Is Iraq safe for Ziyarat?

What the US government says

As of 29 August 2026, the US State Department’s travel advisory for Iraq is Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks and the US government’s limited ability to help citizens in an emergency. Advisories change, so read the current advisory before you book and again before you fly.

What Ziyarat travel looks like on the ground

Millions of pilgrims from around the world visit Karbala, Najaf and Kazmain every year, and the shrine cities have heavy security, with checkpoints and bag checks at the Haram gates. KBM Tours groups travel together in dedicated transport, stay in hotels near the Harams, and our team is with the group throughout. We do not travel to areas outside our planned Ziyarat route.

Steps every family should take

• Enroll in STEP (the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) so the US embassy can contact you.
• Buy travel and medical insurance that covers Iraq, including evacuation.
• Stay with the group and keep your group leader’s number saved.
• Share your itinerary with family at home.
• Follow the news in the weeks before travel. If conditions change, we will tell you.