June 24-28 Traffic Restrictions in Baghdad

June 24, 2011

Beginning on Friday, June 24 and continuing until Tuesday, June 28, the Iraqi Security Forces will institute traffic restrictions in Baghdad in support of a large pilgrimage to the Kadhimiyah Shrine.  As a result, there may be increased inconvenience and security risk to American citizens those days in Baghdad, including additional check points and road closures.

All U.S. citizens in Iraq, including those working on contract for the U.S. Government, are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following web site:  https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, via e-mail to BaghdadACS@state.gov.  In the event of a U.S. citizen emergency that cannot wait until the next business day, the emergency number is:  0770-443-1286 (as dialed within Iraq) or 011-964-770-443-1286 (as dialed from within the United States).

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Iraq, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other area by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal holidays).