Possibility of Protests

September 7, 2011

Local authorities report that large-scale public demonstrations may occur in Baghdad all day on Friday, September 9, 2011.  As a result, there may be increased inconvenience and security risk to U.S. citizens that day in Baghdad and possibly in other locations around the country.  Protests in Iraq have previously included violence that has caused injuries and deaths.  U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid large crowds and any protests they encounter in Iraq.

We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

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.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

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).