DUBAI 8 January 2019: Due to the deteriorating security situation in Iraq and the surrounding region, governments of several countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States have issued travel warnings for their citizens regarding all travel to Iraq.
American and Dutch citizens in Iraq have been urged to depart Iraq immediately. Employers in Iraq liaising with U.S. consular authorities in Iraq for the issuance of visa invitation letters for their staff should expect delays in the process due to the suspension of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, said immigration experts, Fragomen.
Impact on employers in Iraq: Following the suspension of all consular operations at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on 31 December 2019, employers in Iraq (mainly companies with military contracts with the Iraqi government) liaising with U.S. consular authorities for the issuance of visa invitation letters for their staff should expect delays in the process.
Impact on foreign nationals in Iraq: Foreign nationals in Iraq are advised to monitor travel warnings and follow any evacuation instructions issued by their countries. Individuals should be aware of visa and other immigration requirements imposed by countries of their destination and should consider increased traffic at the international airports in Iraq and potential difficulties in crossing land borders with neighbouring countries.
Due to recent attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, American citizens are advised not to approach the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil is open for Non-Immigrant Visa and American Citizen Services appointments, including passport issuance. Immigrant Visa applicants should seek to transfer their case elsewhere by emailing other consular posts to request transfer of their case, Fragomen advised.
