Tuesday, March 20, 2007
BIAP-issued visas non-valid for foreign reporters
Travel
(Iraq Slogger) The Iraqi government is deporting non-Iraqi journalists who show up at the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) without a valid visa for entry. Several have been turned away and put on the next flight out in recent days. Previously, foreign journalists with a letter from their news organization or from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry were able to snag a visa on arrival at the Baghdad airport.
Some journalists without a visa or a letter were able to buy a visa at BIAP at a backsheesh premium. Those days are over, if this edict from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry is enforced. There are creative ways for journalists to get into the country without a visa. Foreigners arriving in Erbil -- there are direct flights from Europe and neighboring countries -- do not require a visa. From Erbil, flying to Baghdad is a cinch, and no visa is needed or checked for those on domestic Iraq flights. But those flying into Erbil must fly out of Erbil unless you want a hassle at the Baghdad airport. Another alternative is to fly into Iraq with US military forces as part of an embeded mission.
Some journalists without a visa or a letter were able to buy a visa at BIAP at a backsheesh premium. Those days are over, if this edict from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry is enforced. There are creative ways for journalists to get into the country without a visa. Foreigners arriving in Erbil -- there are direct flights from Europe and neighboring countries -- do not require a visa. From Erbil, flying to Baghdad is a cinch, and no visa is needed or checked for those on domestic Iraq flights. But those flying into Erbil must fly out of Erbil unless you want a hassle at the Baghdad airport. Another alternative is to fly into Iraq with US military forces as part of an embeded mission.
More information on Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs site: http://www.mofa.gov.iq/english/news/display.aspx?NewsID=2997
Labels: BIAP, Iraq, press, visas
