (home to large Kurdish populations of their own). The international community also expressed concerns. Official results of the referendum announced on September 27 confirm that the "yes" vote for independence won with 92 percent of votes cast.

The autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan officially includes three provinces (Erbil, Dahuk, and Sulaymaniyah) protected by a security force (Peshmerga) independent from the Iraqi government.

Advice

Individuals wishing to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan are advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilizes. Individuals currently in the region are advised to contact Iraqi consulates and airlines for further information.

Generally speaking, the security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.