Carry your original physical passport, printed paper copies of your approved federal Iraqi visa, and your vehicle papers if driving. Internal checkpoint officers do not accept digital documents on a phone screen alone. A regional Kurdistan permit does not grant entry into federal Iraq.
Required documents for checkpoint crossings
- Original physical passport. Your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity and at least one blank page. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirms that carrying photographic identity documents is mandatory across Iraq.
- Approved federal Iraqi visa. Carry printed paper copies of your approved eVisa or consular visa. The Government of Canada advises that travel outside the Kurdistan Region into other parts of Iraq requires a distinct federal Iraqi visa. You can obtain a federal visa through the Iraqi Electronic Visa Portal or an Iraqi embassy such as the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, D.C..
- Vehicle and driver documents. If you drive a private or rental vehicle, carry the original vehicle registration, valid insurance papers, and your driver license.
- Supporting trip details. Keep printed hotel reservations, onward travel tickets, and emergency contacts accessible in your day bag.
Movement between regions in both directions
- From Kurdistan to federal Iraq. Moving south across internal checkpoints, including posts near Kirkuk and Mosul, requires an approved federal visa. Security officers inspect documents and turn back travellers who carry only a Kurdistan regional permit.
- From federal Iraq to Kurdistan. Travellers who enter federal Iraq with an approved federal visa can travel north into the Kurdistan Region by road or air. Kurdish checkpoints inspect passports and federal entry stamps before granting admission.