Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Iraq.
Iraq Status
DISRUPTION
Travel to Iraq is significantly affected by regional security conditions. Iraqi airports remain operational and international flights continue, but all flights between Iran and the four Iraqi airports serving Iranian routes have now been suspended. Severe security warnings also remain in place for Iraq, and airspace, airport and border conditions can change at short notice.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Iran flights suspended
Flights between Iran and Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah are currently suspended. Travellers should not rely on previously published schedules for Iraq-Iran air travel.
Iraqi airports remain open
The suspension of Iranian flights does not mean Iraq’s airports are closed. Other domestic and international services continue to operate.
Najaf
Najaf International Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights to Iran from 2am on 25 September until further notice. This is particularly significant because Iran previously accounted for a large share of Najaf’s international traffic.
Regional airspace
The wider Middle East security situation can cause flight cancellations, diversions and temporary airspace restrictions with little warning. Travellers should confirm their flight directly with the airline.
Security warnings
Iraq remains subject to severe official travel warnings because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime and unrest. Risk levels also vary considerably between different regions of the country.
Federal Iraq visa
Travellers who require a visa for federal Iraq should obtain it before travelling. Visa on arrival is no longer generally available for ordinary visits to federal Iraq, and eligible travellers should use the Iraqi government’s eVisa system.
Kurdistan Region
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq operates a separate visa system. A visa issued for the Kurdistan Region may not provide permission to travel throughout federal Iraq.
Iran border
Iraq has several land crossings with Iran. Conditions can change quickly because of the regional security situation, so travellers should confirm that their intended crossing is operating before beginning an overland journey.
Türkiye border
The main international land route between the Kurdistan Region and Türkiye remains an important overland connection. Travellers should check current crossing and security conditions before departure.
Baghdad airport access
Road access to Baghdad International Airport can be affected by security measures. Current UK guidance warns that routes into and out of Baghdad and its airport can close with little or no notice.
Latest Travel Changes
Iran flights suspended across four Iraqi airports
As of 25 September, flights to and from Iran have been suspended at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. These are the four Iraqi airports where Iranian flights were operating.
Najaf suspension effective today
Najaf International Airport suspended all flights to and from Iran from 2am on 25 September until further notice following official instructions.
Erbil and Sulaimaniyah join suspension
Erbil and Sulaimaniyah suspended Iranian flights on 25 September after similar restrictions had already affected Baghdad and Najaf.
Other international flights continue
The Iranian flight suspension is not a nationwide closure of Iraqi aviation. Iraq’s airports remain operational for other routes, although travellers should expect the regional situation to remain unpredictable.
Severe travel advisory remains
The current U.S. advisory remains Level 4: Do Not Travel because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks and limited ability to provide emergency assistance.
Before You Travel
Check the latest government travel advice before making any journey to Iraq.
Confirm your flight directly with the operating airline shortly before departure because regional aviation restrictions can change quickly.
If your journey involves Iran, do not assume previously scheduled flights are operating. Iranian services at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah are currently suspended.
Obtain the correct visa before travelling. Remember that federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have different visa arrangements.
If travelling overland, confirm that your intended border crossing is operating before beginning your journey.
Allow additional flexibility when travelling to or from Baghdad International Airport because road access can be restricted with little notice.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.