Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree5Likes
  • 5 Post By Jonnyoneye

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Apr 2012
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Changshou, Nr Chongqing, China
Posts: 36
UAE to UK, via Iran and Iraq .....on an R1

I've recently completed a journey from Abu Dhabi to Wales, via Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, England, and thought that some might like to have an update on the travelling situation in Iran and Iraq.

The entry into Iran was pretty stressful, after the ferry arrived late from Sharjah and this in turn did not allow enough time for the necessary paperwork to be completed to import the bike before the various (many), papers had been signed, stamped and paid for and the offices where all of this had to be carried out, had closed for the day at 2pm.

I had to stay in a local hotel for the night and as luck would have it, the taxi driver that i used in the morning spoke very good English and i employed him to help smooth the passage through all the red tape. He was excellent and without him i imagine i would still have been at the port at 2pm again and then have been stuck there for the Friday weekend period. The whole process is really complex and few seem to speak English, so be warned and try and get someone local to help if you can. I have the guys telephone number and if anyone wants it, i'm sure that he would help if you asked him, but it is a longish process, with some driving around, etc, so you should expect to pay him for his time and trouble as i did. It took around 5 hours in my case, so it's no 10 minute job i'm afraid.

Once out of the port, everything was ok and apart from being pulled up by the Police in Shiraz for a roadside check on documents, i had no problems at all, with everybody being very friendly and offering any assistance that i wanted....and some that i sadly couldn't experience.

The border crossing at Merivan was not too difficult, although it is quite some drive up some not well maintained roads and is really better tackled on a more rugged bike than the R1 that i had under me. The actual border crossing buildings area is under construction and was a right mess, with hundreds of trucks driving around and plenty of dust in the air. In the rainy season, the place would be a real challenge i imagine.

The process of crossing was not too difficult, although the Iranian officials did not seem to know what the Carnet De Passage was and kept telling me that it was not necessary to stamp it there. With 37,000 UAE Dirhams sitting as a deposit in Abu Dhabi for the CDP, i was not going to accept that, and eventually got someone who knew a bit more about it all and he stamped the thing for me.

Entry into Iraq, or Kurdistan as everybody corrected me, was easy and very pleasant. I was welcomed, offered a glass of cool water and the guards were more interested in revving the bike that doing any searches.

Riding through Kurdistan was easy. Roads not so good in the border areas, but improved as i got further West. I travelled the As Sulaymaniyah - Erbil - Mosul - Dahuk - Zakho route and apart from many check points along the roads, especially going into Erbil, there was nothing out of the ordinary and everyone was very friendly and curious about the trip and the bike.

I crossed into Turkey at the Zakho/Silopi crossing area. The Iraq side was fine, but the Turkey entry was not so easy. I was questioned for ages about where i had been, where i was going, why, did i smoke, did i drink, did my wife (who was not with me, by the way), had i visited Amsterdam (which as i use it for a KLM transit hub, i had done on many an occasion), etc, etc, etc,..... I eventually had to unpack everything, put it through a scanner and then i was cleared to go. When i asked about insurance, this brought about another problem as it was now 8pm on a Sunday evening and they would have to call someone from Silopi, etc, etc,. Eventually someone turned up, charged me $60 for 15 days cover and i was allowed to leave the area. It was now raining and 10pm. Not happy !

Anyway, i stayed in the very good Grand Hotel, which is right on the main road as you enter Silopi and left in the morning, showered, refreshed...and in the dry.

Rest of the journey was nothing really special, but at this point, i should mention the wonderful guys at istanbul bisiklet motosiklet. I had an electronic problem, together with a non working cooling fan by the time i reached Istanbul and i decided to call them to see if they could suggest where i could get it looked at. It's a long story, but they were fantastic. They came to meet me on the motorway, arranged transport back to their workshop/club house building in Istanbul, fed me, watered me and put me up for the night when it was clear that the repair to the fan would take a bit longer than expected. Wonderful people, all of them and i send my very grateful thanks to them for their instant and enthusiastic response to my dilema. Cheers guys.

So, after 9 days on the road from Bander Abbas and 8019 kms, i arrived back at home in Wales, with a slightly battered bike, cold and wet (British weather eh !), but very happy to have had a great experience in great places and for meeting good, normal people who were all kind to a fault.

If there is any info that i can help anyone with, please mail me.

J
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 4
very useful information. thanks for sharing. I'm hoping to ride from the UK to Iraq next year. happy days..
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: near Bern
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnyoneye View Post
I've recently completed a journey from Abu Dhabi to Wales, via Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, England, and thought that some might like to have an update on the travelling situation in Iran and Iraq.

The entry into Iran was pretty stressful, after the ferry arrived late from Sharjah and this in turn did not allow enough time for the necessary paperwork to be completed to import the bike before the various (many), papers had been signed, stamped and paid for and the offices where all of this had to be carried out, had closed for the day at 2pm.

I had to stay in a local hotel for the night and as luck would have it, the taxi driver that i used in the morning spoke very good English and i employed him to help smooth the passage through all the red tape. He was excellent and without him i imagine i would still have been at the port at 2pm again and then have been stuck there for the Friday weekend period. The whole process is really complex and few seem to speak English, so be warned and try and get someone local to help if you can. I have the guys telephone number and if anyone wants it, i'm sure that he would help if you asked him, but it is a longish process, with some driving around, etc, so you should expect to pay him for his time and trouble as i did. It took around 5 hours in my case, so it's no 10 minute job i'm afraid.

Once out of the port, everything was ok and apart from being pulled up by the Police in Shiraz for a roadside check on documents, i had no problems at all, with everybody being very friendly and offering any assistance that i wanted....and some that i sadly couldn't experience.

The border crossing at Merivan was not too difficult, although it is quite some drive up some not well maintained roads and is really better tackled on a more rugged bike than the R1 that i had under me. The actual border crossing buildings area is under construction and was a right mess, with hundreds of trucks driving around and plenty of dust in the air. In the rainy season, the place would be a real challenge i imagine.

The process of crossing was not too difficult, although the Iranian officials did not seem to know what the Carnet De Passage was and kept telling me that it was not necessary to stamp it there. With 37,000 UAE Dirhams sitting as a deposit in Abu Dhabi for the CDP, i was not going to accept that, and eventually got someone who knew a bit more about it all and he stamped the thing for me.

Entry into Iraq, or Kurdistan as everybody corrected me, was easy and very pleasant. I was welcomed, offered a glass of cool water and the guards were more interested in revving the bike that doing any searches.

Riding through Kurdistan was easy. Roads not so good in the border areas, but improved as i got further West. I travelled the As Sulaymaniyah - Erbil - Mosul - Dahuk - Zakho route and apart from many check points along the roads, especially going into Erbil, there was nothing out of the ordinary and everyone was very friendly and curious about the trip and the bike.

I crossed into Turkey at the Zakho/Silopi crossing area. The Iraq side was fine, but the Turkey entry was not so easy. I was questioned for ages about where i had been, where i was going, why, did i smoke, did i drink, did my wife (who was not with me, by the way), had i visited Amsterdam (which as i use it for a KLM transit hub, i had done on many an occasion), etc, etc, etc,..... I eventually had to unpack everything, put it through a scanner and then i was cleared to go. When i asked about insurance, this brought about another problem as it was now 8pm on a Sunday evening and they would have to call someone from Silopi, etc, etc,. Eventually someone turned up, charged me $60 for 15 days cover and i was allowed to leave the area. It was now raining and 10pm. Not happy !

Anyway, i stayed in the very good Grand Hotel, which is right on the main road as you enter Silopi and left in the morning, showered, refreshed...and in the dry.

Rest of the journey was nothing really special, but at this point, i should mention the wonderful guys at istanbul bisiklet motosiklet. I had an electronic problem, together with a non working cooling fan by the time i reached Istanbul and i decided to call them to see if they could suggest where i could get it looked at. It's a long story, but they were fantastic. They came to meet me on the motorway, arranged transport back to their workshop/club house building in Istanbul, fed me, watered me and put me up for the night when it was clear that the repair to the fan would take a bit longer than expected. Wonderful people, all of them and i send my very grateful thanks to them for their instant and enthusiastic response to my dilema. Cheers guys.

So, after 9 days on the road from Bander Abbas and 8019 kms, i arrived back at home in Wales, with a slightly battered bike, cold and wet (British weather eh !), but very happy to have had a great experience in great places and for meeting good, normal people who were all kind to a fault.

If there is any info that i can help anyone with, please mail me.

J
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Dubai
Posts: 110
Great Trip

Hi
the good thing you arrived safe. and are you coming back to UAE?
lets be in touch once you are back to UAE.
i will spend 3 weeks riding my motorBike in Europ in July.
Regards
Saleh
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 May 2012
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Changshou, Nr Chongqing, China
Posts: 36
Hi Saleh,
Thanks for the message re the trip.
I'm not sure about going back to the UAE, as i've now completed my contract there and do not have any further work offered. I am trying, as i quite like the area, but nothing yet, and so i don't know where i'll end up next.
If i do get further work in the area, it would be good to meet up. It was not so easy on my last contract, as i was based in Al Mirfa, up the E11 towards Ruwais and as we were working either 6 or 7 days per week, i only had very short periods in Abu Dhabi at the best.
Anyway, who knows what will turn up and if i'm based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai next time, i should be able to get out and about more and meet fellow bikers.
Good luck with your planned trip. Where exactly are you travelling from and to ?
Regards,
John.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Bandırma,Turkey @ N40 20.737 E27 58.821
Posts: 77
great information, thanks..

also, I'll be glad to help anyone-anyway who ride through Turkey..
__________________
bora@eris.com.tr N40 20.737 E27 58.821
+905322912050
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Dubai
Posts: 110
Hi John

The good thing that you liked the area and just wanted a few more free time to ride.

we will strat our trip from Hamburg, amesterdam, brusseles, paris, zurich, Milan, interlakin, zell am see, brague, poland (for www.fimrally2012.eu)
them back to hamburg.
we will keep the bikes stored in Hamburg and will come back in Sep to ride to faaker see in Austria.

i will send you PM about additional details.

Takecare
Saleh
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Feb 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
Impressed!

Hi John,

Wow, you did this in 9 days!! Im impressed, how long did it take you to drive from Bandar a Abbas up through Iran? What were the roads like, il be doing a trip myself on a GSXR.

Cheers,

Colm.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Feb 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Iranian roads (local driving standards aside) are excellent, pretty much as good as Europe (and far better than the roads around me in Kent!) Nothing to worry about there.
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Feb 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 16
Daniel

Thanks Daniel, any suggested routes ?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Feb 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Quote:
Originally Posted by MileHighJunkie View Post
Thanks Daniel, any suggested routes ?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...158#post309189
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
from dubai through Iran, turkey to Norway with own dubai registered car

We are looking for advice as to having å carte de passage cdp and What to expect entering i to Iran from Dubai. Getting It sorter out papervize I mean on arrival there. Having a Guide, would that be an idea, since It is cheap and he also could follow us in our car all the day to the turkish border again.

Advice and experience is most appreciated !

Christianl
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crossing In To Iraq From Small Border Iran maximondo West and South Asia 10 5 Nov 2014 14:35
Kuwait to Iran via Iraq? Or is there a ferry? m2m Middle East 2 23 Jul 2012 15:32
IRAQ = a must see Tarzan Middle East 37 5 Jan 2012 00:59
Iraq Visa/Transit deepstar Route Planning 4 16 Dec 2011 14:26

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 11:22.