The latest Iraqi tourism to Turkiye figures show steady growth as more travelers choose the neighboring country for leisure, shopping, and family visits. New data released by Turkish authorities revealed that Iraqi arrivals continued to rise during May 2026. The increase reflects the strong travel connection between the two countries and highlights Turkiye’s ongoing appeal among Iraqi visitors.
According to statistics published by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 80,683 Iraqis visited Turkiye in May 2026. During the same month in 2025, the country welcomed 77,164 Iraqi travelers. The difference represents a growth rate of 4.56%, signaling continued demand for travel despite economic challenges across the region.
The rise in visitor numbers also strengthened Iraq’s position among foreign travelers entering Turkiye. Iraqi nationals accounted for 1.66% of all international arrivals during the month. This share placed Iraq ahead of several Arab countries that recorded lower visitor totals.
Saudi Arabia registered 67,508 visitors during the same period. Jordan followed with 21,526 arrivals, while Lebanon recorded 13,764 visitors. These figures underline the importance of the Iraqi market for Turkiye’s tourism sector. Travel operators and hospitality businesses continue to benefit from this steady flow of guests.
Across West Asia, Iran remained the leading source of visitors. Turkish tourism data showed that 232,130 Iranians traveled to the country in May. Regional arrivals reached a combined total of 267,403 visitors. These numbers demonstrate the significant role neighboring countries play in supporting Turkiye’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, global visitor rankings showed a different picture. Russian travelers led all nationalities with 701,123 arrivals. Germany followed closely with 686,194 visitors. The United Kingdom secured third place with 493,376 arrivals. Together, these markets remained key contributors to Turkiye’s international tourism performance.
Asian countries also continued to generate strong travel demand. Visitor numbers from across Asia reached 638,219 during the month. Industry observers view this trend as evidence of Turkiye’s growing popularity among travelers from multiple regions.
The continued rise in Iraqi tourism to Turkiye highlights the close social and economic ties between the two nations. Convenient transportation links, cultural familiarity, and diverse tourism options continue to attract Iraqi travelers. As summer travel activity increases, officials and tourism businesses will watch whether Iraqi tourism to Turkiye maintains its upward momentum throughout the rest of 2026.