For three decades, the 811-kilometer border between Iraq and Saudi Arabia was a sealed frontier, a long, sandy line closed to all traffic. Its recent reopening marks a significant shift in regional relations. Your journey across this desert boundary is a new possibility, connecting two of the most influential countries in the Arab world.
There are two official border crossings. The primary crossing is at Arar, located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia and connecting to Iraq’s Anbar province. This was the first crossing to reopen, initially for pilgrims and then for trade and general travel. A second crossing, Judaydat Arar, was opened more recently to further facilitate the movement of goods and people.
The Arar crossing is the one you are most likely to use. After being closed since 1990, the facilities have been newly constructed and are designed to handle a modern flow of traffic. The primary users of this crossing have been religious pilgrims traveling to holy sites and commercial trucks carrying goods between the two nations.
As this is a relatively new development for travelers, you should verify the exact visa requirements and procedures well in advance. The crossing is situated in a remote desert region, far from major population centers on either side. You must be well-prepared for a long desert drive with limited services. The security infrastructure is substantial, with extensive monitoring and checkpoints reflecting the strategic importance of this re-established connection.