Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Turned away at Turkey/Iran or Iran/Pakistan border? Turned away at Turkey/Iran or Iran/Pakistan border?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Turned away at Turkey/Iran or Iran/Pakistan border?
Currently in the midst of a tricky decision and was wondering if anyone had heard of people being turned away at the borders mentioned? The British FCO has advised me over the phone that foreigners are being occasionally turned away at both borders. I'm currently in Jordan and have only until the middle of February to complete my trip which was originally to Nepal, but am wondering whether turning south through Africa might be a safer bet. For me, getting refused at either of these crossings would ruin my trip, add to that the worsening situation in Pakistan and I'm in two minds! Any info much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
Not exactly in the way you mean, but sort of (Turkey -> Iran). Just so you don't make the same mistake I did: there is NO border crossing directly east of Van (unless you are commercial train cargo that is). There are two crossings: one in the North (Dogubayazit) and one in the South (forgot the name). Just don't pick the one in the middle, no matter what you map and gps say ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Nov 2009
nico-la-vo's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: north yorks
Posts: 90
dont know if this is of any help, but we cam through a few months back , turkey-iran- pakistan, and didnt get turned away at all. there were a few who came after us on here too who got thru fine. i am not sure whether the pakistan sit has got worse since then as we havent been hearing much news. if you want to know about our crossing its on the blog, but lik i said dont know if its relevant. god luck, think you will prob be fine as long as you have the visas... africa would be amazing too tho..
__________________
Far From Home, U.K - Oz and beyond.
http://www.globegallivanting.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: cumbria uk
Posts: 42
We in Pakistan at the moment and we crossed on the 2nd October without a problem. From the local news there has been some military activity on the Iranian side at Dog-biscuit about a week ago but there was no mention of closed border. The problems here so far have been in the north, especially Peshawar and occasionally in Lahore and Islamabad. In my view its the police and government establishments are the targets. I can give you more info if you want
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Nov 2009
apapadop's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
Doing the route Turkey->Iran->Pakistan (at the moment in Iran), I crossed from Turkey to Iran via the Dogubayazit-Bazargan border about a month ago with no problems.

(Caveat: Greek passport & license plate)

The "helpers" lingering on the Turkish side were quite necessary for quickly figuring out WTF you're supposed to do to get out of the country - on the iranian side they're much better organised and it's easy doing the procedure by your own.

Alexandros
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Dec 2009
apapadop's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
Iran/Pakistan border also OK - four of us crossed it 3 days ago with no problems whatsoever - on the contrary, the treatment we received on the Pakistani side was just short of touching, with extremely friendly/welcoming officials, a very professional and efficient treatment, (good) tea with (splendid) biscuits and in the end to top it all, a full hot sit-down meal arranged by the official who stamped our Carnets! Oh, and good exchange rates by the money changing people at the border.

The last couple of days of Iran were frustrating (apparently the cops/army have a deal with local hotel owners and do anything they can to stop you from reaching the border, thus wasting a day waiting 5km short of the border), but Pakistan has given us the warmest of welcomes.

I wouldn't imagine anyone being turned around now - traveling with Greek, UK and German passports in the group and received nothing but nods, handshakes and smiles at the borders.

Alexandros
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands
Posts: 2
We just crossed the border at Serou, the most southern Turkey/Iran one. That was 3 days ago and there was no problems at all. The only problem that you will come across is some veeerrrry slippery roads... Check youtube's username rickmeeuw for some footage... :S Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Sounds like nonsense to me. Never heard of anyone being turned back at the Turkey / Iran border (not sure about Iraq), providing you have a visa of course. The Iran / Pakistan border ocassionally closes due to political tiffs, but you can go through once it re-opens. Extending an Iranian visa is easy these days.

The only time I've been turned away from the Iran Pakistan border is when I tried to cross at the southern border between Mand and Pishin, which I was informed is only used by Baluchi smugglers.

Definitely go east.

Daniel
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Which road maps for Turkey,Iran,Pakistan and KKH frankfrank Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 5 12 Mar 2016 11:49
who wana go to Iran and Pakistan from Turkey? sahmeran Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 15 Aug 2008 09:22
Turkey-Iran-Pakistan, how much time? pecha72 West and South Asia 22 11 Jul 2007 13:41
Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-India Tom-Traveller West and South Asia 10 7 Apr 2007 14:23
company pakistan-iran-turkey oeyvindjohan Travellers Seeking Travellers 10 15 Feb 2003 18:32

 
 

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.

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. 11-14
  • 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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 18:13.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top