US raises Iraq travel warning to highest level, urges immediate departure

The United States has raised its travel advisory for Iraq to Level 4, the highest possible warning, and is urging American citizens to leave the country immediately amid heightened security risks linked to potential attacks by Iran-aligned groups.

In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said it warned that Iraqi airspace had reopened and limited commercial flights were operating, but cautioned that travelers should remain aware of “the ongoing potential risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace," Caliber.Az reports. 

The embassy reiterated its strongest guidance for citizens, stating that the U.S. government advises against all travel to Iraq and urging Americans already in the country to depart without delay due to what it described as significant security risks.

تحذير أمني – سفارة الولايات المتحدة بغداد، العراق – 5 أيار\مايو 2026

الموقع: العراق

أُعيد فتح المجال الجوي العراقي، وتعمل رحلات تجارية محدودة حاليًا. ينبغي على من يفكرون في السفر الجوي داخل العراق أن يكونوا على دراية بالمخاطر المحتملة المستمرة لوجود صواريخ وطائرات مسيّرة وقذائف… pic.twitter.com/kOfqVXbpo2

— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) May 5, 2026

It also warned that Iraqi militant groups aligned with Iran continue to plan potential attacks targeting U.S. citizens and U.S.-linked interests across Iraq, including in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. The embassy further stated that some elements within Iraq’s political system are accused of providing varying levels of support or protection to such groups.

Despite the escalation, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Iraq remains operational under an ordered departure status, with staff available to assist American citizens. However, the embassy instructed U.S. nationals not to travel to embassy facilities in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to security concerns.

Officials advised citizens seeking assistance to use designated emergency contact emails for both Baghdad and Erbil.

Regarding travel routes, the embassy noted that commercial flights are available from neighbouring countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. It added that overland routes to these countries remain open, though travelers must comply with local entry and exit regulations and review relevant security advisories.

Routine consular services in Iraq, including visa processing, remain suspended until further notice.

By Sabina Mammadli