Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation. If you’re in Iraq, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including shelter in place instructions. Sheltering in place remains your safest option at this time. Sheltering in place means stay indoors as much as possible. Be aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities, and US diplomatic locations. Monitor local warning systems and if warned of an imminent attack move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level if available. If these are not available seek an inner room without windows.

You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Consider a commercial option to depart if you can secure one and it is safe to do so. You should consider recent attacks in your area and that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to these strikes. Consider that airlines may cease operating at short notice and you may need to find accommodation. Availability of accommodation may be limited. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.

US Embassies in the Middle East are issuing local security alerts. We encourage you to monitor US security alerts in your location and follow this advice.

Airspace closures and flight disruptions are occurring across Iraq and the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict.

If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities in Iraq and your destination on visa and border arrangements. Borders may close without notice. You should consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it’s safe for you to travel in current circumstances. Iraq’s borders with neighbouring countries may have restrictions for foreign nationals and may close at short notice. Check our travel advice for your destination including visa requirements.

Terrorist attacks can occur without warning. Avoid possible targets including markets, transport hubs, places of worship and government facilities (see ‘Safety’).

Our ability to provide consular services in Iraq is extremely limited. The Australian Embassy in Baghdad provides limited consular services by appointment only.

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) or 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping and violent crime.