Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 67
Iran no longer issuing overland tourist visas?

Until further notice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is only issuing pre-authorization to tourist visitors who have purchased their hotels through a Iranian tour operator and use a minimum of ground services (transfers, transportation, and guide)

Is this true?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
For Americans and Canadians (I think), yes. For British, sometimes (depends on which agency you use), for other nationalities, no.

I am British and got my authorisation code through with no strings attached a week ago, through Iran Internet Visa Application. I would not reccommend you use them though, as they are beligerent and incompetent (I am still waiting for the guy to send the code to the correct embassy).

Basically, with agencies, the more you pay, the better chance you have of unrestricted travel, unless you are America / Canadian
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 8
Can an American cross Iran now? How???

Dear group: I am trying to get from Europe to India and was hoping to do Turkey/Iran/Pakisan. I am a US citizen. Does anyone have any suggestions?

We went to the Iranian Embassy in Brussels and they were friendly and gave us the name of the tourist agency in Tehran who I have been in Email touch with.

Any other suggestions?

thanks,
kevin and clara
motomoments.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Sep 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin&clara View Post
Dear group: I am trying to get from Europe to India and was hoping to do Turkey/Iran/Pakisan. I am a US citizen. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Any other suggestions?
Try regime change (in the US, eh!)

Saddam had a problem with the UN weapons inspection team running around his country before the war - seems that the US loaded the team up with CIA agents, wanted unfettered access into every nook and cranny in Iraq. Not hard to understand his position on the matter.

Makes sense Iran doesn't want Americans with cameras running free around their country.

Blame Dubya for that.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Sep 2007
dnicoletti's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: milan, italy
Posts: 156
iran visas

once it was like you say: on summer 2000, i had to struggle with the iranian foreign ministry, trhu the a.i.t.o. agency in tehran. they ask for purpose,place of entry, date in, planned route, hotels booking, date out. i said i'm with a bike (american...) i cannot plan distancies, cities, and all the rest. so i've booked a couple of hotels, in tabriz and tehran, then i did it on my own. i had
to send fax, and have a lot of phone calls with the agency down there, and finally, after just 40 days, the visa was on my passport.
this time things were running more faster. went to the consulate in milan (italy) asking 4 visa, without any booking or what else, and got the visa in 7 days only. but i'm italian...
i also agree whit who say try 2 regime change (in us like in iran too) people down there can't standing no more.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Sep 2007
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Try iranianvisa.com.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Aalst, Belgium
Posts: 365
stantours.com also doe Iranian LOI's and does a great job...
__________________
2006-2007-2008 : Brussels - Cape town - Tokio - Lubumbashi - Brussels

http://www.radiobaobab.be
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: California
Posts: 33
Don't use iranianvisas.com (which is affiliated with StanTours.) They promised 10 days for US passports. I paid and gave them 2 months followed by weeks of constant emails and phone calls to Tehran. In the end, I got no visa and no refund. I understand that others had good results with them, so use caution.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Sep 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: On the road
Posts: 157
I am British and use IranianVisa.com with success. it took the three weeks they said it would to get my authorization number and assuming the visa is waiting for me in Istanbul I would say they were fine.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
I used IranianVisa.com (I'm Canadian) and I've been hit with delays and excuses. They promised a wait time of 7 - 10 days (on August 3, 2007). Well, now I'm stuck in Istanbul while the "final steps" are completed (October 25). That said, the consulate did acknowledge that they have my application on file (courtesy of IranianVisa.com) and that they do expect the application to go through either tomorrow (Friday) or the next working day (Tuesday... it's a holiday out here!) Sigh. But I'm running out of money and patience in Turkey. Of course, if the application does go through (and I'm hopeful once again) that will mean access to Iran without a guide or itinerary... and I'm Canadian!
__________________
Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA and Iran
Posts: 8
Visa to Iran

Hi
Well it could well be true but how you can verify that !!
i Guess the best way is to contact a few travel agencies in iran and ask them the same question.
Ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) is a very peculiar organization . Some times they pick on this and that nationalities and other times they pick on certain category of visa.
And guess what , they change their policies like everyday.
So if i were you i would contact a few other travel companies in Iran to make sure that story is true. Besides you might want to contact the Iranian Embassy or consulates in turkey. they have website and email:
in Ankara you can reach them by iranembassy_ankara@hotmail.com and their number is (+90-312) 4682821.

for iranian embassy in pakistan i have a number which is (+92) 2276270, 2276272

Anyway dont give up.

one last thing for the rest of Yall. the canadian nationals have no more than 50% chance to get their visa. i dont know why but that is what i see and know.
When you are apply for a visa , dont pay in advance and dont get stuck with only one agency. try to apply for your visa concurrently at least through 2 to 3 travel agencies. they charge you about 50 bucks for the visa . But that is just the money they get for their part of paperwork. you got to remember that when you go up to embassy to pick up your visa , you have to pay a consular fee which again is different based on the applicants nationalities.
for the consular fees you might want to check thi link:
Iran Visa, Iran information, Iran Visa vacations, Iran Visa tourism, Iran Visa hotels, deals, travel places to stay, visitors guide, advice recommendation, map, pictures, information, reviews, airport, weather, things to do, attractions, tours

Yall have a fun ride
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
I agree with the advice to try several agencies at once... especially if you're Canadian! IranianVisa.com dropped the ball on me and I had to skip Iran all together. Technically, I got my approval number, so, technically, I got approved. However, the paperwork never got faxed to Istanbul (the ol' "it's in the mail" routine rears its ugly head). i may try again. However, it's winter now, I'm in Lebanon, and riding south looks like a much better option (not to mention I'm nearly out of money... and tired of dealing with the "axis of irritation.")
__________________
Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 90
Iran DOES issue overland tourist visas. Just got mine yesterday by DHL from Vienna.
__________________
Even the temporarily worst things in life are good for something on a long run.

Don't dream your life. Live your dreams.

www.desertsoul.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
I just got my visa for Iran! I applied on August 3 and collected it on December 6... fantastic timing for an overland motorcycle ride through the snow capped mountains! Sigh. Anyway, I can't go with my bike due to weather conditions and timing, but I did actually collect my visa without a tour, etc. (I'm still Canadian... and Iran just kicked our Ambassador out of the country a few days ago.)
__________________
Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 7 Dec 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Congrats Jeremy...I can't aimagine how much longer I'd have to wait as an American!
Enjoy your time in Iran as you've definitely earned it!
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
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
Obtaining visas for Pakistan in Iran and India in Pakistan jonhanks West and South Asia 6 9 Oct 2014 01:20
Angola Visas - NO LONGER in Abuja andybee sub-Saharan Africa 13 30 May 2007 19:30
UK to India - visas for Iran, etc Fuzzy Duck Route Planning 6 17 Nov 2004 21:21
Visa's fro Iran, Pakistan, India simonrjames Trip Paperwork 2 7 Nov 2003 14:56
Iran & visas sebch West and South Asia 1 14 Apr 2003 14:10

 
 

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 Insurance™ 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 03:12.