If you’re thinking of traveling to Iraq anytime soon, take note that the country is one that you should avoid traveling.

The U.S. State Department issued its highest travel warning for Iraq, warning Americans not to travel there “for any reason.”

It also advises all non-emergency U.S. government personnel to leave the country due to tensions in the region.

Here is what you need to know about the travel advisory and why the U.S. government is saying you shouldn’t travel there.

What does the latest travel advisory to Iraq mean to you?

Item Detail Start Date June 11, 2025 What’s changing Updated travel advisory urging travelers not to travel to Iraq “for any reason” 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 What will happen? Travelers should “not travel” to Iraq, and all non-emergency U.S. government personnel should leave the country due to tensions in the region. Who will it affect? Travelers to Iraq

The agency gave a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory 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.

Also, the State Department warns U.S. citizens not to travel near groups that are armed or Iraq’s northern borders due to “continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, aerial bombardment and civil unrest.”

Additionally, if U.S. citizens travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict with Syria, they run the risk of kidnapping, injury, death, fines, arrest and expulsion from the country.

U.S. government workers in Iraq are also banned from flying out of Baghdad International Airport.

What is the highest travel advisory?

There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4.

When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?

Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.

Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.

Level 3 : Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.

What should travelers to Iraq do in light of this travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department warns people who do not heed the travel warning to do the following:

Consider hiring professional security.

Prepare a will.

Leave DNA samples with your physician in case your family needs them for identification purposes.

Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

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.

You can find more information and advice related to this travel advisory here.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.