08/04/2026
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq – April 8, 2026
Location: Iraq
Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran conducted multiple drone attacks in the vicinity of the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center and Baghdad International Airport on April 8. They may intend to conduct additional terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Although Iraqi authorities have announced plans to reopen airspace and resume commercial flights, U.S. citizens should not travel within Iraq by air in light of the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace. U.S. citizens in Iraq should leave now via overland routes.
Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups may intend to target U.S. citizens, diplomatic facilities, businesses, universities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets. Terrorist militias have targeted Americans for kidnapping.
U.S. Mission Iraq remains open while on ordered departure to assist U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not attempt to come to the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil in light of significant security risks. If you are a U.S. citizen and need assistance, contact U.S. Embassy Baghdad at [email protected], or Consulate General Erbil at [email protected].
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq reminds U.S. citizens of the Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Iraq. U.S. citizens are advised: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.” U.S. citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are doing so at significant risk.
Options to Depart
Overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye remain open. Travelers should expect long delays. Local ground transportation options are functioning. Americans should depart now via one of these overland routes. Airspace in neighboring countries may also be closed, and local entry and exit requirements apply. Prices for flights around the region may be much higher than normal, as well as overbooked, delayed, or cancelled on short notice. The following information is intended to inform your decision making and is subject to change.
Jordan
• Commercial flights are operating out of Queen Alia International Airport, but flight disruptions may occur. Information on flights out of Amman can be found here: https://www.qaiairport.com/en/arrivals-departures/
• Royal Jordanian (RJ) Airlines announced a new direct ground transport service for Iraqi passengers from Baghdad to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, starting March 30. An Iraqi travel company will provide buses for passengers to enter Jordan by land without a visa and be treated as transit travelers. RJ will provide further details directly to ticketed passengers. For additional information on booking flights with Royal Jordanian, email [email protected].
• Visas on arrival are available at the land border crossing with Iraq at Trebil. U.S. citizens should be mindful that on April 3 a drone crashed at the border crossing. U.S. citizens may also apply for a visa using the eVisa Application through the Ministry of Interior to speed up the process at the border. Jordan has been allowing U.S. citizens to cross the border from Iraq with expired passports, waiving fees for some.
Kuwait
• Commercial flights are not operating out of Kuwait due to the continuing threat of missile and drone attacks. Roadways to Saudi Arabia are open. The border may close and reopen on short notice.
• Before traveling to the border, contact [email protected] with the following information:
• Name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing.
• Obtaining an eVisa in advance of arrival is recommended to ensure a smooth arrival. Travelers can apply for the visa online at https://kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw/. Information for U.S. citizens exiting Kuwait and entering Saudi Arabia can be found on U.S. Embassy Kuwait’s Alerts for U.S. Citizens page.
Saudi Arabia
• Commercial flights are operating out of Saudi Arabia.
• American citizens are strongly encouraged to apply for a Saudi eVisa at least 48 hours before traveling to avoid delays at the border. Only use the official website. Third party sites have been reported to charge higher process, and some have failed to provide a visa after payment.
• To apply for an eVisa, you will need your passport, a recent passport-style photograph, a completed online application form, and a valid email address. The cost is approximately $105 USD and processing time is generally less than two business days.
• Visas on arrival may be available, but it is advisable to apply online before travel. Transit visas cost approximately $10.50 but are only valid for up to 96 hours. U.S. citizens report being able to purchase transit visas in person at the land borders. U.S. citizens whose passports are valid for less than 6 months are not eligible for an eVisa, but may still be eligible for visa on arrival.
• U.S. citizens with expired passports should contact [email protected] before traveling to the border.
Türkiye
• Commercial flights are available out of Türkiye.
• U.S. citizens can enter Türkiye visa free for up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 60 days. If your passport is valid for less than 150 days, you may be charged a visa fee.
• Read the Turkey Travel Advisory and be aware the area of Türkiye near the Iran and Iraq borders is designated Level 4: Do Not Travel.
• On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to safety risks. Americans in southeast Türkiye are strongly encouraged to depart now.
• U.S. citizens and family members who present an expired or soon-to-expire passport may be allowed to pay a $200-$250 per person visa fee and receive a 5-day short-term transit visa or a 4-day short-term humanitarian document, provided they have no other ban to entry to Türkiye and have not been previously removed from/denied entry to Türkiye. These travelers should provide the following information at least one business day in advance to [email protected]:
• Full name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing. If the traveler(s) cannot afford a visa fee, the U.S. embassy can request a waiver of the fee; however, this is solely at the discretion of the immigration authorities at the border crossing.
• Please also include if you have ever been deported from Türkiye, been subject to a Turkish entry or exit ban, or had Turkish residency denied or removed.
Consular Operations
All routine consular services in Iraq remain suspended, including all visa services. Americans should contact [email protected] or [email protected] in case of emergency.
Actions to Take
• Leave Iraq now and avoid air travel in Iraq.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
• Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
• Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible. If your passport has less than 6-months validity, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
• Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
• In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
• Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
• Follow the “U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp at whatsapp.com/download.
• Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
• Local emergency number for Iraq: 911
• U.S. Embassy Baghdad: [email protected].
• Consulate General Erbil: [email protected].
• U.S. Department of State 24/7 Task Force: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. https://www.fbi.gov/.../scams-and.../common-frauds-and-scams.
