Turkey will implement a visa exemption for Iraqi citizens under the age of 15 and over 50 starting September 1. This policy, announced after security talks between both nations, aims to strengthen relations and ease travel for these specific age groups. The move is expected to strengthen ties between Turkey and Iraq, reflecting their ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and ease cross-border interactions.
New Visa-Free Policy for Iraqi Citizens
Turkey announced that Iraqi citizens under the age of 15 and over 50 will be granted visa-free entry starting September 1, 2024. This decision follows agreements made earlier in the year during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan officially confirmed the policy during a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, after the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism in Ankara.
Fidan emphasized that the decision reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease travel restrictions and enhance bilateral ties. “We have resolved to implement visa exemptions for Iraqis below 15 and above 50,” he said, adding that the move will help foster closer relations between the two neighboring countries.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This visa exemption aims to boost cross-border interactions and encourage travel for specific groups of Iraqi citizens. The decision marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between Turkey and Iraq, facilitating easier travel for family visits and business-related activities.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Iraq, Omar Barzanji, had previously confirmed this agreement in July 2024, stating, “We have reached an agreement with the Turkish Foreign Ministry to lift visas for people under the age of 15 and those over the age of 50.” Barzanji also noted that the visa requirements for individuals outside these age groups would remain unchanged.
Expanded Cooperation on Security
In addition to the visa agreement, Turkey and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on security, and military cooperation. This MoU was signed by both nations’ defense ministers and is seen as a critical step in addressing shared security challenges, particularly concerning the opposition groups, which operates in Iraq.
Fidan stated that Turkey and Iraq have made significant progress on security cooperation and that both countries are committed to elevating their collaboration through joint coordination and training centers. These centers will enable Iraq and Turkey to work together in their fight against the opposition groups, which has been a longstanding issue in the region.
Joint Security Initiatives
The MoU outlines plans for establishing a joint security coordination center in Baghdad and a joint training and cooperation center in Bashika. These centers will serve as hubs for both nations to collaborate on security efforts, providing training and coordination to combat military activities in the region.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that it is the first of its kind in the history of Turkey-Iraq relations. He added that the PKK is now considered a banned organization in Iraq and that efforts continues to pose a threat to Iraqi society.
