Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tripoli, Libya
Posts: 22
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.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 147
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?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Greece
Posts: 12
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: around the world
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by superspy View Post
Easy cross, no hassles from Iranian side - some from Turkish but manageable.
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...

Quote:
Originally Posted by superspy View Post
You don’t need to take licence plates if you say you stay less than 6 days (just say).
I stayed almost two months with normal plates and the carnet: no problem whatsoever. Enjoy iran!!
__________________
http://www.terres-humaines.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
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.
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: holland
Posts: 129
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
You can get visa only in airport, but you must obtain your visa in embassy for the rest borders.
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: around the world
Posts: 76
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
__________________
http://www.terres-humaines.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 May 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Guildford, England
Posts: 4
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
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 May 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by road warrior View Post
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.

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!
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
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
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 May 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bartosz View Post
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.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 273
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
__________________
Bartosz
www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Figtipin View Post
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
Is this border crossing open 24H? I'm going throught that in 4 weeks.
__________________
http://www.juvander.fi/ilpo
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Jul 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: uk
Posts: 14
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....
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
Turned away at Turkey/Iran or Iran/Pakistan border? matt_xt Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 7 5 Jan 2010 15:41
Turkey to Iran Fletch West and South Asia 2 19 Oct 2006 17:52
Iran to turkey.Open border? moongarden West and South Asia 1 21 Jan 2006 02:27
Anyone in Turkey, Iran in august? Margus Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 21 Aug 2005 23:49
Infos on Turkey and Iran Dirk/D Middle East 0 6 Jan 2005 14:00

 
 

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 02:56.