Day 56: Frustrated with Stupid Politics
of Iranian Visa Process
June 25, 2012; Distance
covered today: 0 Km; Total: 4411 Km
We
woke up at 7 in the morning to go to the Iranian Conciliate to apply for a visa
for Fausto. We had a lot of hope, but fausto was told that he would only be
given a visa if he had applied through an agency called, “Iranian Visa” or with
an invitation from Iran. I then talked to the officer in Persian to see if
there is a faster and easier way. I was told to ask one of my friends or
relatives in Iran to send Fausto an invitation!
I
called my friend in Iran and asked him to send Fausto an invitation. He
contacted the Iranian Foreign ministry and was told that no visa is granted for
a person to enter with their personal vehicle! He then called an agency
specializing in organizing bike tours in Iran. They said that they would be
able to apply for a visa but it would take 10 days or so. Then they said that
they would try to find a fast track.
 |
| Ersurum is a very religious city |
Now…
on the one hand, I don’t want to leave Fausto behind and go by myself, on the
other hand, I don’t have time and I have to leave for Iran in a day or
two. I finally decided to wait to hear
from my friend from Iran to see what the agency can do then leave for Iran. Fausto
would try applying through “Iranian Visa” website and travel for a week before the
agency facilitates the visa process. If nothing works, he would have to take a
bus or train to Istanbul to take a plane to India to resume his trip. We are in
a limbo situation now.
Salam Mansoor Jan,
ReplyDeleteIt is so exciting to follow along on your trip through your blog dude! I couldn't leave a comment for a while, as I was traveling. It is too bad that your friend got into trouble with his visa. I hope the issue will be resolved as soon as possible.
All the best,
Great to hear from you Mohammad jan. I hope you are doing great specially your knee.
DeleteYeah, my friend is stuck here in Erzurum in a limbo.