Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
The more I look into Iran the harder it seems for a British passport.
A guide is mandatory and expensive. That will ruin the whole experience 
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Iran's been on my radar for a couple of years now but the obstacles do seen formidable. It does seem slightly ridiculous that when you clank to a halt at the border waving your UK passport you'd have to shell out for a guide whereas, arriving directly behind you and showing an Irish passport, I'd have no such restriction and could just ride off (unless things have changed since I last looked).
The other thing you'll have to come to terms with is the subsequent restriction in your ability to visit the US for five or so years under the ESTA system. You'd have to apply for a visa and convince them that you're just an innocent adventurer. As I'm currently in the midst of a batch of US bike trips that's a issue I've had to take on board. At the moment the US trumps Iran in my plans
The Cars carnet cost is just ludicrous - about £750 vs £250 from ADAC and would be a deal breaker for me. That £500 would pay for most of the fuel for the trip. I've no idea how Cars.com work out their rates or whether they have any obligations to provide carnets but that looks similar to Amazon dealers pricing a £2 paperback at £1000 to put people off.
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