Note: If you are already embedded in Iraq and would like to request a new embed, click here.

1. Contact the MNF-I Embed Coordination Team

Contact the Embed Coordination Team at the Combined Press Information Center (CPIC) via telephone at (703) 270-0979, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The MNFI Embed coordination team will provide you an embed packet on request. You may also use the links below to download the embed packet which consists of the following forms and informational documents:

a: Media Embed Application

b: Sample Credential Letter

c: Media Information Letter

d: MNF-I Media Ground Rules, Hold Harmless Agreement (Updated Aug. 14, 2009)

3. Obtain Visa from Government of Iraq ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

a: To begin the visa procedure, click here, choose your langauge and click on the "Consular Services" link.

b: Visa application

4. Submit Required Forms

In order to process your request, you must submit the following four documents to the Embed Coordination Team: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

a: Media Embed Application

b: Credential Letter

c: Hold Harmless Agreement

d: Three (3) published examples of your work

The MNF-I Embed Coordination Team will notify you once your request is approved and they will keep you updated. Once approved to embed, you are now ready to travel to Iraq. Reporters traveling to Iraq without being approved to embed are not authorized to use military air or ground transportation and may have restricted access to Coalition facilities and personnel.

a. One can travel to Iraq via Kuwait (preferred option) or Amman, Jordan. Military air travel to Iraq is available from these two locations. You may also fly commercial from Amman, Jordan to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP).

b. Military Air Travel to Iraq from Kuwait (preferred option). Media members use this option the most. Coalition Forces Land Component Command PAO Representative, will coordinate your transportation from Kuwait International Airport to Ali Al-Salem Air Base ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Cell: 011-9720-9838 or DSN: 318-442-0219). Ali Al-Salem is your point of departure to Baghdad. When you arrive at Ali Al-Salem, a PAO representative will provide you with Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) and coordinate your flight to Baghdad. The ITO authorizes your use of military travel from Kuwait to Baghdad. In order to properly coordinate your trip, please provide a copy of your flight itinerary to your PAO representative and the MNF-I embed coordination team as soon as possible.

c. Military Air Travel to Iraq from Amman, Jordan (most difficult method of travel).  There are two military flights a week departing Marka Airport in Amman to Baghdad. These flights occur only Sundays and Thursdays. Available space on these flights is very limited. Please keep the MNF-I embed coordination team updated on your travel progress.

d. Commercial Travel to Iraq from Amman, Jordan (most expensive method of travel). When using this option, you need to coordinate with a local personal security company for protection since these flights arrive at the commercial side of BIAP. Coordinating for protection is not necessary when using military air travel since all flights land in the military side of the airport.

a. Credentials - Prior to embedding with a unit, you must have current MNF-I media credentials, also referred to as a “CPIC badge.”  CPIC badges are generally valid for one year.

b. Arriving in Baghdad without a CPIC badge or an expired CPIC badge - Once you arrive at BIAP you must travel to the CPIC and get credentialed. The CPIC is located in the International Zone. The BIAP passenger terminal help desk can tell you how to get to the IZ. You can also contact the embed team for instructions (DSN 318-239-0979 or commercial 703-270-0979). Once you arrive in the IZ by either air or ground transportation, contact the CPIC escort section for pickup 24-hours per day (DSN 318-239-0891 or Asia Cell +0770-444-2241). Our escort section will pick you up and bring you to the CPIC for credentialing.

c. Credentialed and ready to embed while at the CPIC - Our embed team will facilitate your transportation to the unit you are embedding with. The major command of your embed is primarily responsible for arranging transportation from the IZ.

d. Already credentialed and approved to embed when arriving at BIAP - Prior to arrival at BIAP, transportation to your embedding unit will be pre-coordinated. The MNF-I embed team will provide you with all required instructions.

The links below are provided for media organizations and individuals desiring credentials for use in Iraq or for embedded with MNF-I units in Iraq.

Please read all notes accompanying each link.

a: Contact the CPIC media embed office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

b: Embed Overview This link provides you with detailed information on the embed process.  You’re urged to save this information to your PC and read and understand the information prior to arrival in country.

c: MNF-I Media Ground Rules, Hold Harmless Agreement (Updated May 22, 2008) This link provides you with overview of the ground rules for embedded media. You’re urged to save this information to your PC and study it in depth prior to arrival in country. This link is also provided to enable you to submit the “Hold Harmless” form electronically. This form may not be saved to your PC. If you wish a copy of the information you submit, it is suggested that you print a copy prior to submitting the form.

d: Media Embed Application Part of the Embed Packet (See above)