The security situation in the Kurdistan Region in Iraq is very different from the rest of Iraq. Not a single coalition soldier was killed in the Region during the Iraq war beginning in 2003. The official Regional guard, the Peshmerga forces, are highly trained and experienced in providing security. The Asayish (or police security force) work in close cooperation with the Peshmerga (or regional guard) to provide comprehensive protection against threats and help with routine police matters.
To maintain the level of peace in Kurdistan, there are checkpoints on the borders and city perimeters. Separate advice must be sought for travel throughout Iraq outside of the Kurdistan Region. We also recommend that visitors consult travel advice issued by their country of domicile for visiting other parts of Iraq.