Avoid all travel to Iraq due to a continued volatile, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous security situation. If you are in Iraq, consider departing by commercial means if it is safe to do so. Back to top. Foreigners and individuals associated to Western countries are targets for kidnappings and violence by terrorist groups. Car bombings, vehicle ambushes, drones, mortar and rocket attacks occur regularly across the country, including in Baghdad and residential areas.
Terrorist groups are particularly active in the northern and western parts of Iraq. Despite regular counter-terrorism operations by Iraqi security forces, additional attacks are likely to occur. Avoid travelling to border areas. You may encounter serious problems with local authorities when crossing borders or risk of injury or death as a result of ongoing clashes, air strikes or other violent incidents that are common to border areas in Iraq.
People suspected of illegally crossing the Iraq-Syria border risk being detained by the Iraqi authorities and charged with terrorism, which can result in capital punishment. Crime, including carjackings, robberies, kidnapping and corruption, is common.
Security conditions get much worse after dark in most areas. Violent conflicts involving organized criminals, street gangs, militants, rival militias and Iraqi security forces pose grave dangers.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Advice for women travellers. Clashes between protestors and security forces can occur. Security forces may use tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Mass gatherings large-scale events. Security checkpoints are common across the country. An Iraqi police or army uniform is not a guarantee that the wearer is operating in an official capacity.
