Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel.

On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.

Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats.

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turn violent.

Do not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to:

• Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups
• Armed conflict
• Aerial bombardment
• Civil unrest

U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Read the Syria Travel Advisory for more information.

Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iraq.

If you decide to travel to Iraq:

• Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
• Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to contact you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Iraq.
• Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage