Driving from Dubai to UK via Iran?

[AVR2]

Hi guys,

I've been living in Dubai for the last 10 years, but towards the end of the year I'll be heading home to the UK permanently. I'd like to take my car (a 1992 Jeep Grand Cherokee - not much to look at, but reliable, and a LOT of sentimental value) and I've been toying with the idea of driving it rather than shipping it.

Does anybody know if it's feasible to drive via Iran? Supposedly I can get a ferry to Bandar Abbas? Being a UK passport holder, will I have issues at the border in and out of Iran? I've also heard that it's not actually possible to cross the Iranian border in a private vehicle.

Any advice greatly appreciated...

[reallybigtruck]

Welcome to the forum.

Did you try typing "iran" in the search box on the top right of this page?

[James Rothwell]

Yes you can drive via Iran into Turkey and to UK. Not much of an issue to get a visa for you, just visit the embassy in Jumeriah opposite the Iranian Hospital on Al Wasl road they will help you. But I wouldn't bother going until after Eid.

It's very difficult to import an American built car permanently into Iran, a temporarily import just to travel through is probably different.

There are ferries going from UAE to different ports in Iran, the most suitable ports for what you want to do is Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh.

[Mehmet Zeki Avar]

If you are a holder of UK. Canada, and USA passports, you need to arrange official escort to drive inside İran and 2-3 months needed to do all paperwork including visa.

Bonus will be 100-150 USD. per day for escort expenses...

Hope changes soon..

All the best...

[tony johnston]

I did it in Dec 2011 from Dubai. Try the above who are very helpful on paperwork etc.

Also visit Iranian Embassy in Jumeirah who may be able to help with current requirements but they can be a miserable lot!

Ferry runs from Sharjah to Bandar Abbas.

I hear mixed reports about the need for guides.I did not need one either officially or,for my own purposes.There is a good chance that if you keep your Dubai plates you will not even be asked about it in Iran.

Great place,great people,great police(Yes very helpful).All major roadsigns in Farsi and English. Exit into Eastern Turkey near Dogubayazit(Doggybiscuit).

Highly recommend you do it. No negative sides at all.

[Jonnyoneye]

I'm not sure what the current situation is for official guides whilst travelling through Iran, but when i made the trip on a M/C in 2012 (http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ran-iraq-63783 ), there was certainly no mention of that being necessary and i found everyone there very helpful, although getting off the ferry and actually out of the port at Bander Abbas was a bit stressful and time consuming !
The suggestion that you keep your Dubai plate is possibly a good one and should defer any unwanted attention. I kept my Abu Dhabi one (and still use it in the UK when i'm there), and i had no problems at all, even when questioned by the Iranian Black Coats in Shiraz at one point. There was more interest from people in western Europe and the plate became quite a talking point whenever i stopped for fuel.
Good luck with the trip, you will eventually find it well worth the hastle of arranging.
J

[Mehmet Zeki Avar]

@jonnyoneye

This rule started in 2014 summer.

I and my wife missed Alistar..Hope all is well at your side insallah.
Big selams to all family.

[alexdre]

This trip sounds awesome. Following with interest!

[eurasiaoverland]

There are two separate issues at work here

As of early 2014, and still in force today:

1: Your nationality: If you only have a UK, US or Canadian passport, you will need to arrange a tour to get a visa (unless the embassy is willing to apply for a visa directly for you, which is exceedingly unlikely). This is irrespective of you car, the plates on the car, where it was made etc etc. Visa policies are dictated per nationality.

2: There is a semi-official rule that you need a guide to get a visa when you intend to travel by car / motorcycle. Obviously this can be circumvented by not making your visa sponsor aware of your vehicle. This rule is however secondary to Rule 1.

Hope this is clear

EO

[Dubai Dan]

Hi,

I've only just seen your post so I have no idea how you eventually got on. It is extremely difficult at the moment but an alternative - and one I am considering with a motorbike - is to ship the bike to Athens and then ride back to UK from there.

Dan

[samyonboard]

Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland

There are two separate issues at work here

As of early 2014, and still in force today:

1: Your nationality: If you only have a UK, US or Canadian passport, you will need to arrange a tour to get a visa (unless the embassy is willing to apply for a visa directly for you, which is exceedingly unlikely). This is irrespective of you car, the plates on the car, where it was made etc etc. Visa policies are dictated per nationality.

2: There is a semi-official rule that you need a guide to get a visa when you intend to travel by car / motorcycle. Obviously this can be circumvented by not making your visa sponsor aware of your vehicle. This rule is however secondary to Rule 1.

Hope this is clear

EO

Does Rule nr. 2 apply for the mentionned nationalities or everybody? Thinking of crossing Iran with my bike on the way to Oman coming from Switzerland...

[eurasiaoverland]

Originally Posted by samyonboard

Does Rule nr. 2 apply for the mentionned nationalities or everybody? Thinking of crossing Iran with my bike on the way to Oman coming from Switzerland...

To everyone. Do not tell your visa sponsor you are bringing a vehicle. Tell them you are coming overland by public transport.

[tony johnston]

When I did the trip from Dubai through Iran to Turkey in 2012 I heard that it is much easier for UK nationals to get an Iranian visa in Trebizond.

Is this still the case? Any intel on this?

[eurasiaoverland]

Originally Posted by tony johnston

When I did the trip from Dubai through Iran to Turkey in 2012 I heard that it is much easier for UK nationals to get an Iranian visa in Trebizond.

Is this still the case? Any intel on this?

No, that's no longer possible without an invitation, which requires the help of a travel company, which requires that you book a tour if you only have a UK passport.

[FlyGuy_LJ]

Another frustrated UK citizen here. I contacted a tour company who offered around $2000 to accompany me from Bandar Abbas to the Turkish border in my car, including their flight transfers (to meet me in the south and leave me in the north) and basic hotel accom, taking 10 days. Not so bad! However, I'm biding my time to see if the diplomatic situation keeps steering in the right direction and these rules will be lifted.

I'm curious about exporting my vehicle, a 2009 Swift(!). If I get a Carnet du Passage in Dubai, how will I ever receive the money back if I don't bring the car back. I'll be relocating permanently to Portugal with my trusty Suzuki.