The Route of Middle East
 

Hi,
I'm going to start a world journey from the UAE this July.

I envision a route going to the east after north-up to the Arabian Peninsula.

My assumption of countries that I'll have to get through is Iraq and Iran.
Now I know that the restriction in Iran forbidding big engines was got rid of.

Has anyone driven in these areas recently?

And how difficult was it to get Visa of these countries?
Ofcourse, it depends on nationality or other factors, but I just want to know if anyone has experienced riding in such a route and whether it is a realistic trip or not.

Thanks.

Ryuhei Nukaga

Sounds like a dream trip is finally starting.

Actually, these days are very good for travelling in the Middle East.

In January / February of this year I spent 3.5 weeks driving around Iraq and it turned out to be one of my favourite countries. These days it is quite easy to get a visa at the border. I got mine from the Iran - Iraq border at Shalamcheh, between Khorramshahr and Basra.

I know someone who got an Iraq visa at the Jordan - Iraq border a few months ago. The border with Saudi Arabia is closed to tourists. From Kuwauit it is possible, but you need to have the visa before reaching the border. If you enter from Jordan or Iran you can get the visa at the border.

Best of luck with your trip,

EO

DearEO

I'm very appreciate your letting me know that information.
That tremendously helps me.

Presumably, my route would be UAE→Oman→Saud→Kuwait→Iraq→Iran.

As you said, I can find out Shalamcheh Borderpost between Barsa and Khorramshahr but I can't find out any border post between Kuwait and Iraq on Google map or iOverlande app.

Do you have any information about the land border if a tourist comes from Kuwait and gets into Iraq?
And also as you said , in this case, I have to get Iraq VISA before reaching the border, right?

Ryuhei

Dear Nukaga-san

You are very welcome.

The border crossing between Kuwait and Iraq is known as Al Safwan.

If you move from Kuwait to Iraq, you need a special permit to leave Kuwait by a land border. In order to get this permit, the authorities in Kuwait need to see an Iraqi visa in your passport. In Iraq, they will issue you a tourist visa at the border, but it is very unusual for an iraqi embassy to issue a tourist visa (strange rules).

I read an account on the Facebook Middle East Overland group by two people who spoke with the Iraqi consul in Kuwait and was given a visa, so they could then drive to Iraq. Maybe it works for you to do the same.

The alternative is to drive from Saudi to Jordan and enter Iraq from there. Beware that the road from the Jordanian border to Baghdad is a long desert stretch which sometimes has security issues, so try to ride it in one go during the day.

One more thing - for my passport (Germany), I can get a visa for Iraq at the airport or land border. For a Japanese passport I think the rule is the same, but it would be a good idea to search online to be certain.

Also, beware of the petrol in Iraq, it is very, very bad quality! The regular petrol is about 80 to 85 RON. The higher quality (mohassen) is maybe 88 to 90 RON. Only in Kurdistan can you find 'Super' which is 92+ RON. It was the first time I have ever heard my Hilux Surf knocking, when I used the regular fuel. These RON numbers were shared with me by a petroleum engineer who worked in the Bayji refinery.

Fuel in Iran is better, but still not good.

Let me know if you need any more assistance,

EO

Dear EO

Thank you for the additional information.

Kuwait→Iraq
Jordan→Iraq

I can't decide which way is better now, but I'll try to go one way or the other.

One more thing I'm considering is using eVisa online.

https://www.evisa.gov.iq/

If I apply for an Iraqi eVisa online and can receive approval, will it work at the border as a special permit you said ?
Otherwise, I need to get a Visa at the embassy or consul....

In the case of moving from Jordan to Kuwait, do you mean it is easier to get an Iraqi Visa in Jordan rather than in Kuwait ?

Thanks also for the information about the gas.
In Japan, our "regular" gas is around 91 RON.
Yamaha T7 is designed for this level of RON so I believe it will manage to work it out and get through..... I don't know.....
But I'll be cerefull with filling with gas of higher RON in such an area.

Ryuhei

Did you check the site, it only works for Germany, Turkey or Egypt.

Now I've checked.

Unfortunately, it turns out to be invalid way for me.

Thanks.