No Go - Areas in Iran ?
Hi out there !I will soon be in Iran ...and I have read on some foreign ministry websites that certain regions are supposed to be off lmits for foreigners to visit ...Im plan to visit Balouchistan , Ahvaz , Bushehr and the border regions with Armenia and Azerbaidjan (Naxicevan border)....any advice from your side is highly appreciated ! Thank You !
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Hey! ... :)I can give you first hand information that Ahvaz and the rest of Khuzestan (including Abadan, Khorramshar and Shalamchech) are Not off limits to foreigners. I went there the beginning of July this year and didn't have any problems (only one passport check on the road leading from Abadan to Ahvaz).
From what i've heard, Bushehr and the Armenian border are open to foreigners as well, though I haven't been there myself.
I can't give you information about the Naxichevan border area or Sistan va Baluchistan unfortunately ...
I hope I was able to help you a little!
Enjoy Iran, it's a beautiful country! ;)
Take care and best regards,
JAD
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Oh, I forgot to say this:Don't list any of these places on your visa application, as your request might well be denied ...
The visa itself doesn't list any places you are not allowed to visit, so once you have it in your passport, you can travel around the country pretty much as you wish ... ;)
Once again, enjoy your travels and take care!
JAD
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15 mth ago I and a friend cycled from Yerevan into Iran and when we got to the border (Norduz on the Iranian side) we went W/NW to Jolfa. That is a road on the Iran side or the Aras river. The border is along the river. There is a lot of military there. They have big dogs. There are signs about taking no photos. We were pulled over a few times by them. This is a contested area. This year we rode along much of the border between Azerbaijan and Iran E and down to Astara on the Caspian. It was quite a relaxed area.5
@noelbike ...what you think if I visit Nakhicevan...then cross into Iran at Jolfa ...spend some time in Iran and then cross into Armenia in Norduz ...you reckon I would face any suspicion or difficulty ? ...I have EU passport and can get Armenian visa there at the border ...I plan to do this but somehow Im afraid they might hold me for a spy etc. ...which Im not of course ...but I like to visit this border areas and disputed territories like N Karabakh...7
I can't see how you will get to Nakhicevan. You are able to fly in from Istanbul on TK. But I think the only land border may be the one near Jolfa.From Jolfa you could go down to Marand and over toi Tabriz. Tabriz is a great city.
Yes, the guards along the border are quite active. Not unfriendly. But do not loiter and don't pull your camera out. They have big watchtowers and telescopes.
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..according to LP ...there is land border crossing with Turkey to Nakhicevan as well ....and presumably "open" ...so no need to fly in ...9
You can also cross from Turkey to the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhichevan via the remote Borualan–Sadarak border post, east of Iğdır.This is from LP. I have ridden through Iğdır which is SE of Kars. I did not see that road. It is all pretty intimidating on your left when you ride from Kars to Iğdır. But evidently there is a crossing. I'd be confirming it though.
