Egypt has resumed allowing empty Iraqi trucks to enter the country after a two-week suspension. The decision restores an important part of road freight movement between Iraq and Egypt. Iraqi authorities confirmed the move on Sunday.
Egypt suspended entry for empty Iraqi trucks on August 1. The restriction created uncertainty for Iraqi transport companies operating on the route. However, Egyptian authorities have now approved their return under the existing transport framework.
Iraqi trucks enter Egypt again as Baghdad and Cairo prepare for further technical discussions. Iraq’s embassy in Cairo confirmed the Egyptian decision. The Transport Ministry also said privately operated Iraqi trucks had already resumed crossing into Egypt.
Officials from both countries plan to meet in Baghdad later in September. They will discuss procedures governing empty truck movements between the two countries. They will also examine longer-term arrangements for road freight transportation.
Karim Al-Jaberi, director general of the Transport Ministry’s Technical Department, said the talks would address unresolved issues. Officials will review how both countries implement their bilateral road-transport memorandum. They will also discuss arrangements affecting drivers, vehicles, and cargo transfers.
Egypt had previously restricted empty Iraqi trucks because of several outstanding transport measures. One issue involved granting Egyptian drivers visas to enter Iraq. Another concerned allowing Egyptian trucks to enter Iraq under reciprocal arrangements.
The two sides also need to address cargo transfers at the Al-Karamah crossing. The border point connects Iraq and Jordan and plays an important role in regional freight movement. Officials want to establish clearer procedures for transferring goods between trucks.
Egyptian transport operators had raised concerns about foreign trucks entering the country without cargo. They argued that some foreign vehicles later loaded Egyptian exports. Local operators feared this practice could reduce business opportunities for domestic trucking companies.
The dispute relates to a road-transport memorandum signed by Iraq and Egypt in Baghdad in January 2025. The agreement established a framework for improving freight transportation between the two countries. Both governments have since held technical meetings to develop its implementation.
During a joint technical committee meeting in Cairo in January 2026, Iraq and Egypt reached several agreements. They agreed to allow loaded and refrigerated trucks to operate without numerical limits. However, both sides planned to review the arrangement after six months.
Iraqi trucks enter Egypt under a system that still places conditions on empty vehicles. Empty trucks require individual permits for each trip. Egypt also reduced its technical-study fee from $300 to $150 per trip through July 31.
The upcoming Baghdad talks could help resolve the remaining disagreements. Officials are expected to focus on practical procedures and reciprocal access for transport operators. A clearer framework could support smoother trade and freight movement between Iraq and Egypt.
Iraqi trucks enter Egypt as both countries work to strengthen their road-transport relationship. The resumption could ease pressure on transport companies after the recent suspension. It may also help Baghdad and Cairo move toward more stable freight arrangements.