Notice to Citizens of the Kurdistan Region Returning from Neighbouring Regional Airports
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has established a Coordination Room, jointly managed by the Ministry of the Interior (MoI) and the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR), to assist citizens stranded at airports in neighbouring countries due to the closure of Iraqi airspace.
The Coordination Room has also announced a form to collect information and facilitate assistance for those citizens. The Coordination Room informs citizens of the following:
First: If you are currently at an airport in a neighbouring country and require assistance, please contact one of the following WhatsApp numbers. These lines have been activated by the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre at the MoI. Kindly send your information to:
+964 750 803 5680
+964 750 803 5681
Due to the exceptionally high volume of calls and the continuous communication between passengers and KRG staff, the hotlines are currently experiencing significant pressure. On Saturday alone, 2,612 calls were received. Despite this, the lines remain active and fully operational.
We assure all our citizens - regardless of their location - that every effort is being made to respond to each inquiry. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. For those who have not yet contacted the hotlines, you may also submit your information via the following form: [Click to open the form]
Second: In coordination with the Turkish government, the DFR has arranged for citizens of the Kurdistan Region holding Iraqi passports to enter Türkiye via Istanbul or Sabiha Gökçen airports when travelling with Turkish Airlines or any other Turkish carrier. Upon arrival, a five-day transit visa will be granted. From there, travellers may continue their journey either by land or via domestic flights to an airport within Türkiye near the Kurdistan Region’s border, and cross into the Region through the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing.
Third: Citizens holding Iraqi passports who are visiting European countries with Schengen visas may enter Türkiye either by obtaining an e-visa online or by receiving a visa on arrival, as outlined in the second point.
Fourth: At the Ibrahim Khalil and Haji Omran international border crossings, the DFR and MoI have coordinated to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to facilitate the efficient return of citizens travelling overland from Iran and Türkiye.