Tourists lured to Iraq warned to check their travel insurance

Iraq's tourism chiefs have flown over to the UK in a bid to persuade the British to holiday in the war-torn country, but anyone taking up their offer should check that they can get travel insurance first.

Most standard travel insurance policies won't cover travel to many parts of Iraq due to the fact that the UK Foreign Office advises against all non-essential travel to certain areas, including Baghdad and the surrounding provinces as well as other regions.

Few travel insurance policies will cover terrorist attacks, particularly where there is a known risk prior to travel, which is the case in Iraq.

The Foreign Office website (www.fco.gov.uk) states: Although there has been a decrease in the level of violence throughout Iraq the situation remains highly dangerous with a continuing high threat of terrorism throughout the country (except in the Kurdish Region).

""This includes violence and kidnapping targeting foreign nationals (including individuals of non-western appearance).

""You are advised to seek professional security advice and make arrangements for your security throughout your visit. Even those working with dedicated protection teams should exercise extreme caution.""

The warning hasn't stopped Iraqi tourism officials attending a major travel show in London this week to try to lure more British holidaymakers.

The delegation from Iraq is hoping to persuade more tour operators and travel agents to sell the destination, which is currently featured by just one UK operator, Yorkshire-based Hinterland Travel (www.hinterlandtravel.com).

Though the country boasts a wealth of historic attractions, including the ruins of Babylon, it is likely to be a while before city breaks to Baghdad are widely available.

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