Main entry points into Iraq

Iraq is served by several key gateways, each suited to different cargo types and destinations:

  • Umm Qasr Port — Iraq's primary deep-sea port, handling containerised and bulk cargo. Ideal for sea freight destined to southern and central Iraq.
  • Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing — the main land gateway from Türkiye into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG), serving Erbil and Duhok.
  • Al-Mandili / Trebil — overland crossings from Jordan and Syria respectively.
  • Baghdad and Erbil Airports — for time-critical air cargo.

Kurdistan Region vs. federal Iraq

The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah) operates with a degree of administrative autonomy, which can simplify certain customs procedures for goods entering via Ibrahim Khalil. However, cargo destined to federal Iraq (Baghdad, Basra) must comply with federal customs requirements and may require a separate clearance process at the internal boundary.

Documentation requirements

Standard documentation includes commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (legalised at an Iraqi embassy where required), and a bill of lading or airway bill. Certain goods require additional permits — including restricted goods, food items and pharmaceuticals.

Choosing the right route

For containerised sea cargo to southern Iraq, Umm Qasr is usually most efficient. For overland transport from Türkiye or Europe, the Ibrahim Khalil crossing into the KRG offers the most direct route. WGSA operates a dedicated office in Erbil to manage customs clearance, documentation and last-mile delivery across the KRG and into central Iraq.

Working with WGSA in Iraq

WGSA's Erbil team provides on-the-ground customs brokerage, freight coordination and document handling. Combined with our Istanbul headquarters, we offer seamless door-to-door service from origin to final destination in Iraq.