This can be done at the nearest Iraqi consulate and will require a supporting letter of invitation from Iraqi authorities or a letter of introduction from the applicant’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chamber of Commerce or similar. The process generally takes two to six weeks to complete as applications need to be referred back to Baghdad for approval. Alternatively, you can apply via email to the National Investment Commission.

The entry point for most visitors is Baghdad International airport, which is about 16 kilometres west of the city. It is served by a small but growing number of international carriers. Most of them are from the surrounding region, including Egypt Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Middle East Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian. Some European airlines also offer flights, including Austrian Airlinesand Lufthansa. Security at Baghdad airport is provided by G4S, a UK-based security company.

There is a more limited range of international flights to five other airports around the country, including Basra in the south, Najaf in the centre and Erbil, Mosul and Suleimaniyah in the north. Of these, Basra and Erbil have the most connections.

The national carrier Iraqi Airways has scheduled flights to some major cities in the region as well as a small number in Asia and Europe, and its domestic network includes flights to Najaf and Basra.

Iraq’s main cargo port is at Umm Qasr, which sits on the country’s short stretch of Gulf coast. Major shipping lines that call in include Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport and Singapore’s APL. The busiest cargo route is to Jebel Ali in Dubai.

Travel around the country should not be attempted without gaining up-to-date information on the security situation in the areas in which you will be travelling. In general, the use of public transport is not recommended, except in the KRG region. There is a rail network connecting many parts of Iraq, but it is old and poorly maintained.

For travel insurance you may need to approach a company that specialises in providing cover for high-risk countries, such as Anglo-Arab Insurance Brokers (AAIB), which has an office in Baghdad.