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Hello from Greece.
We are three friends who are planning to do a motorcycle roadtrip to Turkey-Iraqi Kurdistan-Iran during May 2013. I contacted an iranian agent in order to do the application forms for the visas. The agent replied that the situation has recently changed in Iran and my visa will be rejected. Now Europeans who want to enter the country with their own vehicle, need to pay for a guide (escort) to follow them during the trip. It's the first time i hear about escort in Iran. Iranian embassy here in Greece is unaware and told me to contact the agent. Do you have any recent info about this?

We were just travelling in Iran (not with our own transportation, though) and were told that Americans, French and British passport holders have to travel with a guide (requirement of getting a visa). Other nationalities don't (or so we were told).

Fascinating country and well worth the effort ...

Hi,
We are two italians citizens, Friday we went to the Consolate of Iran to ask for the visa (with photos and the model form) and yesterday, after two days we got our visa, no mention about escort...

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTTIPE (Post 412493)

to pay for a guide

I think that´s the part to focus on here.

Is it really so, that tourists now need to start paying for guide services in Iran (I can tell from my own personal experience, that it was not so, but some time has passed since, and things can always change, so I have to leave the door a bit open to this possibility)...

....OR is some tour agent perhaps just trying to extract more money from you?

thank you all for the replies. It's two years that i'm planning this trip and i i'm scared in case i have to change my destination...

Quote:

Originally Posted by pecha72 (Post 412566)

....OR is some tour agent perhaps just trying to extract more money from you?

this was the first thing that i suspected but i also leave the door a bit open. It's the iranian elections in June that could probably result in this strict instruction from MFA. The agent told me also that it has to do with the local embassies. For example Ankara embassy has a note with no land cross at all.

Anyway i am trying to contact the greek embassy (it's not so easy!) and i will inform you for any other info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTTIPE (Post 412493)

Can you tell us which agency replied that?

RR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roro (Post 412820)

Can you tell us which agency replied that?

RR.

I think it would not be fair at the moment to give the name of the agency since i'm not sure if they are trying to cheat me and probably you could get the wrong impression

Here some more inf. on this subject...

Since last Oct., 6 friends including 1 Turkish cyclist and 1 Transalp Rider done it to India through Iran and Pakistan.

During this period, been to Iran consulate in İstanbul personally together with 2 GB.Bikers for visa application.

1-Except American and Israel citizens, you can ride,drive until Bam free..You will meet the escort there to follow to Pakistan bordergate.Its free except for cyclists..If you are cycling, you have to hire a car to be able to follow the escort in normal speed and escort police checks all taxis there for safety and prices...Consulate personal here and all escort guys are friendly.

2-Iran consulate in İstanbul accepts all visa applications everyday except fridays and holidays and until 11,30 am..Better be there at 9 as you will be given bank information by the door guard first, then run to the bank,make the visa fee payment,bring the receipt to the consulate then fill the form and complete paperwork..Generally same they the following week after mid day, passports are given back with visas..

There are 2 ways of getting İranian visa..
You can also apply to Iran Embassy in Ankara..
here is the link for information in details..Read the paragraphs starting with Other foreign nationals.. Iranian Embassy - Ankara> Consular Affairs> Visa Form Aliens

Higly recommend: don't miss the Iran local people hospitality and cuisine.
Other option to reach mid-south east asia is boring..
You will definitely meet same experiences and feelings in blogs of bikers who have been there..

Wish you all the best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mehmet Zeki Avar (Post 412831)

I would agree about the lovely country that Iran is, and its wonderful people but not its cuisine. My children still complain about its bland cuisine and they were looking for Turkish palao even in Isfahan :)

Thank you all for the replies.
Check the links below
Iran Internet Visa Application - evisa
Enter Iran with Own Vehicle | Travel News

Well, it seems that there is a temporary land restriction due to elections.
I am thinking to get an airplane visa (which is acceptable) and try to cross the border with a carnet. Do you think we have possibilities with this?

+1 for my good friend Mehmet Zeki Avar.

You will miss the most amazing hospitality ever. During my three week stay in Iran I slept only 5 times in a hotel all the other times locals invited me to stay at there places.

Well this could cause me some issues, anyone know when it will be lifted? Elections are the 14th of June...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Douglas (Post 416383)

Well this could cause me some issues, anyone know when it will be lifted? Elections are the 14th of June...

According to unofficial info from tourist agents it will be lifted after the end of June

Cheers for the info, I think I can make this work, did it sound like after the end of June as in the 1st of July? or as in whenever it is judged to have 'calmed down'?

Spoke to Persian voyages today and they tell me this has been lifted.