With the peak summer travel season approaching, the U.S. Department of State has advised American citizens against visiting a particular nation in the Middle East entirely.
For a Level 4 travel advisory — which represents the highest level of warning — the State Department cautioned U.S. citizens against traveling to Iraq for any purpose due to various safety issues.
“Refrain from traveling to Iraq because of terrorism, kidnappings, armed combat, civil disturbances, and the U.S. government’s restricted capacity to offer urgent assistance to American citizens within Iraq. Avoid all trips to Iraq regardless of purpose,” as stated by the
travel warning stated
on Wednesday, June 11.
The most recent travel warning was released on Wednesday, June 11, following the directive from the Department of State for non-essential U.S. government employees to leave Iraq because of increased tension across the region. This move underscores the escalating danger posed to even diplomatic staff within the country.
“American citizens residing in Iraq confront significant dangers such as acts of violence and abduction. Militant and insurgent organizations frequently target both Iraqi security units and ordinary residents. Moreover, anti-American factions pose threats not only to American individuals but also to multinational corporations operating within the country. Explosions triggered by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), attacks from afar via projectiles, and strikes carried out by drones have been reported across numerous regions, even extending into large urban centers. Due to these severe hazards, the State Department mandates stringent safety protocols for all U.S. government staff stationed in Iraq concerning their living arrangements and professional duties,” the warning further stated.
The advisory stated that U.S. government employees in Baghdad are not allowed to use Baghdad International Airport because of safety issues.
The State Department delivered several foreboding advisories and recommendations for those who choose to disregard the travel warning and still go to Iraq.
- Develop a personal safety strategy in collaboration with your employer or hosting entity, or think about seeking advice from an experienced security firm.
- Compose a will and assign suitable insurance beneficiaries along with or without designating a power of attorney.
- Submit DNA specimens to your healthcare provider so they can be available for your family’s use if needed for identification reasons.
- Formulate departure strategies that do not depend on support from the U.S. government.
- Talk through a strategy with your family about looking after the kids, pets, possessions, valuables like art collections, as well as what you want for funerals and more.
- Share crucial documents, login details, and points of contact with family members so they can handle your matters should you be unable to come back to the United States as scheduled.
It goes without saying that you might want to reconsider adding Iraq to your near-term travel itinerary.
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