Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
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 Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Nov 2011
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
UK severs ties with Iranian banks

BBC News - UK severs ties with Iranian banks

Not sure if this will make a difference to UK travellers given you can't use bank cards anyway due to the existing sanctions. Though I did note one HU member recently went to Iran without any cash (!) and I believe they just managed to get some out of a Tehran bank so I guess that option might not be possible now.

It's probably just another prelude to an invasion anyway...
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
I would think this was pretty symbolic, given the existing sanctions as the OP says.

Must say it's interesting how the Russians have backed out of selling them the S-300 air defence missiles yet still oppose further sanctions (?)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Nov 2011
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Changshou, Nr Chongqing, China
Posts: 36


Ho, ho, ho, the timing couldn't have been better for a UK passport holder to try and get a visa.
I applied for mine 4 days ago.....................
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Nov 2011
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
This will be a make or break difference for any traveller who runs out of cash. While cards can't be used in Iran it has been possible to have money transferred to one of the big banks, I think it was Bank Melli. I guess that means for Brits this is not an option any more, meaning there are no more options left!
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Nov 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
There are some carpet/rug shops in the bazzar in Tabriz that have PDQ visa machines ( think the business is reg'd elsewhere or something?) and they will NOT sell you a carpet and give you your refund in Rials.

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: london
Posts: 178
Iranian visa

MMM just applying for my iranian visa not holding out! Mark
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Nov 2011
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Changshou, Nr Chongqing, China
Posts: 36
Well, i heard at the back end of last week that my application has been refused...........but only because my passport would have less than 6 months left on it by the time the visa was issued, so i've been told get a new passport and re-submit, so maybe it will be ok for any other UK travellers.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2011
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
This update won't help matters either.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15936213
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

Last edited by MikeS; 29 Nov 2011 at 14:24.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Nov 2011
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
say goodbye to visas for British passport holders for a while I think.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Pity any UK citizen who has to go to the Tehran UK Embassy for any consular assistance......
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilesmark View Post
Pity any UK citizen who has to go to the Tehran UK Embassy for any consular assistance......
A UK news item today says that the Embassy staff are being evacuated. What was not clear is if that is for all staff or only those who are deemed non-essential.
Judging by the trashed state of the Embassy shown in the pictures it could be closed completely, for a while at least.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Indeed. And it's unlikely to get any better -

BBC News - UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
The gloomy prediction was correct. William Hague has now confirmed (in an updated version of the earlier link) that ALL UK diplomatic staff are being pulled from Iran.

BBC News - UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Not really related to overlanding, but all points toward a worsening situation

BBC News - Manston airport stops refuelling Iran Air flights

And if you hadn't worked it out for yourself already, you can forget about getting an Iranian visa in the UK -
"Nearby at Iran's consulate a small number of visitors were allowed inside to collect visas and passports. But the staff did not accept any new applications"

BBC News - Iran diplomats to leave UK after Tehran embassy attack

Last edited by ilesmark; 2 Dec 2011 at 15:52.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 121
yeah this has been making my head-scratch lately too (I have a year-ish till setting off). Feels like the press and the west are grooming for war for the last few months. I hope it never happens. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how visa applications go from this point onwards. Alternative route could be from the end of Tajikistan (38.150386,74.802518) somehow (cheaply? in to china doubt it...) getting a days transit visa (the road is only 200km) for China and entering Pakistan from KKH...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnyoneye View Post


Ho, ho, ho, the timing couldn't have been better for a UK passport holder to try and get a visa.
I applied for mine 4 days ago.....................
also keep us updated how this goes...
__________________
Currently on the road.. suck it work
http://ctscholi.blogspot.co.uk/
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


 
 

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 07:24.