Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Vehicular travel in Iraq can be extremely dangerous.  There have been attacks on civilian vehicles as well as Iraqi military and security convoys on roads and highways throughout Iraq, both in and outside metropolitan areas.  Attacks occur throughout the day, but travel at night is more dangerous and should be avoided.  Such attacks are unpredictable, and have involved small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) capable of destroying the average vehicle. 

Public Transportation: Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes.  Poorly-maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents.  Long-distance buses are available, but are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. 

Traffic Laws and Practice: Drivers usually do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ignore traffic lights (if available), traffic rules, and regulations.  Jaywalking is common.  Roads are congested.  Some cars do not use lights at night and urban street lights may not be functioning.  Some motorists drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, and force other drivers to yield the right of way. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  There is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers certificated in Iraq; however, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  The Model Civil Aviation Safety Act and the Model Regulations are published by the FAA to assist governments in carrying out their aviation safety oversight responsibilities.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.  The FAA prohibits U.S. civil flight operations over or within Iraq, with certain exceptions for overflights and other circumstances specified in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 77. In addition, travel for mission personnel through Basrah Airport remains prohibited and travel through the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) is limited.