03/11/2026
SECURITY ALERT – U.S. EMBASSY BAGHDAD, IRAQ – MARCH 11, 2026 – UPDATE 1
Location: Iraq
Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militias may be planning to target U.S.-owned oil and energy infrastructure in Iraq. Iran-aligned terrorist militias have also targeted hotels frequented by Americans throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR).
Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups continue to pose a significant threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant, maintain a low profile, and stay away from areas that could make them a target. Congregating in areas associated with the United States or with groups of other U.S. citizens could put you at risk. There have been attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Iraq, and Americans face risk of kidnapping. American businesses, hotels frequented by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those with U.S. ties, have been attacked. Critical infrastructure sites throughout Iraq have also been subject to attacks.
We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing timely information and assistance to U.S. citizens. Our highest priority is your safety. We are committed to sharing up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety.
U.S. citizens in Iraq are strongly encouraged to review their personal security situation. For many, departing Iraq as soon as they are safely able to do so is the best option. Americans choosing not to depart should remain vigilant, keep a low profile, and be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location for extended periods. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
U.S. citizens in Iraq can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.
Options to Depart
Airspace is closed and commercial flights are currently not operating out of Iraq. There are overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Most land borders are open but could close on short notice. Travelers should expect long delays. Local ground transportation options are functioning. Americans should strongly consider departing via one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so. Airspace in neighboring countries may also be closed, and local entry and exit requirements apply. The following information is intended to inform your decision making and is subject to change.
Jordan
Commercial flights are currently operating out of Queen Alia International Airport, but flight disruptions may continue to occur. Information on flights out of Amman can be found here: https://www.qaiairport.com/en/arrivals-departures/
Visas on arrival are not available at the land border crossing with Iraq. U.S. citizens must apply for a visa using the eVisa Application through the Ministry of Interior .
Kuwait
Commercial flights are not currently operating out of Kuwait due to the continuing threat of missile and drone attacks. Roadways to Saudi Arabia are open. The border may close and reopen on short notice.
U.S. citizens may obtain visas on arrival in Kuwait. Passports should have at least 6 months’ validity remaining to be allowed entry.
Information for U.S. citizens exiting Kuwait and entering Saudi Arabia can be found on U.S. Embassy Kuwait’s Alerts for U.S. Citizens page .
Americans seeking to return to the United States from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar can complete this form to receive information on U.S. government facilitated departure options: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake .
Saudi Arabia
Commercial flights are currently operating out of Saudi Arabia.
American citizens are strongly encouraged to apply for a Saudi eVisa at least 48 hours before traveling to avoid delays at the border. To apply, you will need your passport, a recent passport-style photograph, a completed online application form, and a valid email address. The cost is approximately $105 USD and processing time is generally less than two business days. Saudi Arabia has been flexible with U.S. citizens and may allow them to enter even if passports are valid for less than 6 months.
Americans seeking to return to the United States from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar can complete this form to receive information on U.S. government facilitated departure options: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake .
Türkiye
Commercial flights are currently available out of Türkiye.
U.S. citizens can enter Türkiye visa free for up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 60 days. If your passport is valid for less than 150 days, you may charged a visa fee.
Read the Turkey Travel Advisory and be aware the area of Turkiye near the Iran and Iraq borders is designated Level 4 – Do Not Travel.
On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks. Americans in southeast Türkiye are strongly encouraged to depart now.
U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye from Iraq via the land border crossing and would like assistance from U.S. Embassy Ankara should send the following information to [email protected] at least one business day in advance:
Name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Shelter in Place
U.S. Mission Iraq has issued a shelter in place notification for Iraq. We recommend all Americans in Iraq do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
There have been riots, protests, and other demonstrations against the United States, especially on the south bank of the July 14th Bridge and Tahrir Square in Baghdad. These riots have been violent, and there are calls for additional demonstrations throughout Iraq. U.S. citizens should avoid these areas.
Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups have targeted hotels frequented by foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Americans should carefully consider lodging options in that region.
The risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace continues. Stay under cover to the extent possible to avoid falling debris.
Iraqi authorities have closed the International Zone in central Baghdad, with limited exceptions. Do not attempt to come to the Embassy in Baghdad or Consulate General in Erbil in light of heightened security measures.
Embassy and Consulate Operations
On March 2, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave Iraq due to the threat of armed conflict. The U.S. Embassy Baghdad and Consulate General Erbil have suspended all routine consular services. Americans should contact [email protected] or [email protected] in case of emergency.
Actions to Take
Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible. If your passport has less than 6-months validity, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
Rely only on information from trusted sources, such as the U.S. Department of State.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams . Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
Local emergency number for Iraq: 911
U.S. Embassy Baghdad: [email protected]
Consulate General Erbil: [email protected]
U.S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
