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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Location Information > Iraq Intercountry Adoption Information

Iraq

Iraq
Republic of Iraq
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. Leave now if you are there.

There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level.  The “Crime” risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.

Advisory Summary

Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.  The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks.

The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols due to serious threats.  

Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq. Only family members who meet the following requirements may join U.S. government employees working in Iraq:

  • Are 21 years of age or older, and
  • Are employed by the U.S. government.

Kidnapping

U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq.   Terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq.  Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Crime and armed conflict

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.  Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.

Health

Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside of the largest cities.

If you need emergency medical assistance, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable.  Problems with transportation, roads, and safety can result in delays if you need medical evacuation.

Aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region.  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.

For U.S. citizens in Iraq:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. Embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Iraq, information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, and information on Terrorism.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
  • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Iraq.  The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
  • Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Prepare a will.  Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries 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.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or 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.
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited.  Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
  • Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations
  • 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.
... [READ MORE]

National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of 75 countries.  President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans.  The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge. 

As noted in our Adoption Notice on National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas, in countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited, children being adopted by Americans can qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception. 

These American families should continue the normal adoption process. They should submit visa applications and attend consular interviews. They do not need to take other additional steps to be considered for a case-by-case exception under the National Interest Exception.

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No
Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?
Adoptions from Iraq are extremely rare.
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Please consult a local attorney or adoption agency familiar with laws and regulations regarding intercountry adoption in Iraq. Additionally, prospective adoptive parents should refer to our information sheet on Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari’a Law is observed for more information.

The Government of Iraq, through its Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), may accord guardianship of an Iraqi child of the Islamic faith to a member of the child’s extended family or a family friend, provided that the guardian is an Iraqi national of the Islamic faith and the child will be cared for in Iraq. A family cannot obtain guardianship over an Iraqi child who is not of the Islamic faith, regardless of the religious faith of the family. Foreign citizens cannot be guardians. Questions regarding eligibility for guardianship may be directed to MOLSA.

Iraq is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). However, under the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA), which became effective on July 14, 2014, the requirement that adoption service providers be accredited or approved, and therefore meet the accreditation standards, which previously only applied in Convention cases, now also applies in non-Convention (“orphan”) cases under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The UAA requires that an accredited or approved adoption service provider act as the primary provider in every Convention or non-Convention intercountry adoption case, and that adoption service providers providing any adoption services, as defined at 22 CFR Part 96.2, on behalf of prospective adoptive parents be accredited or approved, or be a supervised or exempted provider. See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required. Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Convention countries continue to be processed under the Orphan Process with the filing of the Forms I-600A and I-600. However, adoption service providers should be aware of the information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website on the impact of the UAA on Form I-600A and Form I-600 adjudications, including the requirement that all home studies, including home study updates and amendments, comply with the home study requirements listed at 8 CFR 204.311, which differ from the orphan home study requirements that were in effect before July 14, 2014.

U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Iraq should contact the adoption authority of Iraq to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Iraq who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Iraq’s adoption authority. See contact information below.

Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are eligible for adoption. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending for the child return home when possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to the adoption of their child(ren).

Please visit the Department of State’s country page for more information on travelling to Iraq and the U.S. Embassy Baghdad’s website for information on consular services.

The Department of State occasionally receives inquiries from U.S. citizens concerned about the plight of children in Iraq and the possibility of adopting them. We share this concern for children in conflict areas and understand that some U.S. citizens want to respond by offering to open their homes and adopt these children in need.

It can be extremely difficult in such circumstances to determine whether children who appear to be orphans truly are eligible for adoption. Children may be temporarily separated from their parents or other family members during a conflict or natural disaster, and their parents or relatives may be looking for them. It is not uncommon in a hostile situation for parents to send their children out of the area, or for families to become separated during an evacuation or natural disaster. Even when it can be demonstrated that children are indeed orphaned or abandoned, they often will be cared for by other relatives.

During times of crisis, it can also be exceptionally difficult to fulfill the legal requirements for adoption of both the United States and the child's country of origin. This is especially true when civil authority breaks down. It can also be very difficult to gather documents necessary to fulfill the legal requirements of U.S. immigration law. Prospective adoptive parents may wish to consult with experienced immigration attorneys and to take extra caution when considering adopting or caring for a child under these circumstances.

There are still ways in which U.S. citizens can help the children of Iraq, such as by making a contribution to an established non-governmental organization that is well placed to respond to Iraq’s most urgent needs, including those related to the children of Iraq.

Contact Information

IRAQ’S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA)
Internet: https://www.molsa.gov.iq/

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: +0760-030-3000
Email: [email protected]
Internet: https://iq.usembassy.gov/

Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
SA-17
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
E-mail: [email protected]
http://adoption.state.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: [email protected]

For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet:  uscis.gov

Last Updated: July 5, 2023

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Telephone
0760-030-3000
Emergency
301-985-8841 (U.S. dial numbers that ring in Baghdad)
Fax
No Fax
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://iq.usembassy.gov/

Iraq Map

View Larger Map

Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Iraq to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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