Turned away at Turkey/Iran or Iran/Pakistan border?
 

Currently in the midst of a tricky decision and was wondering if anyone had heard of people being turned away at the borders mentioned? The British FCO has advised me over the phone that foreigners are being occasionally turned away at both borders. I'm currently in Jordan and have only until the middle of February to complete my trip which was originally to Nepal, but am wondering whether turning south through Africa might be a safer bet. For me, getting refused at either of these crossings would ruin my trip, add to that the worsening situation in Pakistan and I'm in two minds! Any info much appreciated.

Not exactly in the way you mean, but sort of (Turkey -> Iran). Just so you don't make the same mistake I did: there is NO border crossing directly east of Van (unless you are commercial train cargo that is). There are two crossings: one in the North (Dogubayazit) and one in the South (forgot the name). Just don't pick the one in the middle, no matter what you map and gps say ;-)

dont know if this is of any help, but we cam through a few months back , turkey-iran- pakistan, and didnt get turned away at all. there were a few who came after us on here too who got thru fine. i am not sure whether the pakistan sit has got worse since then as we havent been hearing much news. if you want to know about our crossing its on the blog, but lik i said dont know if its relevant. god luck, think you will prob be fine as long as you have the visas... africa would be amazing too tho..

We in Pakistan at the moment and we crossed on the 2nd October without a problem. From the local news there has been some military activity on the Iranian side at Dog-biscuit about a week ago but there was no mention of closed border. The problems here so far have been in the north, especially Peshawar and occasionally in Lahore and Islamabad. In my view its the police and government establishments are the targets. I can give you more info if you want

Doing the route Turkey->Iran->Pakistan (at the moment in Iran), I crossed from Turkey to Iran via the Dogubayazit-Bazargan border about a month ago with no problems.

(Caveat: Greek passport & license plate)

The "helpers" lingering on the Turkish side were quite necessary for quickly figuring out WTF you're supposed to do to get out of the country - on the iranian side they're much better organised and it's easy doing the procedure by your own.

Alexandros

Iran/Pakistan border also OK - four of us crossed it 3 days ago with no problems whatsoever - on the contrary, the treatment we received on the Pakistani side was just short of touching, with extremely friendly/welcoming officials, a very professional and efficient treatment, (good) tea with (splendid) biscuits and in the end to top it all, a full hot sit-down meal arranged by the official who stamped our Carnets! Oh, and good exchange rates by the money changing people at the border.

The last couple of days of Iran were frustrating (apparently the cops/army have a deal with local hotel owners and do anything they can to stop you from reaching the border, thus wasting a day waiting 5km short of the border), but Pakistan has given us the warmest of welcomes.

I wouldn't imagine anyone being turned around now - traveling with Greek, UK and German passports in the group and received nothing but nods, handshakes and smiles at the borders.

Alexandros

We just crossed the border at Serou, the most southern Turkey/Iran one. That was 3 days ago and there was no problems at all. The only problem that you will come across is some veeerrrry slippery roads... Check youtube's username rickmeeuw for some footage... :S Good luck!

Sounds like nonsense to me. Never heard of anyone being turned back at the Turkey / Iran border (not sure about Iraq), providing you have a visa of course. The Iran / Pakistan border ocassionally closes due to political tiffs, but you can go through once it re-opens. Extending an Iranian visa is easy these days.

The only time I've been turned away from the Iran Pakistan border is when I tried to cross at the southern border between Mand and Pishin, which I was informed is only used by Baluchi smugglers.

Definitely go east.

Daniel