Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Jan 2005
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
Iran visa for Americans - guide requirement?

A couple of Iranian travel agencies (one which I have emailed, www.key2persia.com) state that a guide is mandatory for independent American travellers riding a motorcycle through Iran. They claim that this is a government requirement. The guide cost they have quoted me is $20USD per person per day.

I have not seen this in any of the other posts on the site and I wasn't aware of the guide requirement...if it is indeed true.

Can anyone confirm this requirement, and is there a way to travel independently as an American without the guide requirement? Or perhaps the travel agencies are interpreting a "gray" area in the law to their own benefit?

We spoke to the Iranian interests section in Washington DC and they knew nothing about motorcycling through the country. They mentioned that we should send some copies of our passport to our contact in Iran and have them apply for us in Iran.

I have some Iranian contacts in Iran who may be able to help us (not the travel agencies), but they need some direction on what assistance to provide.

Any thoughts on this? I haven't seen too many posts of travellers from the US crossing Iran lately. We will have a carnet for the bike and expect to be in Iran sometime next summer.

Thanks for the help.

-Dave

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 01 January 2005).]

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 01 January 2005).]

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 01 January 2005).]

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 01 January 2005).]
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
I can neither confirm nor refute but I've heard from a couple of Americans who tried to get an Iranian visa that it is almost impossible for them to get one. The fact that you want to enter the country from some border and wonder around on your own riding a motorcycle armed with a camera and talking to locals, as opposed to flying in a controlled airport and staying in known hotels, doesn't make it easier. The only American I know who got a Visa got it on his second European passport.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.

[This message has been edited by A.B. (edited 02 January 2005).]
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Sep 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Glenbrook, NSW, Australia
Posts: 3
Not sure if you are still checking this post...

but list some solid contact details (ie-well known hotel) on your visa application form will be helpful in obtaining a visa

+ try getting a visa for the next country you will be in- so they know your intentions

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Last I read on the Iranian Govts web site was that US citizens are only allowed to enter on organised tours. Nothing to do with bikes, more with US foreign "policy".

AUS & UK citizens are given the runaround, i.e. have to go through an agency, whereas some others have obtained visas without an agency.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
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


 
 

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 08:47.