Updated to reflect Travel Advisory Level Change from 1 to a 2 due to Terrorism, Crime, Civil Unrest, and Kidnapping.
Exercise Increased Caution in Togo. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Country Summary: Criminals and terrorist groups are active in Togo, particularly in areas bordering Burkina Faso and Northern Benin. Attacks in these areas can occur with little or no warning, and could target shops, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Violent attacks are far more likely in the northern areas of Togo than in the southern and coastal areas.
Crimes such as robbery and assault occur in Togo. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas, near the beach, and in crowded markets.
Small protests have occurred in urban areas. Police have used tear gas to disperse protests that caused traffic disruptions in city centers and along National Route 1, and they have arrested protesters. Security forces have used force to disperse crowds and authorities have cut internet and cell services.
Do Not Travel to:
- Northern border region adjacent to Burkina Faso due to potential for terrorism and kidnapping.
- Areas north of Kande due to potential for terrorism.
Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Togo.
If you decide to travel to Togo:
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Togo on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Togo.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Northern Border Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Extremist groups have carried out attacks, including kidnappings, in the northern border region of Togo, the adjacent areas of Burkina Faso, and Benin. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. The current travel policy for embassy personnel prohibits travel north of the town of Dapaong and Highway N24 or Highway N28, along with the district of Kpendjal and Kpendjal-Ouest without special authorization. Embassy personnel may not remain overnight in areas north of Mango. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas. Due to security incidents, the Savanes region is under a Government of Togo state of emergency, and non-Togolese travelers must obtain special authorization to travel in the Savanes.
North of Kande – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Extremist groups have carried out attacks in nearby areas of Benin. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.
Exercise increased caution
in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
- Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.
- Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling.
- Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas.
- If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed.
- Check the map of restricted areas.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions (U.S. citizens are advised to follow):
- May not travel between cities after dark.
- Must rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify and may not wave down taxis on the street.
- Should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
- May not drive between Mexican border cities, the U.S.-Mexico border and the interior of Mexico. There are some limited exceptions.
Updated due to changes to the Travel Advisory level, U.S. government restrictions on personnel, and information on armed conflict in North and South Kivu.
Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime, and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk due to armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- North and South Kivu provinces due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Ituri province due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Central) due to crime, civil unrest, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Mai-Ndombe province due to ethnic/communal violence.
Country Summary: Violent crime is common. This includes armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond to serious crime in a timely and adequate manner. Assailants may pose as police or security agents. DRC law enforcement does not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained or charged U.S. citizens. DRC law enforcement has used violence and threats during interrogations.
Demonstrations are common in many cities, and some have turned violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions occur when police don't respond in a timely manner, or at all.
The U.S. government cannot provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security risks. Due to the risks in the country, minor dependents cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in the DRC.
Review the country information page for additional information on travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Use caution when walking or driving.
- Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
- If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Kinshasa immediately.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for the DRC.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
North and South Kivu Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Active fighting is ongoing between armed groups and government military forces in the Kivu provinces; the M23 armed group is occupying major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has forced thousands of people from their homes which can cause instability in the province.
Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in the Kivu provinces. They have attacked military and civilian targets. This includes aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in North and South Kivu provinces. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to North and South Kivu Provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Kivu provinces.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Ituri Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violent crime continues throughout Ituri province. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have targeted both military and civilian sites. This includes humanitarian aid workers and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ituri province. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Ituri province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violent crime like murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery are common in these areas:
- Tanganyika
- Haut Lomami
- Kasai provinces: Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai.
Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Mai-Ndombe Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violence in Mai-Ndombe is rising. There are also more police and military in the area, especially along the Route Nationale 17. Government security officials may limit travel for U.S. citizens when violence rises. Activity of armed groups could block passenger and freight traffic on regional routes in the province. Protests can occur without warning.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Mai-Ndombe province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mai-Ndombe province.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
Exercise increased caution
in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
- Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.
- Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling.
- Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas.
- If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed.
- Check the map of restricted areas.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions (U.S. citizens are advised to follow):
- May not travel between cities after dark.
- Must rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify and may not wave down taxis on the street.
- Should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
- May not drive between Mexican border cities, the U.S.-Mexico border and the interior of Mexico. There are some limited exceptions.
Updated to reflect inconsistent availability of health care services.
Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping
- Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping
- Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
Country Summary:
Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape. Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.
Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including:
- Shopping centers and malls
- Markets
- Hotels
- Places of worship
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Transportation hubs
- Public places where crowds gather
Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Gangs and crime
Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.
Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
Unreliable health care
U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States:
- Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards.
- Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.
- Bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria.
- Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.
- All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for Malaria.
- Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.
- Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
- Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.
- Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.
- Blood supply is often unreliable.
- Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.
- We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.
- The Department of State does not pay medical bills for U.S. citizens overseas.
- U.S. Medicare/Medicaid do not work overseas.
Due to security risks, U.S. government employees cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Nigeria.
If you decide to travel to Nigeria:
- Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
- Use caution when walking or driving.
- Keep a low profile.
- Review travel routes and times. Vary your predictability.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign tourists.
- Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Have evacuation plans that do not depend on U.S. government help.
- Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive. This helps to rule out scams.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
- Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria.
- Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain. This is because of widespread terrorist activity, violence between communities, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.
Terrorist groups in the Northeast often target:
- Humanitarian camps
- Security forces
- Churches and mosques
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Entertainment venues
- Road travelers
Violence in Northeast Nigeria has forced about two million Nigerians to leave their homes.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Do not travel to Libya for any reason due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Read entire Travel Advisory.
Country Summary: Terrorism: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Libya. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning, targeting public spaces like tourist locations, hotels, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.
Kidnapping is widespread, and victims have included U.S. citizens.
Kidnappers may take advantage of unplanned opportunities. Criminal or armed individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
Unexploded landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ammunition are a hazard throughout Libya. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. Landmines do exist in populated areas due to numerous ground offensives in the last decade.
Outbreaks of violence between competing armed groups can occur with little warning and have the potential to impact U.S. citizens. The capital, Tripoli, and other cities, such as Surman, Al-Jufra, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Benghazi, and Zuwara, have witnessed fighting among armed groups. Hotels and airports frequented by U.S. citizens have been the targets of these attacks. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Armed groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary reasons, do not grant detainees access to lawyers or legal processes, and do not allow detainees to inform others of their status. U.S. citizens should carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times, but having these documents does not guarantee fair treatment.
While there are operational international airports in Libya with regular domestic and international flights, flights are often delayed, rerouted, and cancelled without warning. The U.S. government prohibits U.S. commercial aviation operations within Libyan airspace.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Libya, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Libyan ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Libya. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Libya should exercise caution.
U.S. citizens in Libya in need of routine consular services should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia for assistance. To contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, click here.
U.S. citizens who are in Libya are urged to depart as soon as possible via commercial means if possible.
The Department of State will continue to provide information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), Embassy Libya's web page, Travel.State.Gov, Facebook, and X.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Libya.
If you decide to travel to Libya:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Make contingency plans to leave.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and a power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etcetera.
- Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your family, and employer or host organization, so that they can monitor your safety and location. This plan should specify whom you would contact first, and how that person should share information.
- Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, taken hostage, or detained.
- Consider consulting with a professional security organization.
- Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Libya.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Updated to remove the Level 4: Do Not Travel area near the border with Burundi and to reflect changes to the Level 4: Do Not Travel areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to the potential for armed violence. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Rusizi District within 10 kilometers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.
- Rubavu District within 10 kilometers of the DRC border due to armed violence.
Country Summary: Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash in nearby countries. The ongoing violence in these areas raises the risk of spilling over into Rwanda.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Rwanda.
If you decide to travel to Rwanda:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Rwanda.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Rusizi District within 10 kilometers of the DRC border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Lake Kivu borders the DRC. Borders may not be clearly marked. A permit from the Rwanda Development Board is required for entry to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to Rusizi District.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Rubavu District within 10 kilometers of the DRC border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Armed groups operate in the DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park. This is next to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The area has faced increasing armed conflict, which might spread across a poorly marked border.
- To enter the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, you need a permit from the Rwanda Development Board.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to Rubavu District.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Updated to reflect the lifting of ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel.
Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.
Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turn violent.
Do not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to:
- Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups
- Armed conflict
- Aerial bombardment
- Civil unrest
U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Read the Syria Travel Advisory for more information.
Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iraq.
If you decide to travel to Iraq:
- Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
- Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to contact you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Iraq.
- Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage