KRG outlines travel guidance for stranded citizens as airport closures persist

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government on Monday night issued updated instructions to help Kurdish citizens stranded abroad return home, as continued airport closures disrupt international travel in the wake of regional conflict.

In a public notice, the KRG encouraged affected travelers to apply for three-day Turkish transit visas and return to the Kurdistan Region by land through the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing.

“Dear citizens, following the continued efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure your safe return, especially for those whose travel was interrupted by the airport closures, we ask you to follow the steps below to facilitate your return,” the statement read.

The government advised individuals to visit the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy and request a short-term transit visa, valid for 72 hours. Travelers must book their return through a Turkish airline to qualify for the visa, regardless of which Turkish airport the flight arrives at. Applicants must not be on Turkish travel ban lists or have a criminal record in Turkey.

Those carrying foreign passports must present their Iraqi passports at the time of application to benefit from the emergency measures.

The government emphasized that this is a temporary arrangement and only valid while Iraqi airspace remains closed due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Many citizens had already contacted the KRG via emergency hotlines and a special online form designed to collect information from stranded travelers. The government said returnees requiring further assistance should reach out to the Joint Crisis Coordination Center or consular offices.

KRG teams have been deployed at the Ibrahim Khalil crossing to support those returning via Turkey. The notice concluded with a pledge to continue assisting those still abroad: “We assure you that we will intensify our efforts and continue until every citizen returns safely.”