Iraq Travel Warning

Issued by US Department of State

Jul 23, 2003

This Travel Warning provides updated information on the security situation in the country and emphasizes the U.S. Government's limited capability to provide services to U.S. citizens. It also notes that the U.S. passport restrictions have been lifted. The security threat to all American citizens in Iraq remains high. This replaces the Travel Warning of April 25, 2003.

The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq. Although the restrictions on the use of U.S. passport travel to, in or through Iraq have been lifted, travel to Iraq remains dangerous. Remnants of the former Baath regime, transnational terrorists, and criminal elements remain active. Coalition-led military operations continue, and there are daily attacks against Coalition forces throughout the country. Attacks have occurred in Baghdad, Faluja, Ramadi, Tikrit, Bayji, Baqubah, Mosul and Kirkuk, but the security environment in all of Iraq remains volatile and unpredictable. Faluja is especially dangerous. Attacks on coalition forces as well as civilian targets usually occur during the late evening and early morning hours. Travel at night is extremely dangerous.

There have been attacks on civilian as well as military convoys. Travelers are strongly urged to travel in convoys of at least four vehicles in daylight hours only. There has been an increase in the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and/or mines on roads, particularly in plastic bags, soda cans, and dead animals. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses, particularly in crowded areas.

There is a U.S. consular officer in Baghdad who can provide limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq and is located at the Iraq Forum (Convention Center) across from the al-Rashid Hotel. The consular officer cannot issue U.S. passports or provide visa service. American citizens who choose to visit or remain in Iraq despite the warning contained herein are urged to pay close attention to their personal security, should avoid rallies and demonstrations, and should inform the U.S. consular officer of their presence in Iraq.

Private American citizens may obtain the latest security information by contacting the Iraqi Assistance Center's Security Officer, also located in the Iraq Forum, at tel: 1-914-360-9241 (New York number). Detailed security information is also available at www.centcom.mil.

Updated information on travel and security in Iraq may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. U.S. citizens who plan to travel to or remain in Iraq despite this Travel Warning should consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheets and the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.