U.S. Updates Iraq Travel Warning, Flags Aviation Risks and Bans Baghdad Airport Use
The announcement reflects a serious reassessment of the security situation in Iraq. The Department of State issued a stark warning, advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Iraq “for any reason” due to persistent threats including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States has updated its travel warning for Iraq, flagging serious risks to civil aviation and ordering U.S. Embassy personnel not to use Baghdad International Airport, according to a Facebook post published Thursday by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
The announcement reflects a serious reassessment of the security situation in Iraq. The Department of State issued a stark warning, advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Iraq “for any reason” due to persistent threats including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
“U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping,” the statement read. “Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies.”
The embassy’s post underscores the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to Americans in the country, citing frequent attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—even in major urban centers.
Due to these security threats, U.S. government personnel stationed in Iraq are required to operate under strict safety protocols. In Baghdad, for instance, embassy personnel are currently prohibited from using the Baghdad International Airport.
The advisory also cited risks to civil aviation in Iraqi airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued both a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), cautioning against flight operations within or near Iraq due to potential dangers.
Iraq – Level 4: Do Not Travel
— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) June 12, 2025
Travel Advisory June 11, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/ZKHTDelkmf
