Iran without a Carnet de Passage, possible?
 

I've heard of people getting into the country without one. Is it still possible?

I suppose anything is possible, but for Brits trying to get into Iran it's best to have all your ducks in a row. I got into Iran without a carnet... but I had to leave my motorcycle in Syria (that's a long story!) If it were me, I wouldn't even try getting in without the carnet. (I'm sure Desert Soul will come on and further enlighten us... over to you, DS.)

I met people in Iran who'd done it - they said it took three days of paperwork at the border, and the customs were none too keen. That was a few years ago now, and, frankly, things can have only gotten worse. But in theory, I believe that it is possible.

Simon

Just read this blog
 

This fella did it this year I think (sorry can't cross check his blog at work). Looked like hassle and no gurantees but doable if that is wha you need

THE HARD WAY HOME

Sorry to disappoint you, hopelessly lost, nevertheless it's nice to meet you here from time to time. :) As you know, I can only guarantee from my experience that you can enter Iran WITH the CdP, I can't judge or confirm entering without one, I also haven't met anybody who would have done it. But, as anybody else could, I also read some stuff here on the forum about people supposedly having done it. Good luck!

DS

Carne de Passage and Iran
 

Hi Guys

Do not even bother entertaining the idea that you would come to border and then try to get your Carne . That is just not a smart way to waste your time and money!

You need to have your Carne before getting to Iranian border. You also need to have your bike papers, insurance and visa . Sometimes you also need to show your Itinerary to the border officials , so have them all ready ahead of time.
Dont count on chance and unreliable sources .

Lots of luck and get back to me if you need any update about Iran.

Cheers
Ishmael

Iran is doable w/o Carnet!
 

I've done it 2005 and I'm pretty sure it still works if you enter/exit from the same border post. More details here.

Ride safe, Margus

i met an australian guy who did it without carnet in november, 2007.
I`m not sure but i think, he entered Iran from Aserbeidschan.
So, it`s possible but you need strong nerves and a lot of time.
After 2 days of discussions he did it, without paying anything ;-)
Tracey was on the way to India.
Pakistan was a bigger problem without carnet, he did it also, but he had to load up the bike on a pickup from Taftan to Quetta and then he must go from Quetta to Lahore by train. (he had also to pay for the escort by a costum officer ~ USD50.-)
Unfortunately, he had no chance to enter India by bike and so he had to leave it at the Wagah-Attari border.

If he only managed to enter the country after 2 days of discussion and nerves, it is certainly not the official way to enter, so I think this info should not be spread and the procedure not misused if we wish to be responsible travelers, respecting the countries we visit.

DS

Can I buy insurance at the border or port of entry?
My bike is not insured, but I have a carnet...

This is a concern.

They will be pleased to sell it to you.

Cheers,
DS

Thanx DS

Thats another thing ticked off the list.
If we fly in I suppose they there will be just as happy to sell me insurance too I guess.

N

It may work..see this link
 

Did some Google and hit this article. Seems there is no problem...send them a mail and ask for advice. They have done it 4 times !!

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/iran2.shtml


The traffic is abnormal, with high density and tempo. Have never seen anything like it before. Would considered night lags when trespassing larger towns. Guess your insurance covers almost anything, but NOT driving in Iran :)

Oseberg
That link has some good info.
He used his Carnet to fool Yemeni officials that he had insurance to ride there.


Off topic.
How high is the Iran-Turkey pass?
Our little bike struggles in high altitude...

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/iran2.shtml

Iran might somehow be within possibilities, but I wonder, if they´ve actually managed to do India & Pakistan without a carnet (and getting to ride their bike, not transport it in trains or something?)

Anyway, thats some pretty freakin serious traveling that they´ve done, I must say.. hats off to them!

The passes Turkey >< Iran, if your going between Dogubayazit and Maku, I dont recall it being very high. But we were coming from Dogubayazit, which is nearly 2000m above sea level, and I think the road to the border went a bit higher, but not much.

But we came from Tatvan (Lake Van), and there was the Tendurek Gecidi pass between the lake and Dogubayazit, it was around 2600 meters. And a word of warning: in that pass area, we were chased by big, mean-looking guard dogs (Caucasian, maybe?) that run after us from the houses near the road, really didnt look like they want to be scratched. That was a bit scary, and it happened only there, but several times.

I was told the main road from Iran border to Ankara also goes quite high, so winter can come early. There are alternative routes further south, that should also go at somewhat lower altitudes.