Possibility of Demonstrations

February 22, 2011

The U.S. Embassy in Iraq continues to monitor reports that large-scale multi-day public demonstrations collectively known as the "Day of Rage" will occur in Iraq in the coming days.  Recent similar protests in Iraq and in other countries in the region have resulted in significant hardship and danger to U.S. citizens traveling or living in proximity to the protests.  The U.S. Embassy will be closed for all but emergency services and has cancelled planned movements and outside meetings scheduled from 12:00 noon local time on Thursday, February 24, until 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 26.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid all movements, especially those for which they might encounter large crowds and protests, and to defer any planned travel to Iraq.

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 website:  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 at 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 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, 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 areas 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).