COVID-19: Important Announcement

15.06.2020 — Position Iraq

COVID-19 New Government Measures

07.06.2020 — Position Iraq

COVID-19: Curfew measures

28.05.2020 — Iraq

In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and due to the spike of coronavirus cases in Iraq, the Federal Minister of Health announced on 24 May 2020 that the full lockdown is extended for 9 days. The conditions imposed in this regard may vary between different provinces and areas. The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, encourages all its citizens to inform themselves through official channels about the measures in place in their region. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, refers to its previous news announcements for further information and urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

COVID-19 Eid Al-Fitr measures

21.05.2020 — Local news Iraq
In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Iraqi High Commission for Health and Safety announced a total lockdown during Eid Al Fitr holidays. The conditions imposed in this regard may vary between different provinces and areas. The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, encourages all its citizens to inform themselves through official channels about the measures in place in their region.

Latest announcement on COVID-19

12.05.2020 — Position Iraq
On 10 May 2020, the government of Iraq decided to change the hours of the nationwide curfew to 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. until the end of Ramadan. A total lockdown is being applied on Fridays and Saturdays. A full curfew will also be applied during Eid Al Fitr holidays.  

Announcement on recent government measures COVID-19

07.05.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has eased the nationwide curfew in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan (until 22 May 2020). According to the High Commission for Health and Safety, the following rules apply: 

• The previously established curfew remains in place from 18:00 to 06:00 hours.

• A partial lifting of the curfew will be enforced from 06:00 to 18:00 hours allowing for essential movements.

• A total lockdown will be established on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Previously established guidelines to protect the public from exposure to COVID-19 during the partial curfews will remain in effect. Businesses previously exempted from the restrictions during lockdowns will remain the same (e.g. pharmacies and bakeries).

• Based on even and odd numbered license plates, vehicles are allowed on roads and public highways on alternate days.

• As a general rule, people should stay at home and go out only when absolutely necessary. Residents have to comply with social distancing rules. 

The Higher Committee for Health and National Safety has decided to impose strict penalties on private and public transportation vehicles and pedestrians not abiding by regulations. 

Governorates are allowed to apply different measures and extensions. Regionally valid curfew hours may therefore differ from this order. 

Following the easing of measures by the Jordanian government, the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, will resume certain consular services starting from 10 May 2020. Clients can contact the Embassy by email (amman@eda.admin.ch) or by phone (+962 6 593 1416) during regular working hours. The Embassy will not receive clients without prior appointment. Wearing a mask during the meeting is mandatory. In case of a consular emergency outside working hours, please contact the Embassy (+962 79 240 7365) or the Helpline of the FDFA (+41 800 24 7 365 or +41 58 465 33 33). 

In accordance with the decision of the Swiss Federal Council from 16 March 2020, no Schengen or national visas are being issued until 15 June 2020.  

Swiss citizens or persons with permanent residence in Switzerland wishing to return home are invited to contact the Embassy. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information please read the previous announcements of the Embassy. 

Updated Information on COVID-19

30.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has eased the nationwide curfew in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan (until 22 May 2020). According to a new decree dated 28 April 2020 by the High Commission for Health and Safety, the following rules apply: 

• The previously established curfew remains in place from 18:00 to 06:00 hours.

• A partial lifting of the curfew will be enforced from 06:00 to 18:00 hours allowing for essential movements.

• A total lockdown will be established on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Previously established guidelines to protect the public from exposure to COVID-19 during the partial curfews will remain in effect. Businesses previously exempted from the restrictions during lockdowns will remain the same (e.g. pharmacies and bakeries). 

The Higher Committee for Health and National Safety has decided to impose strict penalties on private and public transportation vehicles and pedestrians not abiding by regulations. For those who violate the curfew, seizing the vehicle and imposing a financial fine of (50,000) fifty thousand dinars on mass transport vehicles with a capacity exceeding four passengers. They will also impose a financial fine of (50,000), fifty thousand dinars, for the saloon vehicle driver who carries more than three passengers or allows people who do not wear a face mask, and to confiscate  the vehicle in the event of a repeated violation. It was also decided to impose a financial fine of (10,000) ten thousand dinars on each individual who does not wear a protective mask outside the house. 

Governorates are allowed to apply different measures and extensions. Regionally valid curfew hours may therefore differ from this order. 

Malls, parks, mosques as well as schools and universities will remain closed during this period. Internal and external flights are suspended until at least 22 May 2020. Gatherings of more than three people are banned. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy. 

Latest updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic

23.04.2020 — Position Iraq

Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic

16.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has extended the nationwide curfew until the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan (23 April 2020) in order to continue containing the spread of the COVID-19, according to an official statement published by the Ministry of Health yesterday (15.04.20).

Furthermore, the Kurdistan Regional Government has decided in a virtual session of the Council of Ministers yesterday (15.04.20) to extend the public holiday in the Kurdistan Region until 2 May 2020 at least (closure of government institutions and agencies, schools and universities). 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

Updated Announcement regarding Coronavirus

09.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has extended the nationwide curfew until 18 April 2020 in order to continue containing the spread of the COVID-19, according to its official statement published yesterday (08.04.20). The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. 

For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

Updated announcement based on new government measures

29.03.2020 — Position Iraq
On 26 March 2020, the government of Iraq decided to extend the nationwide curfew until 11 April 2020 in order to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spreading. Schools, universities, shopping centres and other large gathering places will remain closed, as will the country's international airports.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Important Announcement

24.03.2020 — Local news Iraq
In order to contain the global COVID-19 outbreak, the government of Iraq as well as regional authorities have taken increasingly severe measures. The government’s crisis cell has notably announced a nationwide curfew until 28 March 2020. It has also extended the current suspension of international flights from and to Iraq until the same date.

Switzerland increases humanitarian support for people fleeing Fallujah

22.06.2016 — Press release Iraq

The Embassy of Switzerland in Amman announced today an additional support of USD 200,000 to help the Norwegian Refugee Council provide urgent life-saving assistance for people affected by the recent military operations in Fallujah.

Syria crisis: Switzerland to make a further CHF 4 million available to the UN World Food Programme

10.12.2014 — Press release EDA
Switzerland continues its commitment to the victims of the crisis in Syria. The Confederation’s Humanitarian Aid is to support the UN World Food Programme with a further CHF 4 million. This amount is part of an additional credit line of CHF 20 million pledged by the Federal Council, bringing Switzerland’s humanitarian aid to the victims of the crisis in Syria to a total of CHF 122 million.

Foreign terrorist Fighters: an increasing threat

25.11.2014 — Press release EDA
A conference on challenges related to the phenomenon of Foreign Terrorist Fighters is taking place from 25-27 November in Brussels. The event is jointly organised by the Swiss Confederation and the European Commission, in close consultation with the United Nations Counterterrorism Executive Directorate (UNCTED).

Thousand winter tents en route for Iraq

10.11.2014 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has dispatched a further relief aid to northern Iraq. One thousand tents, as well as blankets and other goods are being transported by lorry to the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and will arrive between 11 and 24 November 2014. The aid materials have a value of CHF 1 million and are intended to help people survive the winter.

Ebola, Syria and Iraq crises: the Federal Council grants an additional CHF 40 million

29.10.2014 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council wishes to strengthen Switzerland's support for Ebola victims and crisis-hit populations in Syria and Iraq. This Wednesday it decided to grant an additional CHF 40 million, which will be used equally in order to tackle these humanitarian crises. Part of this contribution will be financed by the FDFA, via the SDC. For the remaining CHF 17.5 million, the Federal Council is seeking approval from Parliament for additional funds.

Conference on the Syrian refugee situation: President Burkhalter highlights urgent need for aid

28.10.2014 — Press release EDA
At the conference on the Syrian refugee situation, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, expressed recognition to Syria's neighbouring countries for having taken in around three million people affected by the conflict. He said that Switzerland was prepared to support measures designed to improve the situation of the refugees and that in November Swiss Humanitarian Aid would be sending more cold weather tents to northern Iraq.

Switzerland sends winter equipment for war refugees in Northern Iraq

18.09.2014 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has decided to send relief aid to the greater Erbil area in Northern Iraq. The cargo consists primarily of cold weather tents intended to help people displaced by the war to survive the winter. Today, a specialist from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is flying to Erbil to prepare for distributing the aid. More specialists from the Swiss cooperation office in Amman will join him on the ground.

Switzerland steps up humanitarian aid for victims in Iraq

15.08.2014 — Press release EDA
Atrocities committed against civilians – specifically by members of the Islamic State group – are precipitating a serious humanitarian crisis. Switzerland is extremely concerned and is responding by offering material assistance to the victims, condemning the serious violations of international law and calling on Iraq to take appropriate measures. Switzerland is currently scaling up its humanitarian assistance.

Hostage-taking at the Turkish consulate in Mosul: statement by the FDFA (last modification, the 12.06.2014)

12.06.2014 — Press release EDA
The FDFA strongly condemns the violations of international law and acts of violence currently being committed in Iraq, and expresses its concerns about the political and humanitarian impact of this crisis.

COVID-19: Important Announcement

15.06.2020 — Position Iraq

COVID-19 New Government Measures

07.06.2020 — Position Iraq

COVID-19: Curfew measures

28.05.2020 — Iraq

In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and due to the spike of coronavirus cases in Iraq, the Federal Minister of Health announced on 24 May 2020 that the full lockdown is extended for 9 days. The conditions imposed in this regard may vary between different provinces and areas. The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, encourages all its citizens to inform themselves through official channels about the measures in place in their region. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, refers to its previous news announcements for further information and urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

COVID-19 Eid Al-Fitr measures

21.05.2020 — Local news Iraq
In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Iraqi High Commission for Health and Safety announced a total lockdown during Eid Al Fitr holidays. The conditions imposed in this regard may vary between different provinces and areas. The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, encourages all its citizens to inform themselves through official channels about the measures in place in their region.

Latest announcement on COVID-19

12.05.2020 — Position Iraq
On 10 May 2020, the government of Iraq decided to change the hours of the nationwide curfew to 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. until the end of Ramadan. A total lockdown is being applied on Fridays and Saturdays. A full curfew will also be applied during Eid Al Fitr holidays.  

Announcement on recent government measures COVID-19

07.05.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has eased the nationwide curfew in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan (until 22 May 2020). According to the High Commission for Health and Safety, the following rules apply: 

• The previously established curfew remains in place from 18:00 to 06:00 hours.

• A partial lifting of the curfew will be enforced from 06:00 to 18:00 hours allowing for essential movements.

• A total lockdown will be established on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Previously established guidelines to protect the public from exposure to COVID-19 during the partial curfews will remain in effect. Businesses previously exempted from the restrictions during lockdowns will remain the same (e.g. pharmacies and bakeries).

• Based on even and odd numbered license plates, vehicles are allowed on roads and public highways on alternate days.

• As a general rule, people should stay at home and go out only when absolutely necessary. Residents have to comply with social distancing rules. 

The Higher Committee for Health and National Safety has decided to impose strict penalties on private and public transportation vehicles and pedestrians not abiding by regulations. 

Governorates are allowed to apply different measures and extensions. Regionally valid curfew hours may therefore differ from this order. 

Following the easing of measures by the Jordanian government, the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, will resume certain consular services starting from 10 May 2020. Clients can contact the Embassy by email (amman@eda.admin.ch) or by phone (+962 6 593 1416) during regular working hours. The Embassy will not receive clients without prior appointment. Wearing a mask during the meeting is mandatory. In case of a consular emergency outside working hours, please contact the Embassy (+962 79 240 7365) or the Helpline of the FDFA (+41 800 24 7 365 or +41 58 465 33 33). 

In accordance with the decision of the Swiss Federal Council from 16 March 2020, no Schengen or national visas are being issued until 15 June 2020.  

Swiss citizens or persons with permanent residence in Switzerland wishing to return home are invited to contact the Embassy. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information please read the previous announcements of the Embassy. 

Updated Information on COVID-19

30.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has eased the nationwide curfew in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan (until 22 May 2020). According to a new decree dated 28 April 2020 by the High Commission for Health and Safety, the following rules apply: 

• The previously established curfew remains in place from 18:00 to 06:00 hours.

• A partial lifting of the curfew will be enforced from 06:00 to 18:00 hours allowing for essential movements.

• A total lockdown will be established on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Previously established guidelines to protect the public from exposure to COVID-19 during the partial curfews will remain in effect. Businesses previously exempted from the restrictions during lockdowns will remain the same (e.g. pharmacies and bakeries). 

The Higher Committee for Health and National Safety has decided to impose strict penalties on private and public transportation vehicles and pedestrians not abiding by regulations. For those who violate the curfew, seizing the vehicle and imposing a financial fine of (50,000) fifty thousand dinars on mass transport vehicles with a capacity exceeding four passengers. They will also impose a financial fine of (50,000), fifty thousand dinars, for the saloon vehicle driver who carries more than three passengers or allows people who do not wear a face mask, and to confiscate  the vehicle in the event of a repeated violation. It was also decided to impose a financial fine of (10,000) ten thousand dinars on each individual who does not wear a protective mask outside the house. 

Governorates are allowed to apply different measures and extensions. Regionally valid curfew hours may therefore differ from this order. 

Malls, parks, mosques as well as schools and universities will remain closed during this period. Internal and external flights are suspended until at least 22 May 2020. Gatherings of more than three people are banned. 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy. 

Latest updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic

23.04.2020 — Position Iraq

Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic

16.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has extended the nationwide curfew until the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan (23 April 2020) in order to continue containing the spread of the COVID-19, according to an official statement published by the Ministry of Health yesterday (15.04.20).

Furthermore, the Kurdistan Regional Government has decided in a virtual session of the Council of Ministers yesterday (15.04.20) to extend the public holiday in the Kurdistan Region until 2 May 2020 at least (closure of government institutions and agencies, schools and universities). 

The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

Updated Announcement regarding Coronavirus

09.04.2020 — Position Iraq

The government of Iraq has extended the nationwide curfew until 18 April 2020 in order to continue containing the spread of the COVID-19, according to its official statement published yesterday (08.04.20). The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, accredited to Iraq, urges all its citizens in Iraq to follow the instructions of the authorities and abide by the measures taken. 

For further information regarding the consular services (including visa) of the Embassy or emergency assistance for Swiss citizens abroad, please read the previous announcements of the Embassy.

Updated announcement based on new government measures

29.03.2020 — Position Iraq
On 26 March 2020, the government of Iraq decided to extend the nationwide curfew until 11 April 2020 in order to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spreading. Schools, universities, shopping centres and other large gathering places will remain closed, as will the country's international airports.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Important Announcement

24.03.2020 — Local news Iraq
In order to contain the global COVID-19 outbreak, the government of Iraq as well as regional authorities have taken increasingly severe measures. The government’s crisis cell has notably announced a nationwide curfew until 28 March 2020. It has also extended the current suspension of international flights from and to Iraq until the same date.