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Iraq
Country Specific Information
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January 25, 2010
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. Although the GOI has made
political, economic and security progress, Iraq still faces many challenges, including 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, United States Forces – Iraq (USF-I) continues to assist
the Iraqi government in providing security in many areas of the country pursuant to the terms of the bilateral security agreement.
By the end of 2011, all U.S. forces personnel will withdraw from Iraq. The workweek in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday.
Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Iraq for additional information.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: The U.S. Department of State Travel Warning for Iraq urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Iraq. Americans living or traveling in Iraq despite that warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. embassy at the Department of State’s travel registration page so that they can obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. The U.S. does not maintain consulates outside of Baghdad.
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
located in the International Zone
Telephone: 1-240-553-0581, extension 2413 or 2998 (these numbers ring in Baghdad).
Emergency after-hours telephone: (in case of extreme emergency) 011-964-770-443-2594 (from the U.S.) or 964-0770-443-2594
(within Iraq). As cell phone service in Iraq is unreliable, if you are unable to reach us at the above numbers and have an
emergency involving an American citizen you may also contact us through the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
from overseas.
Callers can also contact the Consular section via e-mail.
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. American citizens seeking to enter the IZ to obtain consular services at the U.S. Embassy should email the Consular section for IZ entry information.
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Passports valid for at least six months and visas are required for most private American citizens. An Iraqi visa may be obtained through the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. Travelers should not rely on obtaining a visa upon arrival at an airport or port of entry in any region of Iraq. Visitors to Iraq who plan to stay for more than 10 days must obtain a no-fee residency stamp. In Baghdad, the stamps are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater.
Travelers arriving to Iraq via the Kurdistan Region are required to obtain a visa through the Iraqi Embassy. Immigration officials in the Kurdistan Regional Governorate (KRG) routinely allow Americans to enter Iraq without a valid Iraqi visa; however, the airport-issued KRG visa is not valid outside of the KRG and Americans will not be permitted to travel within Iraq with the KRG-issued visa. In addition, it is difficult for Americans to obtain residency authorization outside the KRG without first obtaining a valid Iraqi visa. Americans working or living in Iraq without a valid Iraqi visa should consider departing Iraq to obtain a valid Iraqi visa at an Iraqi Embassy or Consulate.
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, two passport-sized photos, and HIV test results. An American citizen who plans to stay longer than two months must apply at the Residency Office for an extension. Americans 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 who remain longer than 10 days must obtain an exit stamp at the main 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. Those staying fewer than 10 days do not need to obtain an exit stamp before passing through Iraqi immigration at the airport. 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 or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
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 in 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; the most recent kidnapping of an American citizen occurred in July 2008. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), and mines often are placed on roads, concealed in plastic bags, boxes, soda cans, dead animals, and in other ways to blend with the road. 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 vehicle-borne IEDs have been used against targets throughout the country. Occasionally, U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas depending on prevailing security conditions. The Embassy requires U.S. government personnel to travel with a personal security detail at all times when traveling outside the International Zone and outside of secure facilities. 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 extensive 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.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Travel Warning for Iraq, 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.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 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).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: The U.S. Embassy and USF-I are working with Iraqi authorities to establish law enforcement and civil structures throughout the country. U.S. military personnel are providing police protection (outside of the major cities) as well as the security situation permits. 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, primarily 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.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing such items back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES: If you are 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). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
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.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Iraq’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iraq are severe, and convicted offenders may anticipate long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Iraqi law prohibits adult Iraqis and foreigners from holding and transporting more than 10,000 USD in cash out of Iraq. In addition, it permits adult Iraqi and resident foreigners to 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 of 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 St., 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 because of 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 web site.
Customs and USF-I officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraq 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 limited 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.
Public 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 day to day, and users may frequently experience dropped calls. Internet service is available through Internet cafes, but broadband Internet service to homes is currently limited.
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 of 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.
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, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
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 military convoys on Highways 1, 5, 10 and 15, even during daylight hours. Travelers are strongly urged to travel in convoys in daylight hours only. Travel in or through Ramadi and Fallujah, in and between al-Hillah, al-Basrah, Kirkuk, and Baghdad and between the International Zone and Baghdad International Airport is particularly dangerous. 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.
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, though not recently, 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 recent 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.
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 June 26, 2009, to update the sections on Country Description, Registration/Embassy Location, Threats to Safety and Security, Special Circumstances, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Aviation Safety Oversight.
