Türkiye urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq amid security risks

Türkiye's Embassy in Baghdad has advised Turkish citizens to avoid traveling to Iraq unless necessary, warning that security conditions in Iraq could deteriorate rapidly. The embassy issued a statement Friday on X detailing specific locations and situations to avoid amid the escalating regional conflict triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Areas to avoid

The embassy advised Turkish citizens to stay away from crowded squares and gathering areas, locations around Baghdad's Green Zone where protests are held, Baghdad and Erbil international airports and nearby areas, venues frequently visited by third-country nationals, and open spaces where air defense systems may carry out preventive interceptions. It also urged citizens to avoid Mosul and surrounding settlements, areas near Basra, military zones across Iraq, and critical infrastructure such as oil fields, while exercising maximum caution for their personal safety.

Airspace closed

The embassy also recalled that Iraqi airspace has been closed to air traffic due to ongoing regional conflicts and that it has been announced it will remain closed at least until March 16. Under these circumstances, it noted that travel to Türkiye by land remains possible, provided local conditions and security precautions are carefully considered.

Land route open

The statement added that the land route between Türkiye and Iraq remains open and that the Habur-Ibrahim Khalil Border Gate continues to operate, reiterating that Turkish citizens should avoid traveling to Iraq unless necessary during this period. It also said Iraqi authorities have announced that third-country nationals will be granted a seven-day transit visa at land border crossings, allowing Turkish citizens in other regional countries to travel home via Iraq if needed.

Emergency contacts

The embassy urged citizens to contact Turkish diplomatic missions in Iraq or the Consular Call Center in case of emergencies. The advisory comes as Israel and the US continue their joint attack on Iran, launched Feb. 28, which has killed around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran retaliating against regional targets including those in Iraq.