New rule for self drive (early 2018) for Can/UK/Us??
 

Hi all,

I spoke today with somebody in Iran, who seems to stay close to the overlanding scene. I asked a few questions about getting a guide to cross the country on our motorcycles (self drive) and emphasized on the fact we were canadians (guides are mandatory for us, we know...)

So he and his friend (who owns a travel agency) called in Theran at an official place, and came back to me saying there is a new rule since the protests happened (early 2018) and that Can/UK/Us were not allowed anymore to self drive their vehicule in the country!

has anyone heard anything about that?! It seems like the other agencies we are asking have not heard a thing, but since it's a new rule and Canadian motorcycles probably do not cross these borders everyday, it might be a thing now.

Please share your experience if you have self drived in Iran as one of three nationalities mentionned above since the last months.

Ben

Very interested in the answer to this question. Anyone have updates.

Bob:scooter:

From the British perspective, I know that to be a fact. I have been in touch with various official badged tour guides in Iran, and No Brit registered vehicles at all. I imagine that would be the same for US at least, I cannot comment on Canada. As US sanctions bite harder from November, as things stand, it is not good for the citizens of Iran who unfortunately are the victims of the sanctions. I only hope we (Brits and Yanks) can work towards better relationships. I for myself was planning 1 month in Iran May/June 2019, it looks in jeopardy at least with my own bike.

I am in touch with someone who was in Iran a week or two ago with a British-registered vehicle, but a non-British passport.

So I'm not sure about the validity of saying all British vehicles are banned.

I am relying my information on a well respected and known registered guide in Iran who told me this late last week. That's all I can comment.

It s a fact that British, US or Canadian Passport holders need a guide anyway.
Not just since 2018.

So it is not possible to get into the country without a guide.

The original post was alleging that UK / US / Canadian passport holders are no longer allowed to drive, which is a separate issue (and would indeed be a new rule if it turns out to be true) from not being granted a visa without having booked a guided tour. And a separate issue to cars registered in these countries being banned from entry.

At the end of the day, there are all sorts of 'rules' which various agencies and bodies issue. They are often not the same as the status quo at the border. There are so many people driving through Iran these days that we'll soon hear if people are really being turned away for any reason.

So if one agency tells you that Brits / Americans / Canadians are not allowed to drive in Iran, try another agency. I'm pretty sure there were British Mongol Rallyers who drove through Iran this year.

As for British vehicles being banned, I know that to be incorrect as recently as October 2018.

EO

"As for British vehicles being banned, I know that to be incorrect as recently as October 2018."
EO[/QUOTE]

Hello Adrian,

It is no longer possible to drive on your own vehicle in Iran for UK passport holders. Previously you could hire a driver and a local guide to accompany you.

What kind of help do you need in other countires? We have plenty of free information about visas, permits and border crossings on the website. As well as active Forum: https://caravanistan.com/forum/

Visas https://caravanistan.com/visa/
Border crossings: https://caravanistan.com/border-crossings/

Kind regards,

Saule Kalysheva
Travel Consultant at Caravanistan


Dear Adrian
I have answered you already that British citizens are not allowed to bring any bike or vehicle to Iran according to the present rules I hope there will a change next year.But if you come alone I can be your guide.
Any way let's see what brings the next year. Hossein Ravanyar 2/10/18

I know Saule personally :) and know that she is very experienced in issuing visa invitations. So indeed it seems to be a rule that will take effect.

However, banning nationals of these countries from driving their own vehicles in Iran is not the same as banning vehicles registered in that country. Vehicles do not have a nationality and are not subject to immigration procedures.

So, someone with a non-UK / US / Canadian passport, can still drive a UK registered car in Iran, at least as recently as October 2018.

EO