Baghdad Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq
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WARNING: Baghdad remains a red-flag zone and is emphatically NOT safe for tourists. Those who are going there on business are strongly advised to consult the US Embassy first, and have an armed guard with them. Otherwise don't even think of traveling here. |
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Understand
Travel to Baghdad is emphatically not recommended at the present time (2006), owing to post-war instability and security concerns. Western travellers are particular targets of kidnapping and assassination by militant and extremist groups.
Get in
There are scheduled commercial flights from Amman on Royal Jordanian Airlines. Commercial flights are subject to suspension for reasons ranging from insurgent attacks on the airport, to sandstorms. Realistically asuume 3-4 days to fly in from the United States.
The US military also flies into Baghdad for US military personnel; however many military arrive via neighboring countries.
One can also enter Iraq overland from Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Turkey or Iran.
Get around
The preferred method of transportation is helicopter. If helicopter transport is not available, use of a fully armoured car or Rhino (armoured bus) is recommended.
Within the International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) there is a free shuttle bus service by KBR. You can also walk to many destinations in the International Zone or use a bicycle.
Do
You'll be busy doing whatever job your organization has assigned you to do, probably at least 12 hours a day.
Buy
Rugs and DVDs are available to buy. Inspect the quality of rugs carefully, some are cheap Chinese made rugs, and many are extremely overpriced.
Eat
There are some Iraqi run restaurants in the International Zone. There's also Burger King and Subway. Lastly there is the cafeteria run by KBR.
Drink
Yes, there is drinking during down times. The International Zone is truly international. Many organizations have their own bars, some open to all.
Sleep
Sleeping quarters will depend upon your organization and your rank. For many, a half-trailer is sleeping quarters. Others have a shared half trailer. A few have villas or apartments.
Get out
Yes, do get out! Take advantage of your regional rest breaks or vacation time and see the world.
Stay Safe
The easiest way to stay safe in Baghdad is not to go there in the first place, except for official reasons. Read the travel warning on the U.S. Department of State website for more details.
Work
There are several ways to work in Iraq. Most obvious is the United States Military [1]. Next are the government contractors, such as KBR [2]. Many contractors hire personnel with prior military experience to return to Iraq. Persons with military experience or fluent in Arabic are especially sought after. Lastly, there are civillian government agencies in Iraq. USAID [3] and the United States Department of State [4] send their own personnel as well as contractors to Iraq.
The agencies above are all relevant for US citizens; citizens of other countries with a presence in Iraq can apply for work through the respective agencies in their home country.
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WARNING: Employment arrangements are always made in your home country. Do not come to Iraq on your own to look for work. People have been killed attempting this. |
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