Travellers to Iraq still face Level 4 warning after October review

The U.S. Embassy in Iraq updated the country's travel advisory on 23 October 2026 to reflect the threat of increased Iranian-supported Houthi regional aggression and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region. Iraq remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel, and the embassy said there were no changes to the advisory level or the risk indicators.

Key facts

• Updated: 23 October 2026
• Advisory level: Level 4: Do Not Travel — unchanged
• What changed: the advisory summary now reflects an increase in potential armed attacks by Iranian-supported Houthis
• Core message: do not travel to Iraq for any reason
• Emergency help: the U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq

What is changing?

Only the advisory summary has been revised. The embassy said the update reflects an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis, along with Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region. The Level 4 rating and the risk indicators stay as they were.

Why is this happening?

The embassy points to hostilities by Iranian-supported Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. It warns that these hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

The advisory also cites terrorism, including attacks encouraged and carried out by ISIS and Iran-aligned militias against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq; kidnapping risks for U.S. citizens; and anti-U.S. militia threats to U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities, and recent targets have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports and locations perceived as U.S.-affiliated, including diplomatic facilities.

What are the risks on the ground?

The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict, the embassy says. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited and likely unavailable outside the largest cities, and hospitals, doctors, ambulances and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable. Problems with transport, roads and safety can delay a medical evacuation.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Iraq and are often unmarked or hard to recognise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region because of risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.

What this means for travellers

The embassy's guidance is not to travel to Iraq for any reason. U.S. government employees need special authorisation to travel to Iraq and work under strict security protocols, with further staffing adjustments possible.

For U.S. citizens already in Iraq, the embassy advises enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, preparing an emergency departure plan that does not depend on U.S. government help, establishing a personal security plan, and reviewing insurance cover for evacuation, medical care and trip cancellation.

The advisory was published on 24 October 2026. No further review date has been announced.