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Frequently asked questions about the situation in Iraq

Last update: 25 June 2025 - 05:40 PM

The security situation in Iraq is dangerous and unpredictable. Read the frequently asked questions to find out what this means for you.

Try to leave Iraq if you can do so safely. Information is available via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (information in Dutch), including options for leaving Iraq by land via Türkiye. See also previous Information Service messages on central government’s live blog.

Leaving Iraq by plane

The airspace over Iraq is open. Commercial flights are departing from the airports in Erbil and Baghdad. For available options, contact your airline.

Leaving Iraq via Türkiye

You can cross into Türkiye via the border crossing at Ibrahim Khalil/Habur, near Zakho. The recommended route is from Erbil via Duhok to Zakho, which should take approximately 3.5 hours. Keep in mind that the situation at the border may be busy and chaotic, with waiting times of more than 5 hours.

Orange and red travel advisories apply in areas near the border between Iraq and Türkiye. If you will be travelling via Ibrahim Khalil/Habur, where the travel advisory is orange, remain on the main road. Read also the travel advisory for Türkiye (information in Dutch).

Once you are in Türkiye, various airports can be reached within a few hours. Please note: check beforehand whether flights from these airports are operating and whether tickets are still available.

Dutch passport holders do not need a visa for Türkiye. If you do not have a Dutch passport, you can read about the visa requirements for Türkiye on the Turkish government’s website.

A Crisis Contact Team has been set up for stranded Dutch nationals who have specific questions. For example, if you’re experiencing problems crossing a border. Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247 between 8:45 AM and 5:15 PM (Dutch time). You can ask to be connected to the Crisis Contact Team.

No. The Dutch government’s options for repatriating Dutch travellers stranded in Iran or Iraq are limited. The geographical location of these countries also makes it difficult to provide direct assistance. The travel advisories for Iran and Iraq, with the exception of Iraqi Kurdistan, have been ‘red’ for a number of years. This means: do not travel there.

A red travel advisory has been in effect for all of Iraq, including the Kurdish Autonomous Region, since 13 June 2025. This means that you should not travel to Iraq, whatever your situation. It is too dangerous. If you are currently in Iraq, leave the country if you can do so safely.

Read the current travel advisory for Iraq (information in Dutch)

We hope that you are somewhere safe. Below are some things you can do:

  • Keep up with the local news and follow the local authorities’ instructions.
  • Leave Iraq if you can do so safely. The Dutch government cannot help you leave the country.
  • Check the travel advisory for Iraq regularly for updates. And sign up for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service so the ministry can send you information and contact you if necessary.
  • Let your family and friends know how you are doing.

It is your own responsibility to decide whether to stay or go. Consider your options carefully. But be aware that the Dutch embassy cannot help you if you encounter problems.

A Crisis Contact Team has been set up for stranded Dutch nationals who have specific questions. For example, if you’re experiencing problems crossing a border. Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247 between 8:45 AM and 5:15 PM (Dutch time). You can ask to be connected to the Crisis Contact Team.

We hope that your family members/friends are somewhere safe. It is important that they sign up for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service so that the ministry can send them information or contact them if necessary.

You can also sign up for the Information Service yourself so that you receive messages from the ministry too.

The Dutch embassy in Baghdad and the consulate-general in Erbil are open to the public. See the opening hours of the embassy and the consulate-general.

You can reach the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on +31 247 247 247 or by sending a WhatsApp message to +31 857 737 400.

If you have an appointment at VFS Global in Erbil, check the VFS Global website regularly for possible changes to their opening hours.