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Travel riskIraq

U.S. State Department: Iraq at Level 4 'Do Not Travel'

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iraq, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks and the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there. The advisory says the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. U.S. government personnel in Iraq must follow strict security protocols, and travel to Iraq requires special authorization.

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Impact and considerations

The advisory directly affects companies with personnel, projects or supply chains in Iraq, touching deployment authorization, security protocols and emergency evacuation planning; it also signals that aviation operations are constrained by an FAA Special Federal Aviation Regulation and NOTAM.

Key points

  • The advisory is Level 4 'Do Not Travel', citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime and health risks.
  • The State Department says its ability to provide emergency services in Iraq is limited, and the Iraqi government cannot guarantee U.S. citizens' safety against sudden violence and armed conflict.
  • U.S. government personnel working in Iraq must follow strict security protocols, and travel to Iraq requires special authorization.
  • Only family members who are 21 or older and employed by the U.S. government may join U.S. government employees working in Iraq.
  • Terrorism risks include attacks by Iran-aligned militias and ISIS against U.S. persons and interests.
  • Recent attack targets have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports and locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.
  • Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside the largest cities; transportation, road and safety problems can delay medical evacuation.
  • The FAA has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region.

Sources and time

Primary source
U.S. Department of State
Other sources
0
First source publication
29 Aug 2026, 08:00
Page published
12 Sept 2026, 00:20
Last updated
29 Aug 2026, 08:00
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