Prioritise your safety. Monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice. Stay aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities. Avoid US diplomatic missions and other locations associated with US interests. Follow 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.
Terrorism is a threat, including in Iraq. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Militia groups may seek to target hotels frequented by foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Avoid possible targets including venues that draw in foreigners, tourists or crowds where possible. Maintain a high level of security awareness. If there’s a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).
There are no risk-free options for leaving Iraq, and the security situation can change quickly. 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’s safe to travel to the departure point. You should consider recent attacks in your area and that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to these strikes. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.
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. Border crossings with Jordan (Tarbil), Türkiye (Ibrahim Khalil), Kuwait (Safwan) and Saudi Arabia (Arar) remain open but could 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. See ‘Travel’ for more information on departing Iraq.
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.
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.
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.
