When driving National Highway 2 between Erbil and Baghdad, travelers pass through several key checkpoints, including Altun Kupri at the regional border, Kirkuk perimeter posts, and northern gateways into Baghdad. Officers verify physical passports and federal visa paperwork, inspect driver documents, and may ask passengers to open the trunk for a brief luggage check. At night, drivers dip headlights and turn on cabin interior lights; photography or video recording near checkpoints is strictly prohibited. For more: Traveling from Erbil to Baghdad by Road: Checkpoints, Shared Taxis, and Visa Rules