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Russia,Baku Ferry or Iran?? Russia,Baku Ferry or Iran??
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Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
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  #1  
Old 9 Dec 2018
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Russia,Baku Ferry or Iran??
Simply put not sure which route to take,what do guys think from experience?Destination Tajikistan

1) Russia via Georgia
2) Baku ferry to Turkmenistan
3) Iran


Any input appreciated,doesnt have to be a long answer,just pick a number and il get the message
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  #2  
Old 9 Dec 2018
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I'd go via Iran, if you can get the visa.

I went via Georgia/Russia to Kazakhstan, nothing too exciting. And the Caspian Sea ferry I've heard is pretty grim.
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Old 9 Dec 2018
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I was thinking the same Ian cheers
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Old 9 Dec 2018
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Just re-read my post. Didn't mean Georgia is un-interesting! There's just nothing much once you're in that part of Russia, and western Kazakhstan for that matter.

Swiss guy I met (in Almaty for the first time) had come via Iran, and raved about it, the people especially. I think you may be OK on an Irish passport, but off limits for us English (and Americans)? I'd love to go there!
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  #5  
Old 9 Dec 2018
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Yeah im hoping the Passport might help me out,im just going to rock up at the border with a bottle of whiskey and a few shamrocks for luck lol,northern Georgia looks fantastic though,problem is i was hoping to enter Iran via turkey but if i go the Georgia route il have to head back through Azerbaijan then Iran,adding a lot of time,but possibly worth it.
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  #6  
Old 9 Dec 2018
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I'd go for the Turkey > Georgia > Armenia > Iran option. I thoroughly enjoyed all of those.
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Old 9 Dec 2018
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cheers for the feed back guys
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  #8  
Old 10 Dec 2018
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Georgia Russia is nice if you have time, Kalmükken with Elista is nice, Astrachan, only Kazakhstan is a long hot stretch.

ferry has the problem it has no real schedule, so if you arrive in Turkmenistan to late, your transit visa is expired and you have to go back.

Ferry to Kasachstan works, did that last year.

Iran is nice, here again, only if you get transit visa through Turkmenistan.
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Old 10 Dec 2018
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From a cultural perspective (history, people, architecture etc), Iran would win hands-down in my opinion, but if you're just passing through and watching the landscape then Georgia and the North Caucasus in Russia are far more visually beautiful.

I think the Trans-Caspian ferry only makes sense if you specifically want to make a ferry ride or want to avoid getting a Russian visa.

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Old 10 Dec 2018
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There's another reason to avoid entering Russia north of Georgia if you're heading further, e.g. to Magadan or Vladivostok.

And that is that you then need a business visa as you'd be entering Russia three times rather than two.
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Old 10 Dec 2018
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hI Brian

the Baku Ferry is a now go as there is no schedule which means you may have to wait for more then one week which means your Turkmenistan Visa is in vain.

Russia via Georgia would not be my first choice as you miss Iran. I would not want to miss Iran.

What if you combine Georgia, Armenia and Iran? It is some more work to apply for visa for the two countries but it gives your tour a lot more different flavours . . .

Hope this helps
Peter
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Old 10 Dec 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by muztoo.com View Post
What if you combine Georgia, Armenia and Iran? It is some more work to apply for visa for the two countries but it gives your tour a lot more different flavours . . .
EU citizens don't need visa for Georgia or Armenia, only for Iran. Since the OP seems to have Irish nationality the latter shouldn't be a problem either. There's no special restrictions like for the British/USA-ians/Canadians.

I've even read one report of Swiss nationals (if I remember correctly) getting a VOA at the Armenia/Iran border. But as far as I know those normally only apply when flying into the country.

When applying for an Iran visa through a travel agency (for the invitation code) DO NOT MENTION you will be travelling with your own vehicle. They'll try to sell you a guided tour which you do not need.

(and do remember you'll need a Carnet de Passage for your vehicle to enter Iran)
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Old 11 Dec 2018
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Thanks all,very helpful,never thought about the implications of a 3ird crossing with the Russian visa,as i thought you needed a business visa just to pass twice?i guess taking into account all the above comments il chance a Georgia Armenia Iran Border crossing,Vladivostok will eventually be the final destination
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Old 11 Dec 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brian p View Post
Thanks all,very helpful,never thought about the implications of a 3ird crossing with the Russian visa,as i thought you needed a business visa just to pass twice?i guess taking into account all the above comments il chance a Georgia Armenia Iran Border crossing,Vladivostok will eventually be the final destination
That was the case in 2015, you could do max double-entry on a tourist visa. But you'd better check this is still the case!
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Old 11 Dec 2018
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Originally Posted by IanC View Post
That was the case in 2015, you could do max double-entry on a tourist visa. But you'd better check this is still the case!
As far as I know this is still the case. You can get double entry on a tourist visa, but for maximum 30 days. If you need either more than 30 days or more than 2 entries, business visa is the way to go.
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