Iraq Travel Risk Level

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. 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. Leave now if you are there. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave Iraq due to security concerns. 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. Terrorism 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. Unrest 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. Armed Conflict 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

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This is due to recent escalation in regional conflict. There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Consular support Consular support is severely limited in areas where FCDO advises against travel. Regional escalation Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US-linked locations. Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. British nationals should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK . This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts monitor local and international media for the latest information stay away from areas around security or military facilities and US government facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection E