UK FCDO Updates Iraq Travel Advice Citing Regional Tensions and Travel Disruptions

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Iraq on 27 October 2026, incorporating revised guidance on regional tensions. The FCDO maintains an advisory against all travel to multiple areas of Federal Iraq, including Ninawa, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Diyala (excluding Baqubah City), parts of Anbar west of Ramadi City, Jurf al-Sakr in Babil province, Sadr City in Baghdad province, within 5km of the Iranian border in Wasit, Maysan, and Basra provinces, and within 5km of borders with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

For the remainder of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Baghdad province (except Sadr City), and Basra province, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. The office stated that consular support remains severely limited in areas where it advises against travel, and warned that travel against guidance may invalidate travel insurance policies.

The update highlights that the situation across the Middle East remains unpredictable with a high risk of escalation, noting strikes and retaliatory attacks against civilian and US military infrastructure. British nationals traveling through the wider region are advised to prepare for possible flight cancellations, short-notice airspace closures, and travel disruptions, and to avoid locations near security or military facilities.