Iraq reciprocates visa-free travel for Turkish citizens

The Iraqi government has announced a visa exemption for Turkish citizens under 15 years old and over 50.

A statement issued by the government said passports of those Turkish citizens will be stamped upon arrival at Iraqi airports and border crossings, granting them a stay of up to 30 days.

Last week, Turkiye announced that it would provide visa free travel to Iraqis who were under 15 years old and aged over 50.

The Iraqi decision is expected to have a positive impact on tourism, trade and financial exchange between the neighbouring countries, and coincides with a package of security and political understandings concluded between Baghdad and Ankara.

In July, the Iraqi and Turkish foreign ministers agreed to abolish visas for the two categories of travellers.

The step is expected to contribute to reviving the number of tourists as well as increasing trade exchange between Iraq and Turkiye through the Ibrahim Al-Khalil border crossing.

Data from the Turkish Exporters Council indicated that Iraq ranked fifth among Turkiye’s top markets during the first quarter of 2024, with about $ 2.7 billion in imports. On the other hand, the number of Iraqi tourists who visited Turkiye during the first five months of this year reached 352,000, according to the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.