Iran Visa rejected! Anyone have experience of this?

[Bobduro]

Afternoon all,

I've just got in to find an email from Nasrin at Persian Voyages saying our (the wife and I) Iran visa application has been rejected (we're both UK passport holders). Naturally no reason has been give and the offices in Iran are now closed for some sort of holiday.

I'm suddenly very worried, Nasrin has said she'll contact them to find out IF we can reapply!! Has anyone else got any experience of this as it's scared the life out of me as not only was Iran expected to be a real highlight of the trip, but we also have to now hold on to our applications for the Stans incase we're denied and we'll have to plan a new route at very short notice.

Any voices of experience or calming reassurances (or not as the case might be) would be greatly appreciated!.....

[DuncanCarwright]

DON'T PANIC!

I was declined shortly after the election fiasco, I reapplied whilst on the road again with Nasrin to collect my visa from the consulate in Erzurum and after a 2 week wait whilst they sent it to Istanbul by mistake I succeeded. Erzurum was also where several other Brits managed to get visas after being declined. Only problem is it's not that a fantastic place to have to hang out in for 2 weeks.

A brit couple applied for 7 day transit visas (apparently non-extendable) and were then able to extend them after claiming mechanical problems.

Nasrin was really helpful, a piece of advice, if you're out of the country, give her a ring, she gets things done quicker when you ring her up rather than send an email! It also keeps you in the loop.

All the best

Duncan

[Bobduro]

Thanks Duncan,

Even though there are no guarentees that's still good to hear as I was starting to prepare myself for a major panic!!

Nasrin is trying to look into whether we can reapply, but it's worrying when you never find out WHY you've been rejected. Hopefully, Nasrin will succeed and we can then restart our visa applications along the Iran route, so fingers crossed!

[Sirakor]

If you don't fancy hanging out in Erzurum, there are plenty of places nearby (-ish) worth a visit. Van and area, black sea coast etc

If all else fails, you could still

a) Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, ferry, Turkmenistan, Stans etc Great route through the Stans, but you do have the China problem and asociated costs (edit: just reread your post and saw that you are headed that way anyways, so a very viable option for you)

b) Fly Ankara/Istanbul to Dehli and spend more time exploring India/Nepal, and possibly backtrack into Pakistan

c) Take the northern approach: Romania - Ukraine - etc Good info on Walter's page Sibirsky Extreme

I got my Iran visa on the first attempt, so I went Turkey - Iran - Turkmenistan - etc, but there's plenty of people who have done either of the options above.

[Bartosz]

Hi Friends
Try to arrange iranian visa in iran embassy in your country.
It is easier and faster than by tourist office.
In Poland we arrange only in this way. I waited 7 days for positive decision and all my family we have visias (3 persons).
We will start trip to Iran, Armenia and Georgia next friday by car (LR Defender).
Can't wait .

Regards
Bartosz