Iraq Updates Security Alerts and Airspace Closures

Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority has extended the closure of its national airspace, leaving all commercial flights grounded. This measure, which began on February 28, continues as regional tensions escalate. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an emergency alert on April 2 warning of imminent threats from militias targeting U.S. interests within 24 to 48 hours.

The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the country. Non-emergency government personnel were ordered to leave in early March, and officials are now urging all remaining citizens to depart immediately. Because the airports are shuttered, the only way out is via land borders to neighboring countries.

Who is affected

This situation impacts all foreign nationals currently in Iraq, including digital nomads, expats, and humanitarian workers. Travelers who rely on air connectivity for remote work or regional visas are particularly vulnerable. The security environment is volatile, with high risks of kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest disrupting basic services and internet stability.

What to do

If you are currently in Iraq, you should not wait for a government-sponsored evacuation. Instead, make independent travel arrangements to leave via overland routes.

• Choose northern routes: Travelers generally find the path through Türkiye (via the Zakho border) safer than southern routes near active conflict zones.
• Budget for high costs: Expect inflated prices for private transport. A taxi from Baghdad to the northern borders can cost several hundred dollars, followed by bus fares into cities like Diyarbakir.
• Enroll in STEP: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive real-time security nomad news and location-specific updates.
• Check border status: While land borders with Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye remain open, conditions can change hourly.

Travelers should maintain a low profile and ensure all travel documents are easily accessible for checkpoints. Monitor local media and stay in close contact with your embassy as the situation develops.

Read our full Iraq guide for the complete picture.