Halabja and Kermanshah to open new border crossing for civilian vehicles

HALABJA – In an effort to strengthen cross-border relations and ease travel between the Kurdistan Region and Iran, the Halabja governorate, part of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the Kermanshah governorate in Iran have agreed to open a new border gate allowing civilian vehicles to pass freely between the two nations.

The agreement was reached during a meeting held Wednesday between Halabja Mayor Nuksha Nasih and his Iranian counterpart from Paveh district, Ali Reza Heidari. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation through the Shushme border crossing, which was officially inaugurated on June 24, 2023, connecting Halabja and Paveh.

According to a statement after the meeting, the new crossing will enable citizens from both countries to travel using their private vehicles, simplifying procedures and boosting local economies. Ali Reza Heidari confirmed that long-standing negotiations would conclude by next month. “By next month, civilians from both sides will be able to drive their vehicles across the Shushme gate without any delays,” Heidari said.

Nasih explained that vehicle crossing procedures at Shushme will follow the same regulations used at other Kurdistan-Iran border crossings. “We will apply the same protocols here to ensure smooth and efficient travel for all citizens,” Nasih said.

For those wishing to cross into Iran or the Kurdish areas of Iran in their private vehicles, several administrative steps must be completed. Individuals must first register with the General Directorate of Customs in their respective province to receive a customs document. They then need to finalize procedures with the Directorate of Transportation. The total administrative process in the Kurdistan Region costs around $250.

Although there are multiple crossings between the Kurdistan Region and Iran, only three are internationally recognized: Bashmakh and Parwezkhan in Sulaimani province, and Haji Omran in Erbil province. The addition of the Shushme gate will provide another vital link, facilitating easier travel and trade between the two regions.