1Likes
|
|
14 Nov 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: England
Posts: 17
|
|
Iran/Pakistan visas
Hello,
I'm probably getting ahead of myself here but assuming that I'm successful in applying for both Iran and Pakistan visas, how long do I have to submit my passport for the visa stamps?
Also, am I right in saying that from the date of visa issue, which I'm assuming is the date it goes into my passport rather than the date of notification, I have three months to enter that particular country?
Many thanks.
|
15 Nov 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Norn' Iron'
Posts: 90
|
|
Best to check with the relevant embassy but last year -
Iran - We applied for a pre-authorisation number via a tour organisation company. This made the visa application process very straightforward and we got the visa in the passport while we waited. Can be picked up at an embassy of your choice (eg in turkey). Authorisation number valid for 3 months, visa valid for three months once in passport, max stay 1 month.
Pakistan - Real pain in the ass to get. Valid for entry up to 3 months from date of issue. Max stay 1 month from date of entry. Tried applying by post but basically our application was ignored and the form involved was changed after we posted it off (no notification of change). Best to go to embassy. Need Letter of Invitation from someone in Pakistan (eg tour company). Don't mention you are travelling by bike if at all possible.
Neil
|
15 Nov 2011
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
|
|
When I applied in Australia I told them all about me and my trip - included a sponsorship booklet, I went all out. They gave me a visa valid for three months (to enter the country) and lasted three months.
However - no matter how long or short you get the visa you can always extend the visa super easy in Pakistan for up to 6 months before you have to leave the country.
Iran - allow one month (roughly) for the code and in Islamabad it only took two days for normal process, one day for double your money.
Good Luck
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
|
17 Nov 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: England
Posts: 17
|
|
Smashing. Thanks very much to you both for the information.
I know what you're saying Neil about keeping quiet on the motorbike front but having to list my itinarary, even a rough one, on the application form will probably set the overland travel alarm bells ringing regardless of vehicle type.
All opinions on this one are welcome as from what I've been reading here and elsewhere this does seem to be the big stumbling block as far as visas are concerned.
Thanks again
|
29 Jan 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
Pakistan visa
Hi
Sorry to resurrect this thread but the pakistan high commission website for UK is vague,
The three month validity of the visa, does this start the moment the visa is issued in the UK or the moment you enter Pakistan? My issue is that I'm leaving maybe 3rd June, and not getting to pakistan til early september, just over three months.
Ummmm.
|
29 Jan 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
http://www.phclondon.org/HC/visa.htm#visitVisa
apparently this is what they want to see on application....
Duly filled Visa Form
Original passport (valid for at least six months) along with its photocopy
Two recent passport size photographs (with white background)
Invitation letter from sponsor
ID of the sponsor with complete address in Pakistan
Last three months bank statement
Proof of residence, UK Driving Licence (DVLA) with Counterpart OR a Utility bill (Electricity, Gas or Water) in applicant’s name may suffice
Reference letter from workplace
Itinerary, Hotel booking and schedule of visit
and all these bits of information?
What should I do about hotel bookings? I don't even know how long I'm staying anywhere? Should I just book a couple that are on my route?
Fern
|
1 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: England
Posts: 17
|
|
Along with my application form I included a covering letter detailing which towns/cities I planned to stay in along with the names of some decent hotels. I explained that reserving rooms so far ahead was virtually impossible due to the nature of an overland trip.
The chap at the consulate, who himself had travelled the KKH and was most supportive, was more than happy with everything. That was seven weeks ago however and I'm still waiting to hear back so I can't really comment how successful I've been. Apparently anything from six to twelve weeks is the expected time for a reply.
Pete
|
1 Feb 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
ummm. CIBT to a 9 day service for £90 fee on top of the £104. Which by the time I calculate my train fare to london or Birmingham twice, and two days off work, seems value for money.
Once you get the Pakistan Visa in your passport, is there an expiry date on it, therefore will it expire if it takes me longer than three months to get from London to Pakistan?
|
2 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
Posts: 153
|
|
Pakistan
Hi Guys,
Thought i'd share my experiences on Pakistan - my wife and i rode through it in September 2010 on our RTW.
We applied directly to the embassy in London before we left, and we did tell them about our bikes.
For us Pakistan and China were the only two visas we left the UK with as for us they were the only two we couldn't bypass if rejected.
We had to jump through a few hoops and provide examples of our bank statements, proof of a hotel booking, itinary etc etc. The staff there were mostly curiously about the fact that we'd WANT to go to Pakistan. One of the guys in our China crossing group went to the embassy on the same day and got his without hardly having to provide a thing for proof! - just depends on which guy you get.
It was just about the time that Pakistan passed a new rule saying that visa applicants HAD to apply in their country of origin. they didn't mention this on their websites and so caught quite a few overlanders out! However, this rule didn't seem to apply at the crossing at the top of the KKH from China. Three in our China group had not got one. they tried and failed to apply in every central asian capital. But upon arriving in sost, were given one in 10 minutes for just $20!!! I think this exception exists simply because by the time you get to Sost you're already 80km inside the country and it's not practical to drive you back up the mountain to China (who wouldn't take you back) - still not a chance worth taking!
We were issued with our 30 day visas on 22 April, they were valid for 6 months - if things have changed i don't know, but they seemed pretty understanding about our plans and we just kept telling them about how excited we were about visiting the country.
all i can say is it will be worth the effort - highlight of our trip!
We may have more details on our website, but give me a shout if you have any questions.
Motoventurers: honeymoon world motorcycle adventure
First off Pakistan embassies globally are very vague and not remotely up to date.
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 46
|
|
Why dio you need a sponser? I keep reading that but I don't understand what it's for when I'll eventually apply for a Pakistan visa. I don't know anyone in the country and I only plan on travelling through it. It seems I may need additional information which I can't give.
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 31
|
|
I had no problems with getting a Pakistan visa a month ago. I didn't need a letter of introduction, show bank statements or anything else. I just sent my application downloaded from the internet off to the embassy (in Australia). I gave them a call after the time period quoted to see how it was going, and they said I hadn't included what hotel I was staying in on my application. Just as well I called!
I told them what I was doing, including the fact I was riding a bike and received my visa back within two days. Guess, it depends on who you get and where.
I'm still waiting on my Iranian verification number. Followed up on that two weeks ago and was told it would be ready in a few days. Still haven't heard anything. Again, it seems pretty random, but I'm hopeful.
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 31
|
|
Interesting to read each person's experience re. Pakistan visa. It seems the rules are a lot tougher in the UK than in Australia. Waiting time too differs, someone here mentioned 6 - 12 weeks, I got mine two weeks after I posted it off with a return express postbag so it was delivered to the door. As I said previously though, if I hadn't called them I wouldn't have known it was sitting in the too hard basket waiting for me to tell them what hotel I was going to stay at. I just told the guy on the phone (who was very helpful by the way) the name of a hotel in Lahore that I'd marked down as one to consider when I pass through. It's like everything, all the squares need to be ticked so be inventive and think outside the box is my motto.
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: on the road
Posts: 59
|
|
Hi Oldbloke
When do you plan to go through Pakistan
How long is the visa for and does it start as soon as they process it?
Cheers clive
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
Clive
This is the same question that I'm asking and can't seem to get a precise answer, apart from a link I saw here...
Overland Drive from Southport (UK) to Melbourne (Australia): Visas
this visa seems that it has 6 months to expire before you get into pakistan
whereas this only gives three months, but I think it is a USA passport..
“Why Are You Going to Pakistan?” | Asia Overland
I've tried twice to ring pakistan consular phone no, first day couldn't get through, 2nd attempt had a language situation. ummmm. Lets try again.
:-)
|
14 Feb 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
ah ha.
Success, just got through to Pakistan consulate visa line in London.
Once Pakistan Visa is issued you have 6 months to get into Pakistan.
So If I get mine in May, I can enter up til November.
Yay for me. :-) No worries about beating the clock. China visa piece of poop for me too.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|