Iraq, Egypt Boost Cross-Border Road Transport

Iraq’s Ministry of Transport on Tuesday urged private sector transport companies, unions and drivers to comply with new procedures agreed with Egypt to implement a bilateral memorandum of understanding on road transport.

The call follows the first meeting of the Joint Technical Committee between Iraqi and Egyptian transport officials, held in Cairo aimed at activating the MoU signed in Baghdad in January 2025 on the transport of passengers and goods.

Under the agreed measures, loaded trucks and refrigerated vehicles will be allowed to move freely between the two countries without a numerical limit, with the arrangement to be reviewed after six months. Empty trucks may enter with a permit per trip, while technical study fees for empty trucks and Iraqi coolers have been reduced to $150 per trip until July 31, 2026.

Trucks will be permitted to stay up to 14 days in the other country, and drivers must apply for Egyptian visas through Iraq’s state transport companies. Vehicles may cross borders with fuel tanks carrying between 500 and 500 litres.

The ministry also outlined documentation and compliance requirements, including official fee receipts, approved trucking documents, use of wooden skids for loading, adherence to weight limits, and special permits for oversized loads.

The ministry said the measures aim to facilitate road transport between Iraq and Egypt and called on all drivers and local companies to comply to ensure smooth implementation and serve the public interest.