Do not travel to Iran or Iraq

Governments around the world are admonishing their citizens against travel to Iran or Iraq at this time. Iran has declared a three-day period of mourning (3-6 January) following the death of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on 3 January. (See international travel advisories and Securely Travel advisories)

Travelers need to take into account the changed dynamic within the region, specifically within Iran and Iraq.

Iran

The UK FCO specifically admonishes UK-Iranian dual nationals against all travel to Iran. They continue to describe how the risk of British nationals will be arbitrarily detained is high.

The Australian government urges citizens to “reconsider your need to travel” to Iran at this time. They too note the arbitrary detention and arrest doctrine within Iran.

The United States admonishes travelers to not travel to Iran at this time due to risk of “kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.”

Iraq

The Australian government is urging its citizens to leave Iraq as soon as possible, due to the violent security situation.

The United States has urged its citizens to not travel to Iraq and those in Iraq to leave as soon as possible. The U.S. mission suspended consular operations on 31 December as a result of the attack on the U.S. Embassy. Those U.S. citizens needing consular services are being directed to the Consulate in Erbil.

Travel Checklists

International travelers, especially those from the United States should eschew the wearing of clothing which highlights the nationality of the individual while traveling abroad. That is to say, dress for the locale you are traveling to, avoid highlighting that you are a foreign tourist or business traveler and blend in as much as possible.

While the likelihood of the Iranian IRGC will target individuals not associated with U.S. government entities, it is not zero.

To better prepare for international travel, we recommend reading these checklists.

Read the Travel Security Checklist for Medical and Health Risk information

Read the Travel Security Checklist for Document and Credentials

Read the Travel Security Checklist for Destination Information

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