Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By maximondo
  • 1 Post By eurasiaoverland

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Nov 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Crossing In To Iraq From Small Border Iran

I just crossed from Beshmaq Iran / Panjwin Iraq. I had heard foreigners could cross, so i did. However there is one hickup - Iran would not stamp my Carnet De Passage out of the country.

Iraq stamped my Carnet - even though I know its not meant to work...

Its an easy but messy border as it is under construction and when I was there is was all mud (due to the massive rain we have just had) In the future it will be a nice border to cross.

I wouldnt recommend exiting into Iran at this border - just because you might have problems if you were not stamped into the country with your carnet. In fact they made sure I wasnt going to come back into Iran through this border.

I have contacted Australian Automobile Association to see what problems ive caused by crossing this border.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Nov 2011
eljulian's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Berlin
Posts: 110
Interesting. Thanks for the info.

Safe travels, cheers,
Julian
__________________
Where is Julian?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
One missing stamp shouldn't be a problem as long as the stamps either side match up, which it sounds like they do in your case. I returned an Aus carnet with a missing stamp earlier this year and it was fine getting the deposit back.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: England
Posts: 2
Hey,
just a quick update on this thread. I crossed this border in jan2012 from Iraq to Iran despite the above warning i thought i would give it a try, however I wouldn't recommend going through in this direction.
The Iranian customs officers even though they were very friendly and helpful told me they weren't set up to deal with foriegn vehicles crossing into Iran and couldn't stamp my carnet. i was told that i could enter the country but my bike would have to stay in iraq. This wasn't ideal and so after spending two days at the border they eventually spoke to someone in Tehran who gave them the green light to let my bike in aswell as stamping my carnet and adding a cover letter for the customs officers when i left the country.
The situation at this crossing might get better once they have finshed building it, but at present its still under construction and seems to be more for local traffic at the moment.
cheers, MattC.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 May 2012
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Changshou, Nr Chongqing, China
Posts: 36
I went through this crossing from Iran to Iraq at the end of March this year.
The crossing area is still like a large building site, but i was lucky and it was dry, so apart from the dust - of which there was plenty being kicked up by the hundreds of trucks - and deeply rutted construction site like roads which were not suited to an R1, it was all pretty straight forward.......except for the stamping of the Carnet.
No one seemed to know much about them and were really quite disinterested in having anything to do with it. I had to just keep asking by who and when they were going to stamp it, even after all the other formalities were completed.
Eventually one of the immigration guys took me to another temprary portacabin office and handed the problem to someone there, Again they kept telling me that an exit stamp was not required, but after some time and showing them the entry stamp from Bander Abbas port, they did agree to stamp it.....but not in the right place and i had to keep at them to stamp it correctly, which they finally did.
If anyone is planning to pass through this crossing point, you must keep bothering them (politely of course), until you get the stamp that you need, or it might be expensive when you try and retrieve your deposit.
I haven't been able to claim mine back yet as i'm in the UK and the issuing authority is in Abu Dhabi, but hopefully one day i will get back out there to re-claim the Ā£7000 that they wanted to issue the CdP.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Jul 2012
nomadic's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
You might hear from Iranian customs after 7-8 months after entry trough the Automobile association. The Iranian Bazargan - Taftan border are connected through a customs system. If you get in at either border, the system checks if you got out at the other border.

I got in at Taftan (Pakistan) and left through Bandar Abbas. 8 months later I had a letter from Iranian customs claiming my deposit. Since i had READABLE entry stamps from UAE customs it was easy. Iranian customs dropped their claim after 2 months. The exit stamp from Bandar Abas customs was hardly readable, though i bend over backwards to get the darn stamp.

3 months later I got a claim from Indian customs - same story, pakistan / nepal stamps matched. Indian customs never replied on this evidence but never dropped the claim. I returned the CdP and got my deposit back anyway.
__________________
Arno
Overland by 4x4 truck
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jul 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Its been 7 months since I crossed that boarder with no claims that I know of. But I contacted my Carnet supplier and they told me no to worry - dodgy countries will try it on, but as my carnet supplier said as long as you can prove you have the vehicle with you you are ok and they can not insist on a claim.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Jul 2012
nomadic's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by maximondo View Post
Its been 7 months since I crossed that boarder with no claims that I know of. But I contacted my Carnet supplier and they told me no to worry - dodgy countries will try it on, but as my carnet supplier said as long as you can prove you have the vehicle with you you are ok and they can not insist on a claim.
For India it's the notorious 180 days rule - which is meticulously checked at the Wagah border on exit. Indian customs claims the deposit / vehicle once they find the vehicle was there 180+ days.

Even when cleared at the border, they still can file a claim later-on. They just try if one can re-produce the evidence...and if submitted they just leave it.

The 6 month rule only has significance when issued (extended) visa's can reach 6 months or more or when re-entering the country with a vehicle multiple times during a year.
__________________
Arno
Overland by 4x4 truck
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Hi all,
we're a Dutch couple travelling by car and looking forward to check-out North-Iraq within a couple of months. As long as you get a stamp at exit of Iran then this border crossing should be okay. And better then driving via Turkey I think.

So you still get a 10 days visa on the border of Iraq? And they stamp your Carnet (altough that has no use), that is all you have to do for getting your car/bike in?

Is this the border on the road between Soran (Iraq) and Piranshar (Iran)? I cannot find it for now (will spend more time on it later)

It's nice to read that it's still possible to visit North-Iraq. It seems that the Syrian conflict has not had it's effect yet, although it would be nice to hear more recent stories to confirm that.
Entering from Iran and going out at Zarkho would be a nice route.

Thanks in advance,
R
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Oct 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
13/10/2014 I cross this border (Beshmaq on the Iranian side, Beshmakh on the Iraqi side, though widelyreferred to as Penjween).

I crossed from Iran into Iraq.

Iran side was surprisingly calm. Lots of fuel trucks, but with a car / bike one drives straight to the front and the main border station.

Carnet was stamped with no fuss, though the stamp is a Persian-only one, not the normal bilingual stamps one gets from customs at Iranian borders. Very simple. Just as I was leaving there was a guy wanting the receipt for the dreaded fuel tax, but with a bit of protesting (I am a tourist etc), it was dropped. Nice since I was carrying 85 litres of Iranian diesel Going back to the fuel control station would be hell as it is in all the chaos of the lorries, and nobody would speak English etc.

On the Iraqi side, everything was calm and organised. I queued for my visa stamp (it's now 15 days visa-free for most nationals), no problems. Customs issued some kind of entry certificate for the car (1993 Toyota Hilux 4x4 Diesel). This was very simple, I just needed photocopies of my passport, vehicle registration document and IDP (I am sure a domestic license would be fine). It cost IQD 22,000, which is about US$ 20.

Then I was free to go. Driving standards in Iraqi Kurdistan is better than Iran (not saying much admittedly), and the roads so far are all good!

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Nov 2014
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
We just crossed from Iran to Iraq at Piranshar, and continued to Turkey, exiting North Iraq / Kurdistan at Zakho. All without problems.


Along the ISIS front from Grozny via Erbil & Kobane to Kilis
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51
To Carnet or not to Carnet kujo4pm Route Planning 13 10 Jan 2012 19:25
The Wrong way Round Jtw000 Ride Tales 48 15 Nov 2011 18:56
Khartoum to Ethiopia Birdy Ride Tales 2 26 Oct 2011 21:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insuranceā„¢ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:06.