U.S. Citizens Again May Travel to Iraq
Posted Jul 25, 2003

On July 14, 2003, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) lifted the ban against traveling to Iraq on a U.S. passport. However, before planning a trip to Iraq, DOS advises that one's safety cannot be guaranteed in Iraq.

DOS released a travel warning, dated July 15, 2003, for those who wish to travel to Iraq. U.S. citizens are strongly warned against travel to Iraq. Merely having a U.S. passport does not guarantee entry to Iraq. Though there is a U.S. consular officer in Baghdad, located at the Iraq Forum, the officer cannot issue U.S. passports or provide visa services. Any U.S. citizen who goes to Iraq should inform the consular officer of his or her presence in the country.

It is understandable that naturalized citizens who have friends and family in Iraq may need to visit their homeland. However, remnants of the former Baath regime, transitional terrorists, and criminal elements apparently continue to create chaos in Iraq. Not all military actions have ceased. The areas in and around Baghdad, Faluja, Ramadi, Tikrit, Bayji, Baqubah, Mosul, and Kirkuk are particularly dangerous. Civilians are attacked frequently by rogue elements, and there has been an increase in the use of improvised explosive devices and mines on the roads, as well as grenades and other explosives in crowded areas.

The latest security information is available to U.S. citizens by contacting the Iraqi Assistance Center's Security Officer at 1.914.360.9241 or by visiting the website for the United States Central Command. We recommend that readers use these resources prior to any trip to Iraq for the foreseeable future. We urge our MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers who need to travel to Iraq to exercise patience and, if possible, to wait until the coalition forces are able to better stabilize the area.

DOS shares country condition reports on most countries and the risk to U.S. citizens in various parts of the world through travel advisories. It is prudent to consult that advisory and undertake some research prior to traveling to foreign lands.