Has anyone crossed the Bazargan border (Turkey to Iran)?
 

Has anyone crossed the Bazargan border (Turkey to Iran), and if so, when did you cross and what were the procedures? Is it complicated? Do they search your vehicle, and/or do they run your vehicle through an X-ray machine? How long does it take?

Thanks.

I crossed in mid June 2009 from Iran to Turkey. It's a busy crossing. Nothing too complicated but it takes time. Lots of "fixers" on the Iranian side that will want to help you. Don't think it is needed. Depending on how long you stay they will probably try to get you the required Iranian license plates. A map is here:
Maku to Van | On The Road

Layout of the border is here:
Bazargan Border post between Turkey and Iran

The advantage of this crossing is that you have a chance to see the Ishak Pascha Palace near Dogubayazit and Qareh Kalisa near Maku, if your are into that sort of thing. Maku, on the Iranian side, is surprisingly pleasant for a border town.

I crossed into Iran at the much smaller Esendere/Serou crossing, with a lot less hassle and a lot faster. They didn't have the required plates, never mentioned them and on the way out I got asked but nothing happened when I didn't have them. The road from Van to Sero is a nice ride, a few old castles to see. Map is here:

Van to Orumiyeh | On The Road

No x-rays or searches at either crossing. The custom guys just signed the paper.

Your profile lists your nationality as USA. I think that will be your problem. Do you have the visa and have arranged for a guide, which is mandatory for US citizens, on the Iranian side?

Easy cross, no hassles from Iranian side - some from Turkish but manageable.
I have pass two times, one with bike and one with car.
You don’t need to take licence plates if you say you stay less than 6 days (just say).

Just don’t carry alcohol and “curious” stuff. Nice country and people.

I crossed the border in february 2009. No problem on Turkish side, rather complicated on the iranian side: the chief custom officer was supposed to sign a paper, guaratiing that the vehicule had been searched (a bike in my case). It took me three hours...and finally, for no apparent reason, the guy signed the paper. On the turkish side, many people obviously try to "help" you. Don't bother.
The border in itself is easy, it depends on what kind of rights people wearing a uniform think this uniform gives them...

I stayed almost two months with normal plates and the carnet: no problem whatsoever. Enjoy iran!! :thumbup1::thumbup1:

Hi folks
I returned from Iran, Armenia, Georgia trip last week.
I want to tell you something about this countries but a little time later.
Border in Bazagran I passed about 1 in the night. It was no problem with visa and passport ( about 1/2 hour), but I had no CPD. I had to wait till 8 and morning "the fixer" made for me transit documents and after 6 hours I entered Iran. It was some "battle" betwen me and the fixer but finally the man from "turist information" was good english speaking and very helpful.
After all this situation I think but I pay too much money for the documents and it is really no so bigger problem to drive without CPD.
No x-ray machine and no search in car and bags.
Very nice people and country.

hello
one short question. is it possible to obtain a visum at the border(bazargan border). because the embassy of Iran in the Netherlands says it is possible at the airport but doesn't say anything about the landborders.
thanks in advance
brend

You can get visa only in airport, but you must obtain your visa in embassy for the rest borders.

Impossible to get the visa at the border: do not even try! At the airport, even if it is normally possible, you do not get necessarily the visa (it depends on: the nuclear situation, the political situation, the previous night's sexual activity of the guy doing the visa...well, many factors have to be taken into consideration...). By land, 100%: you need the visa before hand

Turkey to Iran
 

Hi,
Just thought I'd let you know about the alternative southern crossing at Esendere in Turkey. It's pretty small but plenty of trucks and coaches cross there so they know what to do with a Carnet. I had my CPD and Iran visa with me already and was welcomed into Iran in a little over an hour in total, a very simple crossing. No one even wanted to look at the bike. I think it took me longer to get into Turkey from Bulgaria! (Cheers to McGiggle for recommending this border post to me!)
Sam

Does anyone know if this is 24-hour open customs station?

Does it observe a reduced opening hour during Ramadan?

I'm trying to join some days in northwestern Iran to my trip to Georgia and Armenia, if I won't be short on time...


Thanks!

It is 24 hours open, but you must have CPD, without it must wait till 8 morning for "fixers"
In this countries really bettter to avoid friday.

Save trip.
Bartosz

We'll have the CPD, next month we'll begin the paperwork if we'll be sure to have some days for Iran also.
Thanks, Bartosz.

Except this terrible enter on border Iran is wonderful country with very helpfull people.
If you have diesel you will fill your car almost for free. 100 liters of diesel cost 1 EUR. Only drive on gas station when you see trucks and say words "no card, diesel". Each trucks driver will help you (they have limits of 100, 200, or 300 liters).
Many times drivers pay for my 60-70 liters.
Most of museums and archeological sites costs about 0,3 to maximum 1 EUR.
Free camping without any problems, hostels, pensions 3-5 EUR.
Ask if you have questions.

Bartosz

Is this border crossing open 24H? I'm going throught that in 4 weeks.

Im planning a trip from UK to Pakistan Via Turkey/Iran, im gna be travelling in my van as i will be most likely leaving the van in Pakistan, so will i still need a CPD....piple are telling me that you can do wivout the CPD....regardless to if your gona leave your car or bring it back.....can anyone ellaborate on this for me please....