COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: In 2005, Iraqi citizens adopted a new constitution and participated in national parliamentary elections to create a permanent, democratic government, and in May 2006, a new Government of Iraq (GOI), led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, was sworn in. In late January 2009, Iraqi citizens elected new members for a majority of provincial councils. A bilateral security agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 2009, now governs the presence of U.S. Forces in the country. The United States also signed a Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq, which governs all bilateral relations in general. On March 7, 2010, Iraqi citizens participated in a new round of Tom And Jerry Checks parliamentary elections. Former Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s al-Iraqiyya party won 91 seats, with current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition party winning 89 seats. Following an April 2010 recount, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court certified the results without changes. Four months after the election, Iraq had not yet formed a new government, and both major parties were pursuing coalition arrangements.
The Government of Iraq (GOI) has made significant political, economic, and security progress in recent years, but Iraq still faces many challenges. Those challenges include overcoming three decades of war and government mismanagement that stunted Iraq's economy; sectarian and ethnic tensions that have slowed progress toward national reconciliation; and ongoing, albeit decreasing, criminal and terrorist violence. The decrease in the number of insurgent attacks and overall improvements in security have spurred new economic growth in Iraq. However, conditions in Iraq remain dangerous. While Iraqi security forces now take the lead in providing security, U.S. Forces – Iraq (USF-I) continue to assist and to train, equip, and advise Iraqi Security Forces. By the end of 2011, all USF-I personnel will withdraw from Iraq. The work week in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Iraq for additional information.
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REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Iraq, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. The United States does not maintain consulates outside Baghdad.
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Located in the International Zone
Telephone: 240-553-0581, ext. 2413 or 2998 (U.S. dial numbers that ring in Baghdad).
U.S. Citizen Emergency After-hours Telephone: 011-964-770-443-2594 from the U.S. or 0770-443-2594 from within Iraq (for emergency matters involving U.S.citizens that cannot wait until normal business hours only). Visa questions will not be answered on this phone.
As cell phone service in Iraq is unreliable, emergency callers who are unable to connect using the above numbers should call the Department of State in Washington, D.C., at 202-501-4444 or toll free from within the United States or Canada at1-888-407-4747.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact the American Citizens Services unit via e-mail whenever possible. E-mail is answered within 24 hours.
The International Zone (IZ) is a restricted access area. As of June 30, 2009, Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for control of the IZ from the U.S. military. U.S. citizens seeking to enter the IZ to obtain consular services at the U.S. Embassy should email the American Citizens Services unit for IZ entry information.
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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Effective January 1, 2009, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior (MOI) modified entry and exit requirements for foreign citizens in Iraq. Passports that are valid for at least six months and visas are required for private U.S. citizens. An Iraqi visa may be obtained through the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. Visas are not available upon arrival at an airport or port of entry anywhere in Iraq. Once admitted to the country, visitors must obtain an arrival sticker within 10 days of entry into Iraq. Visitors who plan to stay for more than 10 days must also obtain a no-fee residency stamp. In Baghdad, the arrival stickers and residency stamps are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater.
As of the date of this report, immigration officials in the Kurdistan Regional Governorate (KRG) were routinely allowing U.S. citizens to enter Iraq without a valid Iraqi visa; however, the airport-issued KRG visa is not valid outside the KRG, and U.S. citizens will not be permitted to travel within the rest of Iraq with the KRG-issued visa. In addition, it is difficult for U.S. citizens to obtain residency authorization outside the KRG without first obtaining a valid Iraqi visa.
There is a 10,000 Iraqi dinar (8 USD) penalty for visitors who do not obtain the required residency stamp. In order to obtain a residency stamp, applicants must produce valid credentials or proof of employment and two passport-size photos. A U.S. citizen who plans to stay longer than two months must apply at the Residency Office for an extension. U.S. citizens traveling to Iraq for the purpose of employment should check with their employers and with the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C., for any special entry or exit requirements related to employment.
U.S. citizens must obtain an exit and re-entry visa at a Residency Office before departing the country. In Baghdad, they are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater. Contractors in the International Zone may also obtain exit stamps at the Karadah Mariam Police Station (available Sunday and Wednesday, 10:00-14:00). Exit stamp fees vary from 20 USD to 200 USD, depending on length of stay, type of entry visa, and other factors. Visitors who arrive via military aircraft but depart on commercial airlines must pay an 80 USD departure fee at the airport.
Iraq does not allow visitors with HIV/AIDS to enter the country. At this time, there is no waiver available for this ineligibility. However, please inquire directly with the Embassy of Iraq before you travel for any changes.
Visit the Iraqi Embassy website for the most current visa information. The Embassy is located at 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; phone number is 202-742-1600; fax number is 202-333-1129.
Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers inherent in travel to Iraq and recommends against all but essential travel to the country given the fluid security situation. Despite improvements in the security environment relative to prior years, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable. Foreign nationals and their facilities, as well as Government of Iraq officials and buildings continue to be targeted. Such attacks can occur at any time. Kidnappings still occur, with the most recent kidnapping of a U.S. citizen occurring in January 2010. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), and mines are placed on roads, concealed in plastic bags, boxes, soda cans, dead animals, and in other places to blend with the road. Suicide attacks continue to occur. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses and placed on vehicles at intersections, particularly in crowded areas. Rockets and mortars have been fired at hotels and at the International Zone, and vehicle-borne IEDs have been used against targets throughout the country. U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of the country due to prevailing security conditions. When traveling outside the International Zone and outside secure facilities, U.S. Government personnel are required to be escorted by a personal security detail at all times. The Embassy has also directed U.S. Government personnel traveling within the International Zone to be accompanied by at least one other person and to carry a radio or cell phone.
In addition to terrorist and criminal attacks, sectarian and insurgent violence occurs often, particularly in the areas of Mosul and Kirkuk. Additionally, unmarked minefields remain in areas along the international border. The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions. These operations include troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments.
Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Travelers are also referred to the U.S. Embassy Baghdad’s Warden Notices, which are available on the U.S. Embassy Baghdad’s website. Detailed security information is available on the U.S. Embassy Baghdad's website and on the U.S. Central Command's website.
You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Travelers are urged to take personal responsibility for their own safety. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
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CRIME: The U.S. Government is supporting Iraqi authorities to strengthen law enforcement and civil structures throughout the country. A recent trend of complex attacks involving small arms fire, suicide bombers, and/or Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) to conduct criminal acts such as the robbing of financial facilities and markets indicates that travelers should exercise caution at these venues. Petty theft is common in Iraq, including thefts of money, jewelry, or valuable items left in hotel rooms and pick-pocketing in busy places such as markets. Carjacking by armed thieves is very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad. Foreigners, especially dual American-Iraqi citizens, and Iraqi citizens are targets of kidnapping. The kidnappers often demand money but have also carried out kidnappings for political/religious reasons. Many hostages have been killed.
Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States,you may be breaking local law, too.
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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you receive money from them if you need it. Although criminal investigation and prosecution are solely the responsibility of Iraqi authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney.
There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iraq.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. While you are overseas, U.S. laws do not apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. For example, in some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings. It is also possible that driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. It is very important to understand what is legal and what is not. Persons violating Iraq’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Iraq are severe, and convicted offenders may anticipate long jail sentences and heavy fines, and in some cases may be subject to the death penalty.
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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Iraqi law prohibits adult Iraqis and foreigners from holding and transporting more than 10,000 USD in cash out of Iraq. However, adult Iraqi and resident foreigners may hold and transport no more than 200,000 Iraqi dinars to cover travel expenses. Iraqi law also prohibits taking more than 100 grams of gold out of the country. Iraqi customs personnel are taking action to enforce these laws and may pose related questions to travelers during immigration and customs exit procedures. (Civil customs personnel also will verify passport annotations related to any items such as foreign currency, gold jewelry, or merchandise that were declared by passengers upon entry into Iraq on Form-8.)
All U.S. citizens are reminded that it is their duty to respect Iraqi laws, including legal restrictions on the transfer of currency outside Iraq. If you are detained at the airport or at any other point of exit regarding your attempt to transfer currency out of Iraq, you should contact – or ask that Iraqi authorities immediately contact -- the U.S. Embassy.
Transporting large amounts of currency is not advisable. Almost all of the international companies working in Iraq have the capability to make payments to their employees and at least four Iraqi banks are also able to convert cash into an international wire transfer directed to a bank account outside Iraq. Branches of the Credit Bank of Iraq on Al-Sa’adoon Street, Baghdad, Dar Es Salaam Bank, Iraqi Middle East Investment Bank, and Al-Warqaa Investment Bank all have this capability. Please be aware that large wire transfers may require Central Bank of Iraq approval due to measures in place to combat money laundering. Such approvals can be obtained by the sending bank if a customer provides information on the origin of the funds and the reason for their transfer. Additional information on banking in Iraq is available at the Central Bank of Iraq website.
Customs officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraqi ports of entry. Officers may confiscate any goods that may pose a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or good order of Iraq or any antiquities or cultural items suspected of being illegally exported. Goods that are not declared may be confiscated by an officer. Persons may also be ordered to return such goods, at their expense, to the jurisdiction from which they came. Please see our Customs Information. The banking and financial infrastructure is in the process of rebuilding. Hotels usually require payment in foreign currency. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are extremely rare but the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) provides ATM services in dinars and U.S. dollars at the TBI head office in central Baghdad and two other locations.
The U.S. Embassy has encountered multiple cases of U.S. citizen women whose Iraqi-born husband will not allow them or their children to depart Iraq. The U.S. Embassy will seek to assist U.S. citizens in these situations, but Iraqi family law law differs substantially from U.S. law, and U.S. citizens in these situations may find it difficult to obtain legal relief.
Telephone (landline) service is very limited; however, calls may be made from hotels, restaurants, and shops. While cellular service (mobile wireless) has expanded rapidly into urban areas, reliability can vary by region. Even in urban areas, users may frequently experience dropped calls. Internet service is available through Internet cafes, but broadband Internet service to homes is currently limited.
Iraq continues to suffer from serious problems in all public services. Many areas have only a few hours of electricity per day; many families supplement their state-provided electricity through local cooperatives that share generators.
Due to security conditions, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is able to provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens, particularly those located outside Baghdad. Because police and civil structures are in the process of being rebuilt, emergency service and support will be limited. U.S. citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite the Department of State’s Travel Warning are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security and belongings (including their U.S. passports), avoid crowds, especially rallies or demonstrations, and to inform the U.S. Embassy of their presence in Iraq. A list of private security companies is available on the U.S. Embassy website.
Travelers should be aware that Iraqi fire and rescue services are still developing, and hotels may not be fully equipped with fire safety equipment. When staying in a hotel, you should request a room on a lower floor and make sure you have identified the exits nearest your room.
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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Basic modern medical care and medicines are not widely available in Iraq. Conflict in Iraq has left some medical facilities non-operational and medical stocks and supplies severely depleted. The facilities in operation do not meet U.S. standards, and the majority lack medicines, equipment, and supplies. While the Baghdad International Airport has limited operations for security reasons, some private companies facilitate medical evacuations.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You cannot assume that your insurance will go with you when you travel. It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:
Does my policy apply when I am out of the U.S.? Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular travel in Iraq can be extremely dangerous. There have been numerous attacks on civilian vehicles, as well as military convoys. Attacks occur throughout the day, but travel at night is exceptionally dangerous and should be avoided. There have been attacks on civilian vehicles as well as USF-I and Iraqi military and security convoys on roads and highways throughout Iraq both in and outside metropolitan areas. Such attacks have been random and unpredictable, and have involved small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with the capability to destroy the average vehicle. Traveling roads throughout the country of Iraq subjects the traveler to a high risk of attacks. While Baghdad has seen the majority of insurgent activity over the past year, significant incidents have occurred in outlying cities indicating a high risk to travelers on roadways. Anyone traveling by vehicle through Iraq should consider the risk of IED attacks carefully and plan accordingly. Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes. Poorly maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents. Long distance buses are available, but are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. Jaywalking is common. Drivers usually do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ignore traffic lights (if available), traffic rules, and regulations. Roads are congested. Driving at night is extremely dangerous. Some cars do not use lights at night and urban street lights may not be functioning. Some motorists drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, and force other drivers to yield the right of way.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by air carriers registered in Iraq, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA safety assessment page. In addition, the FAA maintains prohibitions on flight operations over or within Iraq by U.S. air carriers, commercial operators and airmen under a Special Federal Aviation Regulation. More information is available on the FAA website.
On rare occasions, military aircraft arriving and departing from Baghdad International Airport (ORBI) have experienced small arms and missile fire. Travelers choosing to use civilian aircraft to enter or depart Iraq should be aware that, although there have been no attacks on civilian aircraft, the potential threat still exists. Official U.S. Government (USG) personnel are encouraged to use U.S. military or other USG aircraft when entering or departing Iraq. All personnel serving in Iraq under Chief of Mission (COM) authority are required to enter or depart Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah on U.S. military or other USG aircraft unless they receive COM approval to use commercial airlines, which is granted on a case-by-case basis. Other personnel not under COM authority must be guided by their own agencies.
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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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* * *This replaces the Country Specific Information for Iraq dated January 25, 2010, to update sections on Country Description, Registration/Embassy Location, Entry/Exit Requirements, Threats to Safety and Security, Special Circumstances, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
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