In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the change in advice was due to Iraq’s security situation, threats towards Turkish companies and the “growing remarks from various circles against Turkey’s interests and encouraging acts of violence, terror, demonstration and kidnapping.
The advice applies to all of Iraq except the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, which are controlled by the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government.
The ministry further asked the Turkish nationals to be “vigilant in all circumstances, avoid crowded places, to strengthen security measures and be in contact with the Baghdad embassy.”
It said cautioned nationals against travelling to Iraq “unless it is absolutely necessary”, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.