Iraq Border Customs Crossings: What to Know
Habur–Ibrahim Khalil carries almost all road trade between Turkey and Iraq. Here is what to know about it, the smaller gates, the planned Ovaköy crossing, and how to prepare.
October 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Iraq is one of Turkey’s largest export markets, and most of that trade travels by road. Turkey and Iraq share a short border in the south-east, and one gate, Habur, carries almost all of the road trade.
The gates
| Turkish gate | Province (district) | Iraqi side | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habur | Şırnak (Silopi) | Ibrahim Khalil (near Zakho) | Main road freight and passenger gate |
| Üzümlü | Hakkâri (Çukurca) | Kani Masi area | Mainly passengers; difficult terrain |
| Derecik | Hakkâri (Şemdinli) | — | Smaller gate |
| Ovaköy (planned) | Şırnak (Silopi) | Fishkhabour | New road and rail crossing; agreed in July 2026, not yet in regular use |
Habur–Ibrahim Khalil
Habur, near Silopi in Şırnak province, is the main artery of Turkey–Iraq trade. In the first six months of 2026 alone, it recorded about 731,000 vehicle entries and exits.
On the Iraqi side, the Ibrahim Khalil crossing is administered by the Kurdistan Region authorities. Cargo that travels on to other parts of Iraq, such as Mosul, Baghdad, or Basra, may meet additional checks inside Iraq.
Because so much traffic depends on one gate, queues at Habur can be long. Any disruption there affects the whole trade route.
Üzümlü and Derecik
These smaller gates in Hakkâri province are not main freight routes. Üzümlü is used mainly by people rather than commercial trucks, because of security concerns and difficult mountain terrain.
Ovaköy: the planned second gate
Turkey and Iraq have discussed a second main gate at Ovaköy, west of Habur, for many years. In July 2026 the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding on road and rail transport through the Fishkhabour–Ovaköy crossing.
This crossing is planned as Turkey’s link to Iraq’s Development Road project, a road and rail corridor from the Grand Faw Port in Basra north to the Turkish border. It is meant to work alongside Habur, not to replace it. Until it opens, Habur remains the main route.
Documents and procedures
- Export from Turkey: a standard export declaration in BİLGE, made through a licensed customs broker.
- Transit: TIR carnets are commonly used on this route.
- Commercial papers: commercial invoice, packing list, CMR, and certificate of origin.
- Conformity requirements: Iraq requires proof of conformity for many imported product types. Check early with your buyer which certificates are needed.
- Screening: Iraq is not under broad international trade sanctions, but some individuals and entities are on sanctions lists. Screen your buyers and other parties before shipping.
Practical tips
- Plan for Habur queues. Allow extra time, especially before holidays.
- Know the final destination. A shipment to Erbil or Duhok can follow a different path from one going to Baghdad or Basra.
- Check certificates early. A missing conformity document can hold cargo at the border.
- Watch for news on Ovaköy. Once it opens, it may change routes and transit times for southern Iraq.
AntEX moves cargo to the Middle East with care and attention, and with continuous tracking. We work within the rules of international trade, and we do not handle sanctioned goods.
Please note: This article is general information, not legal or customs advice. Border gate status, working hours, and rules can change at short notice. Always check the latest position with the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the authorities of the other country, or your customs broker before you ship.
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We move what matters — within the rules of international trade. Every shipment is checked with care, and we do not handle sanctioned goods.