Planning to travel to Northern Iraq? Read on...

8 November 2016 - RPS Partnership

Travel to Erbil

Erbil in Northern Iraq-Kudistan seems to be the hot place to go this November, particularly for journalists, NGO and humanitarian workers. We have a consultant in Erbil who brings us these top tips for anyone needing to go there. We have kept the tips fairly bullet pointed so you will find them easy to read if you are planning to go there. Contact us for more detailed advice, planning and training on [email protected]

It is advised by the British Foreign Ministry to avoid travel to this region unless essential.

The general security situation there is fragile in places and in October 2016 the US Embassy issued a security message about reported attempts to kidnap staff working for non-governmental organisations on vehicle convoys to provide aid to Mosul

Insurance

Since the foreign ministries for most countries are advising not to travel to this region, it is worth checking your travel insurance and ensure that it will cover you for 100% repatriation in the event of an accident.

Getting there

There is easy air access via Jordan and Austria, but there are many other air routes. It is not advisable to drive overland to Erbil. The distance from airport Erbil International Airport to the centre of town is around 15 minutes by car and no traffic.

Arriving at the airport

Taxis are available at the airport and are reasonably safe, when compared to other places in the region. The usual precaations should be taken when taking taxis abroad; ensure it is an official taxi, take down the number plate and pass on to someone, ensure that you log the journey with someone at the airport (official taxis do this), agree the fare before you start off, ensure all your luggage gets loaded into the boot/trunk, ensure that no childlocks are on the doors. Contact us for more advice on this subject [email protected]

Visa

No visa is required for Erbil.

Hotels

There are various hotels which have good security. For security reasons we can not name them here. Contact us if you need to know safe hotels on [email protected]. It is good practice to try to locate all your team together on the same floor of the hotel and to consider taking small hand held walkie talkies for use in the rooms if the landline phones do not work and the phone system stops.

Arriving with body armour

It is always good to have the export licence for any body armour and assorted safety gear. If this is not possible, then a letter from your employer outlining why you need it and the serial numbers of the equipment should suffice. As long as you have a genuine reason to be carrying the equipment, then the customs do not seem to have a problem.

Movement outside of Erbil

Movement outside of Erbil requires good control as the situation very fluid in certain areas despite the government stating otherwise.

The Iraqi and Kurdish advance is not fully clearing IS forces as they progress so expect IS to pop up from all around and not just in the places that the Government is telling you. A good journey management plan and check in procedures are essential.

Driving and roads

Road conditions are reasonably good, and roads are generally well-constructed. Urban and interstate roads are usually constructed of asphalt, while rural roads are typically hard-packed dirt and gravel. Most roads do not have an adequate shoulder for emergency stops, so bear this in mind. Most roads outside of urban centres are one lane in each direction.

Drivers can be aggressive and will routinely exceed posted speed limits, tailgate you and attempt reckless lane changes and passing.

Significant traffic congestion is caused by Vehicle Security checkpoints  and roads can become almost impassable, especially along roads leading into/out of Erbil. It is advised to carry up-to-date maps, use a GPS navigation device and call your own local contacts to give you periodic updates and this will assist you if anything should go wrong and you need assistance.

Road Traffic Collisions are common  and vehicles must be checked for roadworthiness prior to leaving each day if you are out and about. Ensure your drivers have breakdown kits and that they have a spare tyre and jack to get the tyre off!

Media access

The ISF and the Peshmerga are giving the media access to the front lines in armoured vehicles.

Ongoing threats

The ongoing threats of Improvised Explosive Devices and roadside bombs are high. Mines and boobys are also prevalent and a serious threat to working in this region. If you can afford to hire an armoured vehicle, it is highly recommended.

Military assistance for medical emergencies

There is limited western military assistance. There are Special Forces units in the area, but they are unlikely to assist except with initial casualty stabilisation. They will not give air evacuation for casualties to Erbil. You will need to ensure that you have a plan and be prepared to extract casualties to Erbil or Dohuk by road only.

Hospitals

PAR hospital in Erbil is the most capable hospital in  the city and has full surgery facilities and staff. They also accept dollars US as payment. Go prepared to pay for any medical treatment and ensure that your insurance company has good links to this hospital.

Communications

UK mobile phones do work and can be used via a Fastlink Dongle to allow access to wireless 4G broadband. An unlocked phone with a ‘Korak’ sim in it works in areas with no network, which is any area west of Al-Khazir). Local sim cards can be purchased in the arrivals area at the airport. Ensure you take an unlocked phone with you.

Medical Equipment

Full Medical Packs must be taken and these should be well stocked to support breaks, bleeds and major trauma. Due to the CBRN (chemical, biological, radiation and  nuclear) threat, it is advised to take protective clothing. Given the high level in some areas of Sulphur Dioxide extra respiratory protection masks are recommended.

Body armour

It is essential to take in Level 4 NIJ specification body armour and High Ballistic protection helmets. A fluid and dynamic assessment based on the current situation on the ground will dictate when it should be worn.

Contact us on [email protected] for more information, training and advice if you are planning to go to this region.

Photos: RPS Partnership in Northern Iraq - Kurdistan