Woman on wheels :Iran, Iraq, KSA, Afghanistan
 

Hello there

I wonder if anyone could update my information concerning women driving a motorcycle (not passenger).
There are some female bloggers who did cross these countries, but apart from nice videos, they share little relevant info. (Or I didnt find it in between).

Iran: I thought it forbidden for women driving themselves. I did travel in Iran alone 20 years ago, it wasn't a problem. However, the regime is now under much more pressure and I don't want to be an easy victim for government hostage (such as doing something clearly forbidden) if tensions flare up again.
Dress: I still have a manteau and a comfortable headscarf from 20years ago.

KSA: are women allowed to drive motorcycles? After endless years of prohibiting them to drive a simple car?? Or do officials just look the other way?
How do I have to dress there- for riding and in general?

Same questions to Afghanistan and to Iraq.

Thanks for sharing!
Karin

I'm not a woman, but I've been to all of these countries, and can speak about my observations:

* Iran: plenty of Iranian woman drive motorbikes. As long as you can get a visa to travel independently, I don't see why it would be a problem
* Iraq: in Kurdistan definitely wouldn't be an issue, lots of women drive cars & motorbikes. In "federal" Iraq, seems like it should also be ok, but driving in general is going to be challenging. Lots & lots of militia, police & military checkpoints all over the place, with their own rules & expectations. I know that ItchyBoots spent time there earlier this year, so it should be fine, but that doesn't mean its easy.
* KSA: Women can definitely drive on their own, but there's not a lot of them. ItchyBoots did it this year as well, and it seemed easy enough. I can say from personal experience that driving there is pretty easy for the most part (roads are mostly in good condition, police checkpoints aren't too numerous or difficult, etc).
* Afghanistan: no clue under the Taliban. It was definitely legal before they tookover, but that's irrelevant now. My guess is that its definitely not legal for women now. Not even sure if female tourists can travel independently now.