I crossed from Turkey via the Bazargan crossing on the 14th.Touts (money changers) on both sides but help not needed. Easy out from Turkey and not too complicated entry to Iran. Being British I had to give finger prints ( visa collected in Istanbul and prints not taken there ) and then the import formalities. Other drivers help showing where to go first.Tip: make sure you have passport photocopy ready. Nothing asked for by the Carnet man although it was obvious from his drawer full of cash what was going on with the "helpers" . Welcome to Iran and you are on your way, that is untill you reach another gate where I was informed that another stamp was needed on the back of the form. The officers try to introduce a helper but I refused and went back and got the stamp.Nobody asks for insurance but don't go to the Iran Insurance office inside the gate as you will be surrounded by helpers/translaters and every other kind of low-life and they will tell you minimum 1 year for 100 Euros. Just after the gate is a roundabout and directly across is an office building ( Sofinco or some such name).The sign is in English lettering so is easy to find.Here you will get the insurance at the right price, ( unless you tell them the wrong price that you expect to pay).The touts are not needed and if completely ignored are not too persistant.
There are hotels in Makou (15kms). Fill up on the way. I don't have a fuel card and it hasn't been a problem, somebody has one. Remember Iran is one and a half hours ahead.
The roads are excellent and the drivers are maniacs.So far a beautiful country.
One other thing, ATMs don't work with foriegn cards so come prepared.

BL

Top report.... Looking forward to going through it all.

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For Europeans this should not be a problem, as Iran, like Turkey, is a Green Card Country (..oh, well, at least was 3,5 years ago, and if there have been changes, then I´ve missed that!)

If heading to Dogubayazit from Lake Van´s eastern shore (via Tendurek Gecidi pass), beware of big, mean-looking guard dogs near some houses up in the pass. We were chased by several of them, and some managed to get on the road before we´d passed them... that was a hairy experience!!

great post, we are headed that way very soon!! Will add our experience up also.

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Mr and Mrs Rixxy - London to Australia 2011 - 2012
www.jamesandcat.com

We cross here a few days ago, lots of hasstle, guys trying to rip you off and "help" you out. But keep it simple, only deal with officials who are inside the offices, even if they are on the steps they are most likely not officials.

We ended up running around a fair bit but did get everything sorted in the end, took us about 1 and a half hours, if you have not been to a country like this before your in for a shock so be prepared.

Have fun!

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Mr and Mrs Rixxy - London to Australia 2011 - 2012
www.jamesandcat.com

On Iranian side, right after we had CDP sorted they said we have to pay additional £20 each extra to the Green Card. Then later, at he last police check point police said "sorry but it was just a bribe". They didn't want to do anything about it and forced us to buy proper 30 days insurrance for another £30.
I don't know how it works but seems to be no rules about it. And nobody care if we have green card or not.

I f you want to have some idea how the border crossing looks like look at my blog, nice video taken by hidden camera.

Traped with no money. - Tabriz, Iran Travel Blog

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