Doing Business in Iraq
Travel Warning
By
Oct 15, 2003, 23:34

This information is current as of today, Wed Oct 15 2003 23:28:46 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time).
IRAQ

October 2, 2003

This Travel Warning provides updated information on the security situation in Iraq and advises Americans of the bombings at the UN headquarters that resulted in deaths and injuries of American citizens and threats against expatriate targets. The security threat to all American citizens in Iraq remains high. This replaces the Travel Warning of August 22, 2003.

There have been a number of explosions in Baghdad, including at hotels, the UN headquarters, and the Jordanian Embassy. In addition, there have been planned and random killings, as well as extortions and kidnappings. The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq. Although the restrictions on the use of U.S. passport travel to, in or through Iraq has been lifted, travel to Iraq remains extremely 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. Hotels, restaurants and locations with expatriate staff are being targeted. The security environment in all of Iraq remains volatile and unpredictable. Attacks against coalition forces as well as civilian targets occur throughout the day, but travel at night is extremely dangerous.

All vehicular travel in Iraq is extremely dangerous, and there have been attacks on civilian as well as military convoys. Travel in or through Ramadi and Faluja is particularly dangerous. 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 provide visa services. 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.

American citizens may obtain the latest security information or other information about Iraq by phone: 1-914-360-1025, or by e-mail: payneba@orha.centcom.mil. Detailed security information is also available at http://www.centcom.mil and security.advisor@us.army.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.

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