The Bearded Backpacker

Crossing the Iraq-Kuwait Border: A Complete Guide (2026)

Managed to explore Kuwait before heading to the border.

Planning to cross the Iraq-Kuwait border? Here’s a simple and straight-to-the-point guide to make the process stress-free and smooth.

Check out my Ultimate Guide on Safety in Iraq here.

 

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Answering Your Top Question:

Can I Enter Iraq from Kuwait?

Yes, you can enter Iraq from Kuwait through the Abdali Border Crossing (Kuwait side) and Safwan Border Crossing (Iraq side).

I successfully did and now you can also.

Kuwait Visa Requirements

kuwait visa. crossing border from kuwait to iraq
My eVisa email confirmation.

  • Eligibility: Travelers from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and several other countries can get a visa on arrival in Kuwait. View list here.

  • e-Visa Option: Save time by applying for an e-Visa to Kuwait in advance through the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait. I applied online for an e-Visa, and it took just 5 minutes to receive it in my email. The visa was free for me, so definitely take advantage of this option!

The Kuwait eVisa that they print for you.

Iraq Visa Requirements

The Iraq visa on arrival.

  • Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities, including those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and EU countries, can obtain an Iraq visa on arrival at the Iraq-Kuwait border. View list here.

  • Documents: Make sure you have all required paperwork and fees ready for smooth processing. The process takes a while, as you have to go through immigration, fingerprinting, and additional checks. Be patient and prepared for some wait time.

    Check out my Iraq Solo Travel Guide here.

What You Will Find in this guide

Table of Contents

Have These Documents Before Heading to Iraq-Kuwait Border

Get Your Green Exit Permit Before Heading to the Border:

    • Before heading to the border, make sure you have your green exit permit. This is a required document for exiting Kuwait by land.

    • Where to Get It: First building you see next to the Ports Management building.

    • Directions: Once you leave the airport, make a right turn and walk down until you see this sign above, its right before you pass this sign up. The office will be on your right side.

    • It only takes about 5 minutes to process the permit, so don’t skip this step.

Entrance to get green exit permit is right before you reach this sign.
Building where you get green exit permit
Inside the green exit permit office.
Green exit permit needed to cross the border into Iraq.

Navigating the Border Crossing Process: Traveling from Kuwait to Iraq

  • Start in Kuwait City:

    • Head to the Abdali border crossing, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Kuwait City.

    • Hire a taxi directly to the border. Fares range from 10-14 KD (~$50 USD). Use the Careem app.

    • Alternatively, take a bus to Al Jahra and then a connecting bus or taxi to the border for a more

  • Arrive at Abdali Border (Kuwaiti Side):

    • Go through exit checks where officials verify your documents and process your departure.

    • Be prepared for bag scans and inspections. Ladies may be directed to a separate screening area.

how to cross from kuwait to iraq
This is where your green exit permit will be checked. You cannot cross on foot.
This is where you will be fingerprinted, bus will drop and wait for everyone here.
Bus will drop everyone here. You will head to the left and have your bags checked.

  • Cross to Safwan Border (Iraqi Side):

    • After clearing Kuwaiti formalities, take the border shuttle bus to the Iraqi side. The cost is usually 1 KD (~$3 USD) or free in some cases.

    • At the Safwan border, proceed to the immigration building.

  • Iraq Entry Process:

    • Get your visa on arrival by presenting your passport and required documents.

    • The process includes immigration checks, fingerprinting, and additional security scans. This step may take up to 1-2 hours, depending on queues.

  • Travel to Basra:

    • Once you clear immigration, hire a taxi to Basra. Typical fares are around $30 USD.

    • If traveling further into Iraq, arrange transportation in advance to avoid delays.

Currency Exchange Tips

Kuwaiti Dinar.

  • Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD): Exchange some currency before crossing, as rates at the border may not be favorable.

  • Local ATMs: ATMs are available in Kuwait City, so you can withdraw cash upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Crossing the Iraq-Kuwait border may sound intimidating, but with the right preparation, it’s totally manageable. Whether you’re heading to Basra, Iraq, or Kuwait City, this guide has you covered.

Additional Tips for Smooth Travel

  1. Stay Updated: Border rules change frequently, so check the latest travel advisories for Kuwait and Iraq.

  2. Keep Copies: Carry multiple copies of your passport, visa, and any required permits.

  3. Cultural Awareness: Respect local customs and dress modestly to avoid issues.

Final Thoughts: How Safe is Traveling to Iraq from my Personal Experience

Iraq YouTube Series

 

If this Iraq Kuwait Border Crossing Guide was helpful, please like, comment, and share!

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Hi there! welcome to the blog! My name is Don, and I am the beard behind this site. My hope is to inspire you to rethink the how’s and why’s of travel, and the places we travel to. Whether it’s traveling on a budget, solo trips, backpacking journeys, I’ve got you covered. Since you have landed here, I am officially your personal travel guide. Uncovering travel tips, hacks, hidden destinations, and much more. Let's start this journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait?

    • No, there is no demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait. However, the Safwan Border Crossing (known as the Abdali Border Crossing on the Kuwaiti side) serves as the main border checkpoint between the two countries and is heavily monitored.

• what is the name of the border between kuwait and iraq?

    • The border between Kuwait and Iraq is called the Safwan Border Crossing on the Iraqi side and the Abdali Border Crossing on the Kuwaiti side.

• what is the issue between iraq and kuwait?

    • The main issue between Iraq and Kuwait goes back to 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, claiming it was part of their territory and accusing Kuwait of stealing oil and hurting oil prices by overproducing. This led to the Gulf War, where a U.S.-led coalition pushed Iraq out in 1991.

      Since then, things have improved, but it took years to settle border disputes and for Iraq to finish paying war reparations—which finally happened in 2021. While they have diplomatic ties now, small tensions still pop up sometimes over security, trade, and the border.

• kuwait to iraq border distance?

    • The distance from Kuwait City to the Safwan Border Crossing (Iraq-Kuwait border) is about 120 kilometers (75 miles). It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and border checkpoint procedures.

• what is the iraq border kuwait location?

    • The Iraq-Kuwait border is located at the Safwan Border Crossing on the Iraqi side and the Abdali Border Crossing on the Kuwaiti side.

      Coordinates:

      • Safwan, Iraq: 30.1442° N, 47.7136° E
      • Abdali, Kuwait: 30.0591° N, 47.6889° E

      This crossing is the main checkpoint between the two countries and is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kuwait City.

• is there a bus from kuwait to baghdad?

    • Currently, there isn’t a direct bus service from Kuwait to Baghdad. Travelers typically fly from Kuwait International Airport to Baghdad International Airport, with airlines like Iraqi Airways offering direct flights. Alternatively, some opt to drive or hire private transport for the journey, which covers approximately 683 kilometers (424 miles) and takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on border crossing times and road conditions.

• can i cross from kuwait to iraq by car?

    • Yes, you can cross from Kuwait to Iraq by car through the Abdali Border Crossing (Kuwait side) and Safwan Border Crossing (Iraq side).

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