Iran to Central Asia countries

I want to travel from Iran to Central Asia or -istan countries, if possible overland or overseas. I have applied for the Turkmenistan Transit visa, but knowing about the high chance of been denied the visa I wanted to know if there's any other way to do it.

I considered the next options:
· Across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan.
Do anyone knows about ferrys, Cargos or Yatch Clubs in Iran that may take this route?
· Across Afghanistan to Tajikistan.
Is it safe to travel across Afghanistan? How difficult is to get a visa?
· If I have any other option.
Flight from Iran to Uzbekistan. Anyone knows about a cheap flight-connection between both countries?

Hope someone of you can help me with this ideas or add another one.
All the best,
Rodrigo

For the Turkmen transit visa, you need to show the proof you have a visa for your next country (Uzbekistan) and then you will be able to receive one.
Flying is the other option.
I have no information for crossing the Caspian Sea from Iran.
Doable from Baku.

Michel

There's a ferry from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Kazakhstan. The Afghan route is not recommended overland.

Yes, that's right. I do already have the Uzbekistan visa and I'm visa free for Kazakhstan. Still there's the chance they deny me the visa. It's a lotto!

This post has been removed by its author.

There's a ferry from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Kazakhstan. The Afghan route is not recommended overland. >

That's a good solution. Unfortunately, I've been to Armenia so I can't get to Azerbaijan.

That's not true.

If you have a Nagorno-Karabagh visa affixed into your passport, then, yes, you will be denied entry to Azerbaijan.

If there is no N-K visa, just an Armenian stamp, you can most certainly still go to Azerbaijan without a problem.

As for Turkmenistan being a lotto, almost any visa on Earth can be denied. Turkmenistan is no different. In fact, if you meet the requirements for the transit visa, the likelihood of being denied is no greater than anywhere else. The problem often arises of not getting as many days as you request, or having entry/exit points noted on the visa.

That's not true.

If you have a Nagorno-Karabagh visa affixed into your passport, then, yes, you will be denied entry to Azerbaijan.

If there is no N-K visa, just an Armenian stamp, you can most certainly still go to Azerbaijan without a problem.

As for Turkmenistan being a lotto, almost any visa on Earth can be denied. Turkmenistan is no different. In fact, if you meet the requirements for the transit visa, the likelihood of being denied is no greater than anywhere else. The problem often arises of not getting as many days as you request, or having entry/exit points noted on the visa. >

Regarding entering to Azerbaijan I'll double check if you are right. How are you so sure? Any experience?

Considering Turkmenistan, I read a lot of posts and blogs of people getting dismissed with no reason after submitting all the requirements. Here in Iran I also met a couple that applied. He get the visa, but she get denied. same travel, same papers, same procedure. Let's see what happens!

I lived in Azerbaijan for a year and went to Armenia. As a CouchSurfing ambassador, i hosted numerous overlanders who had done the same.

Wikipedia explains the difference. Lonely Planet highlights the difference. Countless other forums confirm with anecdotal evidence. Azerbaijan24 (the long time provider of LOIs before the e-visa) explains the difference. I'm sure there's an official notice somewhere on the ministry website, but you're capable of Googling.

In short, i'm right. Azerbaijan will not deny you entry if you have been to Armenia, unless they find proof you went to Nagaro-Karabagh.

I lived in Azerbaijan for a year and went to Armenia. As a CouchSurfing ambassador, i hosted numerous overlanders who had done the same.

Wikipedia explains the difference. Lonely Planet highlights the difference. Countless other forums confirm with anecdotal evidence. Azerbaijan24 (the long time provider of LOIs before the e-visa) explains the difference. I'm sure there's an official notice somewhere on the ministry website, but you're capable of Googling.

In short, i'm right. Azerbaijan will not deny you entry if you have been to Armenia, unless they find proof you went to Nagaro-Karabagh. >

Yes your right. I also double check it. Thank you so much Fluffy!

As indicated, only a proof of a travel in Nagorno Karabagh who will be problematic for entering Azerbaijan after a trip in Armenia.
I was in Azerbaijan after a trip in Armenia without any problem but I had no N-K stamp (visa) inside my passport.

Michel

Great travelplans man. I am kind of curious if you got your visa for Turkmenistan in meanwhile. Me, I am now in Varzaneh, a town close to Isfahan and consider the same travel as yours by hitchhiking. The choice is now between Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan to Tajikstan - Or via Afghanistan to Tajikstan > Kirgistan.

Hi
I recommend you Turkmenistan_ uzbekistan to Tajikistan.

Great travelplans man. I am kind of curious if you got your visa for Turkmenistan in meanwhile. Me, I am now in Varzaneh, a town close to Isfahan and consider the same travel as yours by hitchhiking. The choice is now between Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan to Tajikstan - Or via Afghanistan to Tajikstan > Kirgistan.>

For Afghanistan, double check if you can get a visa on the road. Some Embassy's ask for a personal interview in your home of residency - the only embassy you can apply.

So I'll suggest you across Turkmenistan. I have been denied my transit visa without a reason. I applied together with some Belgian guys and they got it. I'm on my way back to Azerbaijan to cross to Kazakhstan by ferry.

Courage and all the best!

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.