There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level.  The “Crime” risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.

Advisory Summary

Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.  The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks.

The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols due to serious threats.  

Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq. Only family members who meet the following requirements may join U.S. government employees working in Iraq:

• Are 21 years of age or older, and
• Are employed by the U.S. government.

Kidnapping

U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq.   Terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq.  Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Crime and armed conflict

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.  Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.

Health

Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside of the largest cities.

If you need emergency medical assistance, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable.  Problems with transportation, roads, and safety can result in delays if you need medical evacuation.

Aviation safety

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.  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.

• For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. 

For U.S. citizens in Iraq:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. Embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Iraq, information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, and information on Terrorism.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Iraq.  The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
• Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Prepare a will.  Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries 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.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or 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

There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect that family members may travel to the UAE.

Reconsider Travel to the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Advisory Summary

U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks.

As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in UAE.

Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States.

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

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.

Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Local laws
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior drug possession traffic violations; financial crimes video recording officials, members of the public, infrastructure, or military activity. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates.

If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for United Arab Emirates.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect that family members may travel to Qatar.

Reconsider travel to Qatar due to risk of armed conflict.

Advisory summary
U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

As of August 28, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Qatar.

Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.

Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents.  For more information, Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

If you decide to travel to Qatar:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report.
• Be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate.
• Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
• Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization.  Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Qatar.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

There was no change to the advisory level. Armed conflict risks were updated under “unrest” indicator. Advisory summary was updated.

Advisory summary
Do not travel to Ukraine for any reason due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

U.S. embassy operations

• The Embassy is open and operating in Kyiv; however, Embassy personnel are subject to movement, curfew, and activity restrictions, which may cause delays in provision of consular assistance to U.S. citizens outside of Kyiv.
• U.S. citizens seeking assistance, including routine services, should email KyivACS@state.gov.
• Review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

• U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel outside of Kyiv due to safety risks.
• Due to safety risks, the State Department does not authorize family members to join U.S. government employees in Ukraine.
• U.S. citizens in Ukraine are advised to take the same precautions. 

Armed conflict
The Russia-Ukraine war continues, and non-frontline regions are also subject to Russian indiscriminate missile and drone attacks.

• The security situation can change quickly, and travelers should be prepared to depart immediately with little to no warning.
• Travelers should react to air alerts and seek appropriate shelter.
• Closed airspace restricts travel options, and non-frontline regions are subject to martial law restrictions, such as a nationwide curfew.
• U.S. government employees are subject to movement, curfew, and activity restrictions that may be more limited than Ukrainian government restrictions under martial law.
• All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place.
• U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness in the event of military attacks.
• Download and turn on notifications for free mobile applications – which U.S. government personnel in Ukraine are required to have and monitor – that announce air alerts in real time, such as Air Raid Siren and Alarm Map.
• The U.S. Embassy does not have the ability to provide real-time alerts to the general U.S. citizen community of air threats.
• Always know the location of your closest shelter.    
• In the event of mortar, artillery, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.
• If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

State of emergency
On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each region (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions.

Measures could include:

• curfews
• restrictions on freedom of movement
• ID verification
• increased security inspections
• other measures
• Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Dual nationals
While Ukrainian law does allow dual nationality, Ukraine will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are also a citizen of Ukraine.

• Dual citizens will be treated as Ukrainian citizens while in Ukraine and will be required to use a Ukrainian passport upon entry and exit of the country.
• Men aged 23-60 with Ukrainian citizenship are also subject to exit restrictions and possible mobilization during the period of martial law.
• The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received numerous reports of dual U.S.-Ukrainian citizens encountering significant difficulties both entering and exiting Ukraine.
• Travelers with family ties to Ukraine should consult the nearest Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate regarding potential citizenship obligations before entering Ukraine.
• For more information on traveling with dual nationality, please visit our Travelers with Dual Nationality page.

Aviation safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Risks in specific areas

Occupied and conflict-affected regions of Ukraine 

Russia exercises de facto control over areas it occupies, including Crimea