Actual situation with CDP in Iran
 

I know that carnet is required for Iran, but I've been told that actually nobody asks it on the custom. Is it so?
:confused1:

Cdp
 

If carnet is not required, how much deposit custom will take for it?

They do ask for it. Get one and be safe.

Having said that, I just met a crazy Frenchman who drove his car to India without one. At the Iranian border post he bribed his way through. I suspect this wouldn't work at the smaller crossings.

The rest of the trip he did with a fake carnet obtained in Esfahan.

Yes, they do ask for it - we had to show ours on the border between Turkey and Iran. We were also asked for proof of our travel innoculations, they writyethem down in a big ledger and were given a 5 min chat about the benefits of washing our hands after going to the loo! Hilarious, it was actually a really good crossing!

There was a guy outside the border post who would have 'sold' us a carnet had we not had one!

Hi,

There are always many way to achieve your goals. But on an fun trip not every option can be justified.
Concerning the CDP on the silk route (incl. Iran) I prefere to conduct it legally. Not only because the CDP is besides Iran also required for Pakistan and India, but also because I am aware of the 'imago damage' that will be the result of overlanders abusing legal demands while being a guest in a foreign country.
I didn't found Iran to be an corrupt country. I was always treated correctly by authoritys and even more than that.
Traveling in Africa and Ukraine was almost not possible without bribing me trough, but always on the initiative of local law enforcement.
Encouraging Iranian officials to corruption seems almost support the gouvermental opinion on western values.
The CDP regulation is not unfair. It is in fact a service to the foreigner to make it far more easy to meet import regulations that are common in the whole world.
In case of mass misuse of these services it would be understandable that corrections on regulations are reguired: making it more difficult.

The CDP system works well. Be a guest and do in Rome as the Romes do.

Guido
The Netherlands

It is possible to do Iran without CDP.

I've done that.

I also believe bribing border officials doesn't sound correct after seeing how loyal the police and officers are around the country.

My guess is that "crazy frenchman" you were talking about got the carnet alternative like we did - only that I didn't understand a single word what it was, but I understood enough that it is for to replace the Carnet - an Iranian company backed up our bike, issuing this temporary import document costed around 80$ for us - so my guess is that frenchman very probably thought it was some sort of bribing. It's actually not, it's fully official.

Issuing this document takes a lot more time - friend of mine had Carnet and he made it through the border in 2 hours, we did it in around 5 hours, so expect to spend more time at the border post.

Many guys offer their assistance at the Iran border post, telling you that they can get you Carnet, insurance etc, but most of them don't know how to issue that particular Carnet alternative, so don't believe everything they tell you. We experienced this on return.

Another "problem" with this Carnet alternative for Iran is that you have to return and exit Iran from the SAME BORDERPOST to return this document to the border officials. Not doing so could end up in jail!

I should have a contact in Dogubeyazit, a guy who can help to organize this Carnet alternative document for Iran and understands english. Let me know if you need it.

If you have (deposit) money, I'd recommend to issue the real Carnet, if not and you're prepared for a bit more hassle - you can do Iran round trip w/o the Carnet too!

Happy travels, Margus

In my experience Iran was the least corrupt of non-western countries. Cross the border in any direction and it's another matter but Iranians pride themselves on their level of "civilisation" (for want of a better word). Even the dodgy money-changers at the border were polite and relatively fair. Having the correct paperwork and appropriate level of respect for officials will guarantee a wonderful experience. It doesn't take a great deal of imagination to guess how nasty they can be to those who don't.

Hey Margus :)
Just the words my eyes were looking to read...I dont have Carnet & I'm looking to cross Iran border from Turkey, going to Pakistan. And I really need help in getting this Temporary Import Document (also called Temp. Admission License) issued. Please can you tell me whole thing about it. I'm taking my car. Are that any contacts or anything I can ring etc?
Cheers

Margus, please can you give me the contact in Dogubeyazit for arranging carnet alternative? I have assessed everything but this.

This thread is from 2007, send him a PM, THe rules may have changed and this forum member may no longer use the forum. its 6year old thread. Try email or Pm.

I used my Carnet in 2006 for Iran. They checked the VIN (twice), so I doubt you can get through easily another way. In Pakistan, I forgot (didn't see) the carnet post, so I thought it was not necessary. They looked at me funny when I left Lahore, but it wasn't a big deal. No bribes were paid.

:rofl:

No such luck for me: immigration took my passport and I had to go to customs to get it back, who then processed my carnet.

If you think of winging it without a carnet consider this: you will be breaking all sorts of laws and risk confiscation of bike and luggage and/or prison. Your decision.

Hi folks

i am agree with you beddhist

when you are entering in iran at the border officers will ask your carnet,but if you dont have one the only solution is to pay money as deposit which is takes long time to be processed and difficult as well.

but as what i experienced crossing at bazargan border is a mess because officers will stamp 10 days limitation on your carnet with no reason!
bazargan border is biggest land border in iran so,there is always peoples from governments at bazargan border so,laws and regulations should be done carefully.
but at esendere/sero border you can cross easily and i think you will have more chances in many cases

BTW we have place for staying travelers with safe parking,bed,breakfast,lunch,showing city and so on.if you want contact us when you cross our city.

any questions are welcome my contacts is on my blog :thumbup1:

Overlanders,Meeting Mr.Hossein

Hossein