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Through Iraq? Through Iraq?
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  #1  
Old 15 Sep 2013
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Through Iraq?
Hi,

we are planning to go from Germany to cape town next year.
Since the situation in Syria is not likely to improve soon there are only two options: The RoRo Ferry or a detour through Iraq.

With the uncertainty around the ferry we are currently in favor of the tour through Iraq. However the safety situation is a bit unclear.
I don't hear a lot in the news but there is still a travel warning out.

Does anyone have any real information?

Regards,
David
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  #2  
Old 16 Sep 2013
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Security concerns aside, you will not get a visa for Iraq independently (probably at all).

If you go through a travel agency, if there is one, this will take months of planning and will be very expensive.

And then you will need to get through Saudi Arabia from Kuwait, that is if the Iraq-Kuwait border is open (not sure)... also not easy (basically impossible)

Ferry to Morocco or Egypt is the way.

Daniel
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  #3  
Old 16 Sep 2013
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Well the idea was to go to Jordan from Iraq. Kuwait and Saudi is not really helping.
Anyway this will not solve the visa situation for Iraq.

Morocco also does not seem to be an option - or has the visa situation in Lybia improved recently?

I don't feel comfortable with this ferry. Well it is not really a ferry at all.
And it's kind of difficult finding reliable information.

We will see. Would be nice to hear more first hand information about the situation in Iraq and the possibility to get a visa.

David
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  #4  
Old 17 Sep 2013
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Just look at the Iraq embassy visa requirements. There are two travel companies which do organised tours to Iraq, one is Hinterland Tours, the other I cannot remember.

Don't know about ferries to Egypt, and I imagine you want to stay out of Israel.

Why is Morocco off? It is certainly the easiest way into Africa from Europe (except Tunisia, but then there is Libya / Algeria which is not easy).

I am pretty certain you will not find first hand information from tourists who have been to Arab Iraq (i.e. beyond Kurdistan) in their own car recently.
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  #5  
Old 17 Sep 2013
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Hello,

I checked the web pages of the Iraq embassy and a few agencies who organize Visa and it does not look like there are any problem in getting one. Particularly the information form the Agencies should be quite reliable.
Would still be on interest to know someone who actually did it and can confirm that it is possible.

Marocco is not the problem. Lybia is. To me the only possible route is through east Africa. the Countries in central and West Africa are just not safe enough.

And to get from Marocco to Egypt you need to pass through Lybia. To my latest knowledge it is currently not possible to get a tourist or transit visa for Lybia.
this might certainly be different in a year from now. or has there been any changes / improvements recently?

Why stay out of Israel? Israel is an amazing country with lots to see. I definitely don't want to miss Israel (which also speaks for route around the mediterian). And I want to see Jordan as well.

Despite this the road along the cost of Lybia is some 2000km long and terribly boring. Desert to your right, the mediterian to your left.
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  #6  
Old 18 Sep 2013
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possible alternatives:
- Ferry to Israel - Jordan - Saudi - Ferry to Sudan
- Turkey - Iran - Ferry to UAE - Saudi - Ferry to Sudan
- Ferry to Alexandria/Egypt - Sudan
- Libya has been done by several travellers in the past few months, with business visa, so Morocco might still be an option.
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  #7  
Old 19 Sep 2013
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You are worried about security in West Africa, but are happy to drive through Iraq.... Ok.....


I agree, Israel is wonderful. But a stamp from them in your passport / carnet would, I imagine, prevent you from entering Sudan.
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  #8  
Old 19 Sep 2013
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Currently based in Jordan and we seem to get more news on whats happening in Iraq - the security situation there is not unclear - its dangerous.

I'm with danielsprague - as suggestion, if you won't do West Africa, don't do Iraq.
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  #9  
Old 19 Sep 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kissnofrog View Post
the Countries in central and West Africa are just not safe enough.
Parts of the sahara are still risky, but why do you think West Africa is not safe enough?
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  #10  
Old 17 Oct 2013
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I visited Iraq on the motorcycle last year for 3/4 days crossing from Turkey and back out again.

No problems with Visa [issued on the border] purchased insurance and motorcycle recorded in passport.

I loved it but only visited the 'safe' destinations of Dohok and Zakho. Any further south and I think it starts to get 'dodgy'
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  #11  
Old 17 Oct 2013
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The permit for Kurdistan which you are given at the border is not valid out of Kurdish-controlled areas.
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  #12  
Old 20 Oct 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kissnofrog View Post
Hi,

we are planning to go from Germany to cape town next year.
Since the situation in Syria is not likely to improve soon there are only two options: The RoRo Ferry or a detour through Iraq.

With the uncertainty around the ferry we are currently in favor of the tour through Iraq. However the safety situation is a bit unclear.
I don't hear a lot in the news but there is still a travel warning out.

Does anyone have any real information?

Regards,
David

try this:

A) turkey - iran - "ferry to kuwait" - saudi arabia- ferry to south egypt - then sudan.

B) turkey - iran - ferry to kuwait - saudi arabia - jordan - ferry to egypt.

C) turkey - iran - ferry to UAE - saudi arabia - "then ferry to egypt.

D) turket- ferry to egypt"alexendria" - then south to sudan or libya.

E) "Fastest" italy - ferry to egypt - and you are in africa already !


i live in kuwait, kuwait is kinda safe more than iran and saudi - we have worldwide dealerships "such us KTM Ducati BMW YAMAHA HONDA ...etc" if you need any help in kuwait such ask me .
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  #13  
Old 20 Oct 2013
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Above routes are good, except that it's almost impossible to get a Saudi transit visa, and as far as I know, bikes are banned from entering, right?

Is there really a 'ferry' to Kuwait from Iran??
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  #14  
Old 20 Oct 2013
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@bodii88

Sorry for the questions and bothering but I guess that Kuwait destination is not wellknown by travellers and looks like a very expensive place.

1-Is it possible to enter Kuwait from Iran say abadan via land bordergates.Is any available for international usage..If available, can you give us information on land bordergate connection, or ferry details between Iran and Kuwait..

2-Could you please get a price for us for LCL seafreight from Kuwait to any port in Mid West India together with the sea freaight company contact inf. in Kuwait and write all here..

3-Cheap Hotel prices, 1 bedded room per night.

If you can do a favour and donate us with these information insallah preferable with website links, will be great and sure very helpful not only for Turkish friends but also for all travellers who are in need of trip transfer between europe,asia and africa.

1 motocycle.
180 x 120 x 85 in cm. total.. 340 kg. including the wooden crate.
that will be seadeliveried and will be there after being confirmed in written by the company you will recommend..Approx. price ok. too including paperworks and customs purposes.


Thanks in advance.
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  #15  
Old 21 Oct 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danielsprague View Post
Above routes are good, except that it's almost impossible to get a Saudi transit visa, and as far as I know, bikes are banned from entering, right?

Is there really a 'ferry' to Kuwait from Iran??
i always travel from kuwait to bahrain with my 990 superduke, never had a problem with entering my bike through saudi boarder.

yes there is a major ferry from kuwait to iran "abadan" port, and the same ferry goes back the same day to kuwait.
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