US Gov. Statement - Travel Advisory Update: Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. Government personnel from Mission Iraq - June 12, 2025 - Security

[sharon sanders]

Travel Advisory Update: Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. Government personnel from Mission Iraq

By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
13 MINUTE READ
June 12, 2025



Travel Advisory Update: Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. Government personnel from Mission Iraq

Location: Iraq, countrywide

Event: On June 11, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Iraq.



Actions to Take:

• U.S. citizens who wish to depart should take advantage of commercial transportation options.
• Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in Iraq.
• Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Iraq Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel T U K O

Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel



On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.

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.



Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. 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. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats.

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turn violent.

Do not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to:

• Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups
• Armed conflict
• Aerial bombardment
• Civil unrest

U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Read the Syria Travel Advisory for more information.

Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iraq.

If you decide to travel to Iraq:

• Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/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.
• Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/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.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to contact you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Iraq.
• Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• 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.

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​

https://iq.usembassy.gov/travel-adv...y-u-s-government-personnel-from-mission-iraq/

 

[sharon sanders]

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 12, 2025)


Home / News & Events / Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 12, 2025)


Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 12, 2025)

Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

Event: Security Alert

Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice. Transit between these three areas, including to and from Ben Gurion Airport, is authorized. Transiting Route 1 to and from Allenby Bridge is also permitted.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.

This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.

In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank.

U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire and hostile aircraft intrusion in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:

Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion: In the event of mortar or rocket fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.

Actions to Take:

• Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions.
• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.
• Monitor local media.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

• Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories (including the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza) and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory

By12 June, 2025​

https://il.usembassy.gov/31518/