Erbil, Kurdistan Region – In response to the closure of Iraqi airspace and the resulting stranding of Kurdish citizens abroad, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has formed a joint coordination room to facilitate their return. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Foreign Relations, aims to assist travelers stuck at airports in neighboring countries.

Key Measures Announced:

24/7 Helpline for Stranded Citizens

Travelers stranded at any regional airport can request assistance via two dedicated WhatsApp numbers operated by the KRG’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center:

+9647508035680
+9647508035681

In coordination with Turkish authorities, the KRG has secured an agreement allowing Iraqi passport holders from the Kurdistan Region to fly to Istanbul or Sabiha Gökçen Airport without a pre-issued visa via Turkish Airlines or other Turkish carriers.

Upon arrival, travelers will receive a five-day transit visa, enabling them to continue their journey by land or domestic flight to border crossings near the Kurdistan Region.

From there, they can re-enter through the Ibrahim Khalil International Border Crossing.

Citizens stranded in Europe with an Iraqi passport and a valid Schengen visa can either apply for a Turkish e-visa online or travel to Turkey visa-free and obtain their transit permit upon arrival.

The KRG has deployed teams at the Ibrahim Khalil and Hajji Omaran border crossings to streamline entry procedures for citizens returning by land from Iran or Turkey.