Security Alert: Additional Drawdown of Personnel at U.S. Embassy Baghdad (June 22, 2025)
Event: On June 12, out of an abundance of caution, U.S. Mission Iraq began the orderly departure of some personnel. As part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on June 21 and 22. These departures represent a continuation of the process started on June 12. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate General in Erbil have temporarily suspended all routine visa services. Both the Embassy and the Consulate General continue to provide services for U.S. citizens.
There is increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence or attacks against U.S. businesses and locations frequented by U.S. citizens. We urge all U.S. citizens in Iraq to avoid locations frequented by foreigners and any large gatherings or crowds.
The land borders to Kuwait and to Türkiye remain open.
U.S. Citizens Traveling to Türkiye
U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye via land border should send their planned date and crossing location, and personal details (name, date of birth, passport information, border crossing, any medical/health/safety concerns) and a photograph of their passport biodata page to the U.S. Embassy Ankara American Citizens Services Unit at Ankara-ACS@state.gov. The Habur border gate (Ibrahim Khalil on the Iraq side) is operating normally. The Uzumlu border gate (Sar Zeri on the Iraq side) is open 08:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
U.S. Citizens Traveling to Kuwait
U.S. citizens who plan to enter Kuwait via land border from Iraq may send their planned date and crossing location, and personal details (name, date of birth, passport information, border crossing, any medical/health/safety concerns, contact information) and a photograph of their passport biodata page to the U.S. Embassy Kuwait American Citizens Services Unit at KuwaitACS@state.gov. Providing this information may allow the embassy to more quickly assist you in the event of an emergency. Travelers should anticipate lengthy delays at the border crossing.
The Department of State maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory (“Do Not Travel”) for Iraq. U.S. citizens should not travel to Iraq for any reason.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
Telephone: +964-760-030-3000 or +1-301-985-8841 from the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +964-760-030-3000 or +1-301-985-8841, and ask for the duty officer
Email: BaghdadACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Erbil
413 Ishtar, Ankawa
Erbil, Iraq
Business Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday through Thursday
Telephone: +964-66-211-4000 or +1-240-264-3467, ext. 4554, from the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +964-66-211-4000 or +1-240-264-3467, ext. 4554, and ask for the duty officer
Email: ErbilACS@state.gov
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
- Avoid all large gatherings and crowds.
- Monitor local media for information.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Remain vigilant for anything appearing out of the ordinary.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X .
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