Our Iranian Visa

We could have applied for our Iranian visa in Holland, if we had the time to wait for 3 months. Since it is a pretty expensive document and we weren’t to sure if we were able to drive through Iran (due to the war) we decided to apply for our visa in Turkey. It should be very easy to apply for a visa, if you have the time to wait. You just have to go to the Iranian Embassy in Istanbul or Ankara, wait for 10 days and your visa will be ready. We didn’t want to stay ten days in Istanbul so we decided to apply for it in Istanbul and get is in Erzurum (just before the border of Iran). After our explanation in half English, half Turkish using our hands and feet as well, they agreed on our request. In 10 days time, our visa would be ready in Erzurum.

12 days later we arrive in Erzurum

The consulate is closed. Shit, it’s Friday, we should have known. This meant we drove 800 kilometres in one day for nothing…

On Saturday we try it again. No, sorry, there is no visa ready for you. We were asked to go back to Istanbul to get all the papers ready. Go back to Istanbul?!?!?…. that is xxx kilometres away.

Fortunately we had the telephone number of the lady who helped us in Istanbul. She said everything would be all right and had a small talk with the man in Erzurum. De documents will be faxed and the visa will be ready on Monday (it was 10 working days instead of 10 days waiting).

So went back on Monday. No, sorry, you have to fill in some more forms (exact the same documents as in Istanbul) with the request to add another two pictures, this time Elles with a veil. Oops had not thought about that. We are also asked to pay 50 dollar per visa at a bank in the centre of town. As soon as we bring back the receipt and the pictures the procedure will start. So of we went to get it all done. When we returned the consul had gone for lunch or so and we had to wait another hour. When we returned we handed all the requirements and hoped to get our visa straight away.

Sir, your visa will be ready in 2 more days.

2 more days…??

Can’t it be ready tomorrow; we would love to visit Iran.

Ok, tomorrow afternoon.

Maybe tomorrow morning, please.

Ok, Tomorrow morning.

Pfew, as if you are bargaining on the market!!