Warning – Ashura in Iraq

Key Points:

• CDC recommends that Americans not travel to Iraq for Ashura due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. CDC also recommends that Americans already in Iraq not make the pilgrimage this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• Attending mass gatherings, such as Ashura events, can increase the risk of getting COVID-19.
• Older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness.

What is the current situation?

Ashura is a holy day and an occasion for a pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq. In 2020, Ashura will take place around August 28–August 29. CDC recommends that Americans not travel to Iraq for the pilgrimage this year due the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC also recommends that Americans already in Iraq continue to take precautions and avoid traveling within the country for the pilgrimage. It may be difficult to practice social distancing when attending mass gatherings, such as during Ashura events. Close contact with others can increase your risk of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 or spreading the virus to others.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be exposed to the virus during travel—from infected people with symptoms or without symptoms at airports or on airplanes, ships, trains, or buses. Should you travel to Iraq for Ashura, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may have to remain outside the United States for an unknown length of time. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while abroad, you may face COVID-19 travel restrictions, including isolation in government-owned or designated facilities, and you may not be allowed to return to the United States until after you have recovered from your illness. If you are found to be exposed to a person with COVID-19 while abroad, you may be quarantined and not allowed to return to the United States until 14 days after your last exposure.

If you need medical care in Iraq, resources and options may be limited. Please contact American Citizen Services at US Embassy Baghdad for more up to date information regarding services for American citizens.

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?

CDC recommends that Americans not participate in mass gatherings related to the Ashura pilgrimage in Iraq this year.

Should you travel, here are some steps that you may take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Also, avoid the following:
  • Touching surfaces that others not in your immediate family or household have touched.
  • Using or sharing communal prayer items such as prayer beads, tablets, and books.
  • Eating or drinking from shared utensils in communal settings.
  • Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially if you have not just cleaned your hands.
  • Contact with anyone who is sick.
  • Traveling when you are ill.

When you return to the United States

Traveler Information

Clinician Information