Iraq
Country Specific Information
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December 23, 2011

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. On March 7, 2010, Iraqi citizens participated in a new round of parliamentary elections. On December 21, 2010, the current government, led for a second term by Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, was sworn in by the Council of Representatives (COR). Under the 2009 bilateral security agreement, all U.S. Forces – Iraq (USF-I) personnel will have withdrawn by the end of 2011. The 2009 Strategic Framework Agreement between the United States and Iraq governs all bilateral relations in general. 

The Government of Iraq (GOI) has made significant political, economic, and security progress in recent years, but the country still faces many challenges. Those challenges include 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 economic growth in Iraq. However, conditions in Iraq remain dangerous. Iraqi security forces now have full responsibility for providing security in Iraq. The work week in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Iraq for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Iraq, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. 

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. In addition to the embassy in Baghdad, in July 2011 the U.S. Mission in Iraq opened two Consulates General in Basrah and Erbil. In September 2011 a third constituent post, Consulate Kirkuk was established. These constituent posts offer only limited emergency consular services for Americans. The full range of consular services typically provided at U.S. embassies and consulates (passports, notarials, and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, among others) are currently available only at Embassy Baghdad.

U.S. Embassy Baghdad  
Located in the International Zone 
Telephone: 240-553-0581, ext. 4293 or 2413 (U.S. dial numbers that ring in Baghdad). 
U.S. Citizen Emergency After-hours Telephone: 011-964-770-443-1286 from the U.S. or 0770-443-1286 from within Iraq (for emergency matters involving U.S. citizens that cannot wait until normal business hours only).Visa questions will not be answered on this phone.

Constituent Posts
U.S. Consulate General Basrah
Basrah, Iraq
Telephone: 1-240-553-0650
U.S. Consulate General Erbil
413 Ishtar, Ankawa
Erbil, Iraq
Telephone: 0770-443-0016

As cell phone service in Iraq is unreliable, emergency callers who are unable to connect using the above numbers should call the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 1-202-501-4444, or toll free from within the United States or Canada at1-888-407-4747. 
 
U.S. citizens who have questions are encouraged to contact the American Citizens Services unit via e-mail whenever possible. ACS strives to answer all inquiries within one business day. 

The International Zone (IZ) is a restricted-access area. As of June 30, 2009, Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for control of the IZ. U.S. citizens seeking to enter the IZ to obtain consular services at the U.S. Embassy should email the American Citizens Services unit for IZ entry information.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Effective January 1, 2009, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior (MOI) modified entry and exit requirements for foreign citizens in Iraq. Passports, valid for at least six months, and visas are required for all U.S. citizens. An Iraqi visa may be obtained through the Iraqi Consulate in Washington, D.C. Visas are not available upon arrival at an airport or port of entry except at the Basrah airport, and only to visitors arriving in Basrah who have previously obtained visa approval letters from the Iraq Office of Residency. Once admitted to the country, visitors must obtain an arrival sticker and submit a blood sample taken by the Iraq Ministry of Health within 10 days of entry. Arriving passengers are reminded of this requirement upon admission.

The Government of Iraq’s requirements for entry and residency for U.S. government contractors differ. Persons traveling to Iraq to work on U.S. government contracts should check with their contracting company and contracting officer’s representative to determine entry and residency procedures and requirements.

Visitors who plan to stay for more than 10 days must also obtain a residency stamp. In Baghdad, the arrival stickers and residency stamps are available for all visitors at the main Residency Office near the National Theater.

As of the date of this report, immigration officials in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) were routinely allowing U.S. citizens to enter Iraq without a valid Iraqi visa; however, the airport-issued IKR visa is not valid outside the IKR, and U.S. citizens will not be permitted to travel within the rest of Iraq with the IKR-issued visa. This visa is valid for 10 days. U.S. citizens who plan to stay for longer than 10 days require an extension to their visa; this can be obtained by visiting the local residency office. In addition, it is difficult for U.S. citizens to obtain residency authorization outside the IKR without first obtaining a valid Iraqi visa.

There is a 10,000 Iraqi dinar (equivalent to approximately 8 USD, and subject to change) 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) and two passport-size photos. A U.S. citizen who plans to stay longer than two months must apply at the Residency Office for an extension. U.S. citizens 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. Contractors receive an Iraqi visa tied specifically to the contract and will be in violation of Iraqi immigration law if found to be violating the terms of the visa, including by overstaying.

U.S. citizens must also obtain an exit stamp at a 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. Visitors who arrive via military aircraft but depart on commercial airlines must pay an 82 USD departure fee at the airport. Visitors who intend to return to Iraq will require a re-entry visa, also available through a local Residency Office.

Iraq has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on all visitors. At this time, there is no waiver available for this ineligibility. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Iraq before you travel.

Visit the Embassy of Iraq for the most current visa information. The Embassy is located at 3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007; phone number is 202-742-1600; fax number is 202-333-1129.

Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.  

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers inherent in travel to Iraq and recommends against all but essential travel to the country given the dangerous security situation. Some regions within Iraq have experienced fewer violent incidents than others in recent years, in particular the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). However, violence and threats against U.S. citizens persist and no region should be considered safe. Attacks against military and civilian targets throughout Iraq continue, including in the International (or "Green") Zone (IZ). Methods of attack have included magnetic bombs placed on vehicles, roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mortars and rockets, human- and vehicle-borne IEDs, including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), mines placed on or concealed near roads, suicide attacks, and shootings. Numerous insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq. Although operations led by Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) against these groups continue, attacks against the ISF and U.S. personnel persist in many areas of the country. U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at a high risk for kidnapping; the most recent such confirmed kidnapping reported to the U.S. Embassy occurred in January 2010 in Baghdad.

The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Government personnel in Iraq to be serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines. All U.S. Government employees under the U.S. Ambassador’s authority must undertake significant security precautions when traveling. 

While sectarian and terrorist violence occurs at levels lower than in previous years, violence occurs often, particularly in the provinces of Baghdad, Ninewa, Salah ad Din, Anbar, and Diyala. Additionally, unmarked minefields remain in areas along the international border with Turkey.  

The security situation in the IKR, which includes the provinces of Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk, has been more stable relative to the rest of Iraq in recent years, but threats remain. U.S. government personnel in northern Iraq are required to be accompanied by a protective security detail when traveling outside secure facilities. Although there have been significantly fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence in the IKR than in other parts of Iraq, the security situation throughout the country remains dangerous. Increasingly, many U.S. and third-country business people travel throughout much of Iraq; however, they do so under restricted conditions and almost always with security advisors and teams.

The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against the Kongra-Gel terrorist group (KGK, formerly Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK and its sister organization Free Life of Kurdistan or PJAK) in the mountainous border regions with Iraq. These operations have included troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments mainly into IKR territory. Additionally, extensive unmarked minefields remain along the international border. U.S. citizens should avoid areas near the Turkish or Iranian borders because of these ongoing military operations. Borders in these areas are not always clearly defined. In 2009, three U.S. citizens were detained by Iranian authorities while hiking in the vicinity of the Iranian border in the Kurdistan region. The U.S. Embassy has limited resources to assist U.S. citizens who venture close to or cross the border with Iran. The Department of State discourages travel in close proximity to the Iranian border. 

Stay up to date by:

  • Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. 
  • Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
  • Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security—Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: The U.S. government is supporting Iraqi authorities to strengthen law enforcement and civil structures throughout the country. Terrorists and insurgent groups continue to conduct large-scale, lethal attacks that often target personnel and facilities associated with both U.S. organizations and the Government of Iraq. Insurgents also continue to carry out effective small-scale attacks throughout Iraq that cause fewer casualties but hinder free movement and influence public opinion regarding safety and security. Petty theft is common in Iraq; this includes pick-pocketing in busy areas (e.g. markets), as well as the theft of money, jewelry, or other valuables from hotel rooms. Carjacking by armed thieves is very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad. Both foreigners-- especially dual American-Iraqi citizens-- and Iraqi citizens are targets of kidnapping. Kidnappers often demand money but have also carried out kidnappings for political/religious reasons. Many hostages have been killed. 

While large religious and political events often occur in Iraq without incident, U.S. citizens should exercise good personal security habits and avoid large public gatherings. Demonstrations can start peacefully but turn violent quickly. Large gatherings have often been the target of bombings and other violent acts.  

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friend.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

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. 

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Iraq, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Iraq, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Iraq’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Iraq are severe, and convicted offenders may anticipate long jail sentences and heavy fines, and in some cases may be subject to the death penalty.  

U.S. citizens should avoid unauthorized photography, especially of Iraqi security forces, which is strictly prohibited. Iraqi military personnel may confiscate equipment and temporarily detain individuals taking unauthorized photographs.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Iraqi law prohibits adult Iraqis and foreigners from holding and transporting more than 10,000 United States dollars (USD) in cash out of Iraq. However, adult Iraqi and resident foreigners may 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.) For additional details, please consult the website for the General Commission for Customs (available in English). 

All U.S. citizens are reminded that it is their duty to respect Iraqi laws, including legal restrictions on the transfer of currency outside 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 international companies operating 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 Street, 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 due to 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 on the  Central Bank of Iraq’s website.

Customs officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraqi ports of entry. Officers may confiscate any goods they deem may pose a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or social order of Iraq. Antiquities or cultural items suspected of being illegally exported may also be confiscated, as with goods that are not declared. Visitors 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 rare, but the  Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) provides ATM services in dinars and USD at its main branch in central Baghdad, as well as at two other locations.

The U.S. Embassy has encountered multiple cases of female U.S. citizens whose Iraqi-born husbands will not allow them or their children to depart Iraq; in certain cases, their husbands have withheld U.S. travel documents to prevent them and their children from leaving the country. The U.S. Embassy will seek to assist U.S. citizens in these situations, but Iraqi family law differs substantially from U.S. law, and individuals in these situations may find it difficult to obtain legal relief. 

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 by region. Even in urban areas, users may frequently experience dropped calls. Internet service is available through Internet cafes, but broadband Internet service to homes is currently limited.

Iraq continues to suffer from serious problems in all public services. Many areas have only a few hours of electricity per day; many families supplement their state-provided electricity through local cooperatives that share generators. 

The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens outside Baghdad is particularly limited given the security environment. Host government emergency services and support are 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. A list of private security companies is available on the U.S. Embassy website. The Embassy takes substantial security precautions when moving personnel. State Department guidance to U.S. businesses in Iraq advises the use of PSDs.

Travelers should be aware that Iraqi fire and rescue services are still developing, and hotels may not be fully equipped with fire safety equipment. When staying in a hotel, you should request a room on a lower floor and make sure you have identified the exits nearest your room.  

Accessibility: While in Iraq, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services. The government enforces the law in the public sector, but not in the private sector. Access to buildings for persons with disabilities is inconsistent.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Basic modern medical care and medicines are not widely available in Iraq. Conflict 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. 

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. 

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Iraq. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume that your insurance will go with you when you travel. It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions: 

  • Does my policy apply when I am out of the United States? 
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation? 

In many places, doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Iraq, 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 attacks on civilian vehicles as well as USF-I and Iraqi military and security convoys on roads and highways throughout Iraq, both in and outside metropolitan areas. Attacks occur throughout the day, but travel at night is exceptionally dangerous and should be avoided. Such attacks have been random and unpredictable, and have involved small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) capable of destroying the average vehicle. Travel throughout the country by road involves the significant potential for attacks. While Baghdad has seen the majority of insurgent activity over the past year, significant incidents have also occurred in outlying cities, indicating a high risk to travelers on roadways. Anyone traveling by vehicle through Iraq should consider the risk of IED attacks carefully and plan accordingly. 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. 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.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iraq, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on 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.

Infrequent indirect fire (IDF) attacks have impacted on or near the Baghdad and Basrah airports. There has been no reported damage or injury to commercial operations or personnel. All personnel serving in Iraq under Chief of Mission (COM) authority are required to enter and depart Iraq on U.S. military or other official aircraft, unless they receive COM approval to use commercial airlines Erbil International Airport is the current exception to the COM restriction.

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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 May2, 2011 to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Special Circumstances and Aviation Safety Oversight.

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