Have any Canadians out there had recent (say, the past 6 months or so) success in obtaining an Iranian visa? We are just about to start the process now and are not incouraged by some of what we have read (low success rate, etc.)

Thanks!

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Brian

www.2uprtw.com

Hey Brian and Marie,

I don't know current status, quite a few long delays last year for people and most gave up but in a conversation with Rene Cormier he mentioned he eventually got one so it's not impossible (or wasn't at that time). You may want to contact him to see if he has any magic tips. Cheers.

I spent December 07 to January 08 in Iran. I know that's more than 6 months ago, but relations between Canada and Iran were pretty much at an all time low then. Our Ambassador just got kicked out when they finally let me in.

I started the application process for a visa in August of 2007. I sent my passport directly to the Embassy in Ottawa (this was a mistake) and was told it should take about 7 - 10 days to get the visa. After months with no word, I contacted Foreign Affairs Canada and they demanded my passport back. (That doesn't help your chances of getting into Iran.)

Undeterred, I went to a visa agency and finally collected my visa, in December, 2007. There again, they promised a wait time of between 7 - 10 days, but it took months. Unfortunately, because of the unexpected delay, I was forced to leave my motorcycle in Syria and fly to Iran for a little visit. It's tough to get in, but it's worth it when you do!

So, don't bother applying directly at an embassy. I did, and if I skipped that step it would have shaved months off my wait time. You'll need a visa service or travel agent.

I used IranianVisa.com, but I would not highly recommend them. The only problem is that, almost no matter which service someone uses, they usually say that! That said, I checked their site recently and I see that their percentage of successful applications is up (maybe that's because fewer people are trying). When I applied, the success rate for Canadians was 41% but I DID end up getting it through them (though their customer service leaves something to be desired).

Another site to check is Key2Persia.com

The thing is, if you're persistent, you will probably get in... even if you're rejected once already. Try a different service.

I have heard of Canadians getting their visas directly from the Iranian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, but that's a rumour.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...282#post211186

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Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com

Thanks for the responses guys

Hopelessly lost, Marie and I had previously read your account of what happened when you tried to obtain your visa. Epic!

We visited Iran in 2000 (without moto, fantastic country and people) and were surprised how easy it was to get our visas back then. We had obtained them from the embassy in Delhi. Times sure have changed! We will probably try at least two agencies and hope this works.

But if not, how do we get to India? We are determined to get there one way or another but short of flying from Istanbul how does one get to India with a vehicle without going through Iran?

Brian

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Brian

www.2uprtw.com

Here is a little update. This morning we received our authorisation number from the agency. We used key2persia. So, unless we have a problem despite having this number, it looks like we will be getting our visa. Will know for sure when we show up at the embassy next week.

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Brian

www.2uprtw.com

Aren't Iranian embassy staff on holiday? I know we have been told they most probably will be, although my wife might pop down the embassy tomorrow to see. We can't get an answer from the phone line, but this was often the same when not holiday season.

We have our visa number and just want to pick up the actual visa. This is the UK, of course, but I would guess this is the same worldwide.

The only thing I can find on their website is that it is a holiday on 21st and 29th March.

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Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009

My understanding was that they were not working this week but would be open next week. But even if they are not, we have the Pakistani visa to go after next (our passports are currently in the hands of the Indian Consulate awaiting a visa) so that should soak up some more time.

How I sometimes miss the simplicity of traveling in latin america, just get on the bike and ride. All of a sudden in this part of the world everybody needs paperwork to be filled out to go anywhere! But still, it's all good here too.

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Brian

www.2uprtw.com