A single road slicing through a vast, empty desert defines the 179-kilometer border between Iraq and Jordan. This crossing is a testament to resilience, a vital commercial corridor that has remained operational through decades of regional turmoil. Your journey here is a straightforward but isolated one, a direct path connecting Amman with Baghdad across the starkly beautiful landscape of the Eastern Desert.
You will use the one and only official crossing point: the Karameh Border Crossing on the Jordanian side and the Turaibil complex on the Iraqi side. There are no other points to cross this remote and heavily monitored frontier. The highway leading to the border is known as the Baghdad-Amman corridor, and it carries a steady stream of trucks and passenger vehicles.
The crossing is open 24 hours a day, which provides flexibility for your travel plans. However, the process can be time-consuming. You should be prepared for detailed security checks on both sides, a reflection of the importance of this route and the security concerns in Iraq’s Anbar province. The facilities are functional but basic, so it is wise to bring your own water and snacks for the wait.
Traveling this route, you will gain an appreciation for the vastness of the desert. The distance between the border and the nearest major cities is significant in both directions. The security situation in Anbar province has improved, but checkpoints are a regular feature of the drive on the Iraqi side. Many travelers opt for shared taxis or buses, as local drivers are experienced with the route and the procedures.