Border crossing Armenia - Iran
 

Just to let people know, it is very possible, even easy to cross from Armenia into Iran, and I presume, go the other way too. Armenia is nice too, beautiful mountains, OK roads. Visa at the border. If anybody wants to go from Georgia to Iran, I would definitely recommend going through Armenia instead of Azerbaijan.

I (German) crossed into Iran this summer on a bike, with a carnet. Was stamped out of Armenia without much hassle, they were a little slow though - it's a former Soviet republic. Iranian immigration was quick, customs too (with carnet), no problems at all. They didn't even search my luggage for alcohol or other "un-islamic contraband". The whole thing was over in less than an hour.
There are a couple of money changers, with good rates, when you exit the Iranian border compound. First Iranian fuel station is in Siahrood, about 30 kilometers west of the cossing.

Border crossing Armenia-Iran - Google Maps

There was talk, in recent years, of the politicians discussing the possibility of opening a crossing between Armenia and Turkey; does anyone know as to whether any progress has been made towards achieving this?

I have a friend that rode the area in September, and the border Turkey-Armenia was still closed with no predictions as to when it might be opened forever.

Just to clarify: Knight of the Holy Graal is of course talking about Turkey-Armenia.


I wouldn't expect any open border crossings between Armenia and Turkey in the near future. Relations between Armenia and Turkey/Azerbaijan are somewhat tense.

Turkey-Nakhchivan and Nakhchivan-Iran is open.
Georgia-Turkey/Armenia/Azerbaijan is open.
Armenia-Georgia/Iran/Karabakh is open.

According to the German Foreign Ministry, the Azerbaijanis will let you wait a little when you have am Armenian visa in your passport and will not let you in with a Karabakh visa (but you get a seperate piece of paper, so no prob).

Great area to travel.

I did those borders 2 years ago (in a combination of inexpensive taxis): Southern Caucasus (Karabakh, Naxcivan ...) - Gentleman Adventurer

Iran was particularly friendly. The Turkey-Nakhchevan border quite exotic.

Yes, I had already edited my message because it wasn't clear... :smiliex:

I've heard the Turkey-Nakhchivan-Iran is a pleasant and hassle free alternative to the Turkey-Iran crossing at Bazargan.

It's probably true, however I got grilled by the Turks for 2 hours, entering the other direction from Nakhchivan into Turkey. No wonder, on the Turkish side this is a hot conflict area. The border guard said that there are only 1-2 Westerners crossing this way per year.

Just to get back to the original topic, is it actually necessary to have a carnet to enter Armenia? it would be the only post-Soviet country that required it (in fact accepted it at all) if it were to be required...

Daniel

No carnet required for Armenia. Customs very easy.

Thanks for putting my mind at rest!

Daniel

I echo, no carnet was requested when in 2010 I entered Armenia from Georgia.

No carnet needed! I was there in 2010. Very friendly customs. The military guys at the border sat on our bikes and took photographs with their cell phones!

Turkey was about to open the border with Armenia.
Azerbaijan noted that, it is not good to open the border and setting up good relations with Armenia unless Armenia's withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh. Also said how Turkey can do it after Hodjali Massacre.

Now Turkey waits this problem is solved by Minsk Group and Azerbaijan agrees about the solution and Turkey will open the border.

So not before solving all other problems between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. To me not possible before 2-3 years. Who knows ! ?