Arar border crossing with Iraq reopens November 18

Event

The governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq agreed to reopen the Arar border crossing on Wednesday, November 18, following its 30-year closure. The border has completely reopened to commercial and freight traffic, whereas previously it has only opened on selected occasions to allow Iraqi pilgrims to travel to Mecca for Hajj.

Despite the reopening, entry restrictions may remain in place due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Context

The Arar border crossing was closed following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 which prompted the Saudi government to cut diplomatic ties with Iraq. The reopening comes amid an improvement in relations between the countries after Saudi Arabia reopened its Baghdad embassy in 2015.

Advice

Those planning on using the border crossing are advised to monitor the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.