Iraq welcomes Spain’s updated travel advice, cites growing confidence in security

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed Spain’s decision to update its travel advice for Iraq, saying the move aligns with steps taken by other European countries and reflects growing confidence in the country’s security situation.

In a statement, the ministry said it “expresses the Republic of Iraq’s welcome of the decision of the friendly Kingdom of Spain to update its travel advice to Iraq in line with the positions of other European countries, based on the Spanish government’s praise of the noticeable improvement in the security situation and the strengthening of stability in various cities and governorates.”

The ministry said it values “this positive position from the Kingdom of Spain, which reflects growing international confidence in the security environment in Iraq, and supports the Iraqi government’s approach to strengthening international partnerships and opening wider prospects for economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation with friendly countries.”

It added that “this development reflects the depth of relations between Iraq and Spain, and European countries in general, and provides motivation to enhance joint work in a way that serves the interests of the two peoples and contributes to strengthening Iraq’s presence and role at the regional and international levels.”

Spain’s updated advisory for Iraq, in effect as of Dec. 4, 2025, and last revised on Nov. 11, 2025, notes that while security has improved, conditions remain complex. The guidance says terrorist attacks, kidnappings, clashes and violent protests cannot be ruled out and advises against travel except for essential reasons.

The advisory says no part of Iraq is free of risk and identifies several governorates, including Diyala, Anbar, Salah al-Din, Kirkuk and parts of Babil, as particularly high risk because of militant activity, unexploded ordnance and limited state control. It also highlights continued activity by ISIS cells, the presence of armed factions and regional tensions that have led to attacks on coalition sites and retaliatory strikes.

Spain also cites environmental and infrastructure risks such as sandstorms, floods, gaps in public services and limited medical capacity. Travelers are urged to avoid road movements when possible, rely on air travel and remain in contact with the Spanish Embassy in Baghdad for assistance.