US Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Iraq, Urging American Citizens to Reconsider Visits Due to Safety Concerns and Delays at Borders: New Update Travelers Need to Know

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, in conjunction with the Consulate General in Erbil, issued an urgent and critical security alert for American citizens in Iraq. This advisory, which emphasizes a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” rating, highlights ongoing safety risks within the country due to escalating security concerns and advises all U.S. citizens against traveling to Iraq. For those already in the country, the embassy offers essential safety guidelines to minimize risk and navigate the volatile environment.

This heightened alert follows a growing sense of insecurity across Iraq, with violent events and regional instability continuing to disrupt daily life. As part of the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, the embassy has reinforced its warning and provided vital information to guide American nationals.

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Heightened Security Risks and Essential Safety Measures

The advisory underscores that Iraq remains a high-risk destination for travel, with no assurance of safety due to the escalating dangers and unpredictable threats. In addition to urging U.S. citizens to avoid all travel, the embassy provided detailed instructions for those already in Iraq to enhance their safety.

For American citizens currently residing or traveling in Iraq, the embassy recommends taking the following precautionary steps:

Avoid Crowds and Public Gatherings : Avoiding large gatherings is crucial as demonstrations and public events can quickly escalate, leading to heightened risks.

: Avoiding large gatherings is crucial as demonstrations and public events can quickly escalate, leading to heightened risks. Maintain Constant Communication : Ensuring that mobile phones are always charged and functional is vital for staying in contact with family and friends. This connection is essential for emergency situations, enabling quick responses if needed. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also encouraged to receive real-time alerts and to streamline consular assistance.

: Ensuring that mobile phones are always charged and functional is vital for staying in contact with family and friends. This connection is essential for emergency situations, enabling quick responses if needed. Enrolling in the is also encouraged to receive real-time alerts and to streamline consular assistance. Establish an Emergency Plan : Every American in Iraq should have a detailed emergency evacuation plan. The embassy advises reviewing the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the U.S. State Department to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances.

: Every American in Iraq should have a detailed emergency evacuation plan. The embassy advises reviewing the provided by the U.S. State Department to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances. Monitor Local News : It is crucial to keep up with local media to stay informed of the latest developments, which may affect movement or travel plans. Any sudden changes should be met with a swift reassessment of travel arrangements.

: It is crucial to keep up with local media to stay informed of the latest developments, which may affect movement or travel plans. Any sudden changes should be met with a swift reassessment of travel arrangements. Exercise Vigilance and Limited Movement: Traveling with caution is strongly recommended. American nationals should limit unnecessary movement, particularly in areas prone to conflict, and remain vigilant at all times.

Status of Border Crossings with Kuwait and Turkey

In the midst of heightened security, Iraq’s land borders with Kuwait and Turkey remain open, although travelers may experience delays. The border crossings at Habur (Ibrahim Khalil) and Uzumlu (Sar Zeri) into Turkey are operational, with Uzumlu open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. However, U.S. nationals planning to use these crossings should anticipate extended waiting times and take the necessary precautions.

For those seeking to cross into Turkey, the embassy requires travelers to send detailed travel information, including passport details, travel plans, and any medical or safety concerns, to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. This proactive step ensures that consular services can quickly respond and provide assistance in case of emergencies.

Similarly, those planning to cross into Kuwait must provide their travel information to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. This facilitates smoother passage and provides an additional layer of support during potentially difficult border crossings.

Consular Services and Continued Support for U.S. Citizens

Although routine visa services have been temporarily suspended, both the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil continue to offer crucial consular services to American citizens. These services are vital for those in need of emergency assistance, including passport replacements, health-related concerns, and evacuation coordination.

For U.S. nationals in Iraq who need urgent help, the embassy remains available to provide support. The consular staff are committed to maintaining operational support and ensuring that Americans in Iraq receive the necessary help during these challenging times.

To ensure that American citizens remain updated on the latest safety information, the embassy encourages the public to follow official communication channels from the U.S. State Department. This includes receiving alerts via services such as WhatsApp, which provides real-time notifications on security conditions and travel advisories.

The Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy reflects the extreme risk posed by the ongoing instability in Iraq. The embassy’s latest communication urges American citizens to avoid all travel to the country and provides clear, actionable steps for those already in Iraq to minimize their exposure to danger.

For U.S. nationals currently in Iraq, staying connected, maintaining vigilance, and preparing an emergency evacuation plan are crucial measures that could save lives. The embassy’s ongoing support remains available to assist American citizens, and updated guidance will be provided as the situation in the region evolves. The U.S. government continues to monitor the security landscape and urges all citizens to follow the advice of the embassy to ensure their safety.

As the situation remains fluid, the embassy encourages all Americans to remain in close contact with consular services and stay informed about the latest developments in Iraq, taking all necessary precautions to stay safe in these uncertain times.

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