Is crossing Iran to Pakistan safe?

No, you misunderstood my point. It’s not because I don’t support the mullahs’ regime that I advise against going to Iran. It’s simply because now isn’t the right time—it’s not safe.

If I only traveled to democracies, I wouldn’t get very far... That’s not one of my criteria for choosing a destination.

My bad, I misread. So sorry.

We’d like to travel overland from Turkey to India in our converted van, but very few options are available to us these days. Crossing Iran seems risky and not particularly safe. Has anyone here already done it? And if so, which route can you take without too much insecurity?

Hi, I did it in 1972 from Paris to Kathmandu (via Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) using only public transport. It took two and a half months one way. I wouldn’t recommend it these days. It’s not really a security issue in Iran, but there’s a risk of being arrested and imprisoned. If I were the same age as I was during that trip, maybe I’d see things differently. Back then, I didn’t worry about possible dangers, and Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan were politically stable.

1—I have no idea what the French tourists still imprisoned in Iran actually did. I only know what they’re accused of. Did they really commit punishable acts? Did they actually take part in protests? Did they get involved in politics? Not sure... 2—It’s not just Iran; crossing Pakistan doesn’t seem risk-free either. Different dangers than in Iran (banditry). In any case, I wouldn’t cross Balochistan.

Hi Agnès,

In the case of Iran, the advice from Western embassies is the same everywhere.

I completely agree with all your points. It so happens that I know the diplomatic circles quite well. They are serious and responsible people who know how to assess risks. Their own safety is also at stake. And if an area is marked in red, there are very serious reasons for it—sometimes, to avoid offending the host country (diplomacy obliges), an embassy might propose a more moderate zoning to the MEAE despite the risks.

Traveling in Iran in 2017 and in 2025 is no longer the same journey at all. The Iranian regime is on edge, feeling threatened from within and without. It’s very unstable, and the geopolitical situation is extremely volatile. Crossing Iran right now is therefore a very bad idea!

And claiming to travel in this country without having contact with the local population is absolute nonsense. It’s a country where we received an exceptional welcome from the people.

But as you say, everyone will do as they please with full awareness of the situation...

I won’t name the consul I had dinner with in the country where he’s posted, but honestly, they travel in semi-armored cars—so much so that even the 4x4 acting as their carriage couldn’t drive on sand...

Treated like a minister, with an "ambassador’s dinner" and a private folk evening... I was invited because I’m French (and a particular reason caught their attention, but that’s another story...). I wouldn’t trust their judgment! An ordinary traveler who doesn’t try to impose our Western perspective can easily cross Iran or other countries without any issues—even today. (I know several motorcyclists who are currently there.)

So saying it’s nonsense is a personal opinion—it’s not a war zone.

When the regime falls, probably someday, let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a civil and religious warzone under the guise of economic and geopolitical interests. *That* would make entering truly nonsensical.

It won’t be my next destination, but I’ll return for a third time without fear.

probably one day, it

This is what it’s been about from the start...

Even a revolution seems likely to you...

What happens to the traveler who entered 5 days ago?

Those 5 days could be today, could be tomorrow...

No one can predict the near future in a powder keg.

Unfortunately, driving in that direction is also going to become problematic...[:/]

For what reasons?

Personally, I’d call anyone who’s currently heading to countries like Venezuela, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Israel, or Pakistan an adventurer.

For Israel, you’re taking it a bit too far. You don’t have all the facts on that one. Too bad.

Hello to all you Iran lovers! If you think adventure is dangerous, I suggest you try routine—you’ll quickly realize which one is DEADLY. So, I think you’ve understood and recognized this magnificent quote from Mr. Paulo Coelho. Travel shapes youth and deforms the wallet—I love that too. The philosophy of travel belongs to the traveler who lives it. A few years ago, we also traveled in Iran: two months backpacking in 2014, two weeks in 2015, and two weeks in 2016. As usual, with our backpacks, hitchhiking, taxis, trains, getting as close as possible to the different ethnic groups we met. No issues during these three trips, especially in 2016, from the northeast to the southeast, from Sarakh to Chabahar, near the Afghan and Pakistani borders. Of course, we avoided lifting the tarps of trucks loaded with opium in Zahedan, but in the souk, a very good Baloch tailor made me a magnificent *salva kamis*. We’re still in touch with the families we met—they always ask us, "When are you coming back to see us?" There aren’t more problems now, but here’s the thing: are we older, more worried? Doubt lingers. But the time for regrets will surely come—why haven’t we returned to Iran? Gilles, April 2025

Is Israel a country at war, or did I just have a bad dream—or even a nightmare? Explain to us...

So saying it's nonsense is a personal opinion; it's not a war zone.

You have to read to the end—I added this:

It's a country where we received an exceptional welcome from the people.

And where did you read the word war in my message? I didn’t talk about war but about the people. I’ll have to break it down since I wasn’t clear.

When I say that crossing this country without making contact with the people—a tip given several times in this thread—is absolute nonsense, I mean it’s a shame. Iran isn’t just about the landscapes (often monotonous, by the way) or its immense cultural heritage, but also about meeting Iranians—including those covered in black from head to toe—and the Iranian people. A cultured, generous, and incredibly hospitable people. You get invited everywhere. So going to Iran without meeting its people makes no sense! This people doesn’t deserve this detestable and hated theocracy.

You say it’s not a war zone. True, there’s no high-intensity war right now, and let’s hope it stays that way. However, you’re forgetting the Israeli strikes in April 2023 and the 200 missiles Iran launched—thankfully intercepted—at the Hebrew state on October 1st. You’re forgetting that this country is involved in the current war in the Middle East through its proxies (see the Houthis in Yemen) and that its nuclear facilities regularly receive threats.

Hi Herodos,

It’s obvious that your trip, like all those who’ve been to Iran, was enthusiastic about the welcome you received. And yes, I mistakenly mixed it up with a previous post—my apologies.

Beyond that, it’s clear the Iranian people don’t deserve their leaders, and I think we all agree on that here.

As for the Iranian strikes and Israeli retaliation, that’s nothing new. Avoid camping near these centers (which are heavily monitored anyway—obviously).

"What will happen to the traveler who entered at D-5?

D-5 could be today, could be tomorrow...

No one can predict the near future in a powder keg."

This has been your opinion from the start—you’re spreading fear about this country.

A revolution doesn’t start in all cities at once. There’s still time before this regime collapses. It won’t be tomorrow or even D-5... And if, by chance, there are and will be evacuation zones. Whether you’re reassured or not, Iran is still safe to visit today.

Is Israel a country at war, or did I have a bad dream, or even a nightmare? Explain to us...

The war is in Gaza. Not in Israel. Don’t split hairs. That said, if you don’t like this country, that’s your right.

And if by chance, there are and will be exfiltration zones. Be reassured or not, but Iran is still safe to visit today.

Who’s talking about safety? From a security standpoint—regarding the risk of being assaulted—Iran is definitely much safer than France... My crossing through Iran isn’t recent, but I can assume that since my trip, the population hasn’t really changed, especially in terms of hospitality. I don’t know how you travel, but in my opinion, it’s hard in Iran to avoid the locals, the encounters, the conversations over tea, or even an invitation to someone’s home... Yet, you can’t read someone’s political views just by looking at their face... How many times (not just in Iran, but across the Middle East and West Africa) have I been stopped by the police... checking my papers, asking questions like, "What are you doing here at nightfall?" (I was the only foreigner in the neighborhood, chatting on the doorstep with a local I’d just met), "Show me your passport," or even "Follow me to the police station..."

What would happen in Iran if you talked to someone who isn’t exactly in line with the ruling party? In highly touristy countries, this kind of police questioning is rare or even nonexistent, but in places where tourists are scarce (which has been the case in Iran for a year or two), it *can* happen from time to time... Another example: At my age, this kind of incident is unlikely—I don’t travel the same way I used to. This happened in Jordan, in Aqaba on the Red Sea: I was looking for a youth hostel and followed the signs that were supposed to lead me there, but I ended up inside a military barracks! The guard at the entrance probably wasn’t doing his job very well, but there I was, inside without meaning to. Everything turned out fine at the time, but I can imagine the same scenario happening in Iran today... Without accidentally entering a strategic site, you could easily get close to one with a camera in hand... And you can guess what might happen next. Just because I’ve been to Iran many times without facing a single problem doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

For what reasons?

Putin and his dream of a greater Russia.

The Azerbaijan/Armenia conflict.

It’s already more complicated to drive from Europe to Central Asia than it was before (war in Ukraine and its consequences).

Hi there,

I completely agree with your point.

Without unintentionally entering a strategic site, you can easily get close to one and find yourself with a camera in hand... You can imagine what happens next.

For example, the small town of Natanz, in Isfahan Province, is home to the very photogenic funerary complex of a Sufi sheikh, built in the 14th century. Of course, the place is well worth photographing, but... it’s best to avoid taking out your camera a few kilometers away if you don’t realize you’re right next to one of the country’s most sensitive nuclear sites!

For Israel, you’re pushing it a bit too far.

I went to Israel and Palestine over 20 years ago. It was almost like a honeymoon between the different parties in that conflict. No wall, not too many checkpoints, a sense that things were going to normalize.

I wouldn’t go today. I don’t want to be a collateral victim of the situation. I don’t want to visit a country at war, even if the war isn’t happening on its soil. The atmosphere must be oppressive. I don’t want to have my movements restricted either.

And why not keep the memory of a certain peace?

If you think adventure is dangerous, I suggest you try routine—you’ll quickly realize which one is DEADLY.

There’s a middle ground, isn’t there?[:)]

The world still offers vast expanses to explore: South America, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia (a novelty! Not all countries are closing up), Australia, Northern Europe, Morocco plus part of Mauritania, and Senegal...

Okay, apart from the last two, you’ll need to put the camper van on a boat. Or rent one there.

And if, by any chance, there are and will be extraction zones

This is far from the safe crossing asked about in the title of this thread...

After all, if you don’t like this country, that’s your right.

But who said I don’t like Israel? I love this country that invented the kibbutz—a great idea. I was devastated on October 7, 2023. Among the victims of those horrific massacres were members of these kibbutzim who were working for peace.

That said, I don’t like what this country has become or those who govern it.

Either way, even if the war (though that’s debatable...) isn’t on its soil, the country is at war.

After all, if you don’t like this country, that’s your right.

But who says I don’t like Israel? I love this country that invented the kibbutz, a great idea. I was devastated on October 7, 2023. Among the victims of those heinous massacres were members of these kibbutzim who were working for peace.

However, I don’t like what this country has become or those who govern it.

Regardless, even if the war (though that’s debatable...) isn’t on its soil, the country is at war.

Unfortunately, the kibbutz was an idea that didn’t work and caused more problems than solutions. The kibbutzim represent a societal failure. Except for those who think otherwise, and that’s their right. The kibbutzim created the hardest part of this country: "Kibbutz children."

Then, if you don’t like what this country has become, that’s your right. The most annoying part is that you can’t open your eyes to the reasons that led to the change in society there, in Europe, and elsewhere.

Aren’t there plenty of people responsible for these shifts? Those who govern against your ideas didn’t seize power by force, did they? They were elected by the people, as far as I know.

To wrap up, the country has been at war since its creation on May 14, 1948. Nothing new under the sun.

For Israel, you're going a bit too far.

I went to Israel and Palestine over 20 years ago. It was almost like a honeymoon between the different parties in this conflict. No wall, not too many checkpoints, a sense that things were going to normalize.

I wouldn’t go today. I don’t want to be a collateral victim of the situation. I don’t want to visit a country at war, even if the war isn’t happening on its soil. The atmosphere must be oppressive. I don’t want to be restricted in my movements either.

And why not keep the memory of a certain peace?

I was there 20 years ago too. There were already walls then. That said, I can understand your observations. Everyone has the right to their feelings. As for the restrictions on your movements, you’re mistaken. But it’s not a big deal. For the atmosphere, though, you’re wrong. You watch too much Western media.

The wall started being built in 2002. My trip was before that.

Regarding restrictions on your movements, you're mistaken

I went to Jericho from Jerusalem: no restrictions at all.

Is it still the same today?

( The restriction mentioned was about traveling to Palestine from Israel )

As for the atmosphere, though, you're wrong. You watch too much Western media.

I don’t know. Aren’t there air raid sirens? To me, that’s not exactly a "vacation" vibe.

The wall began to be built in 2002. My trip was before that.

Regarding the travel restrictions, you're mistaken

I went to Jericho from Jerusalem: no restrictions at all.

Is it still the same today?

( The restriction mentioned was about traveling to Palestine from Israel )

As for the atmosphere, though, you're wrong. You watch too much Western media.

I don’t know. Aren’t there air raid sirens? For me, that’s not exactly a "vacation" vibe.

To get to Jericho (which isn’t exactly a dream destination), the only restriction is catching the bus on time—nothing has changed. All destinations are accessible from the Damascus Gate bus station. Just take the right bus number.

As for the sirens, they don’t happen every day. But that’s just life in the country. There are also sirens for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Anyway, I’m not trying to convince you—I’m just sticking to the facts. And while I’m not entirely objective, I admit, I’m trying to share good info.

I love discussions that go in circles, and I have to say this one is a real treat. And when the pseudo-trump-card argument "don’t listen to what Westerners say" comes up, I feel like I’m getting both cheese and dessert. So please, don’t stop!

Especially don’t stop

Well, yeah, I am stopping. I’m not trying to convince those who are set in their ways anyway. Plus, the topic is about crossing Iran, right? At worst, just avoid Bandar Abbas...

it's your right

I sure do have a lot of rights!

The most annoying thing is that you can't open your eyes to the reasons that led to the change in society over there,

My eyes are wide open to what’s left of the fragmented territory of the West Bank after relentless and illegal colonization, as well as the treatment inflicted on local populations by violent settlers. Do I also have the right to find that unjust?

Those who govern (...) were elected by the people, it seems to me.

And it seems to me that the people would like to see the current head of government leave for reasons you know all too well.

To finish, the country has been at war since its creation on May 14, 194

Alas!

I was born two years before this state was created. Unfortunately, I won’t see peace there in my lifetime... [:|]

But we’re getting off the original topic.

it’s your right

I certainly have a lot of rights!

The most annoying thing is that you can’t open your eyes to the reasons that led to the change in society over there,

My eyes are wide open to see what’s left of the fragmented territory of the West Bank after relentless and illegal colonization, as well as the treatment inflicted on local populations by violent settlers. Do I also have the right to find that unjust?

Those who govern (...) were elected by the people, it seems to me.

And it seems to me that the people would like to see the current head of government leave for reasons you know all too well.

To finish, the country has been at war since its creation on May 14, 194

Alas!

I was born two years before this state was created. Unfortunately, I won’t see peace there in my lifetime... [:|]

But we’re getting off the original topic.

Only part of the people. You don’t go there often enough to understand. It’s a shame.

You’re missing some on-the-ground perspective. Over there, the left, represented by the founders of the State of Israel, is losing its influence and voters. Like everywhere in the world, I’d say.

You’re right, we’re getting off topic.

Good evening Djalma (Jean Michel). Sorry about that... but so, what? I’m leaving this discussion. Have a great evening. Thierry

"We're far from the safe crossing mentioned in this thread's title..."

You want to be right. Fine, I'm leaving this discussion thread. You're not being constructive—just argumentative. Travelers will get it; the rest can "blab on" on the ground. Have a good evening.

I’m not particularly trying to be right, and I’m not looking for controversy.

The facts are stubborn, though.

Hi Julie,

Thank you all for your replies. Yes, I’m keeping a very close eye on the travel advice—the map is red, after all.

Yes, professional advice will certainly be more reliable than what you’ll get on a forum.

That’s also what @Lillieone recommends:

you should seriously follow the advice from trusted organizations

You’ve been warned… [:)]

Good evening,

Yes, advice from professionals will certainly be wiser than what you’ll get on a forum.

Like any advice, it’s given within a certain context and framing. This site presents itself as an advice platform, it covers administrative requirements quite well, and uses those colorful ratings that have become so trendy in our European societies. We’ve got these color-coded "weather maps" for just about everything now, as if we’re no longer capable of making decisions and taking responsibility for them. I’ve pointed out errors before and received some pretty out-there responses; the mistakes were fixed—or not—depending on the case.

These tools are also, and perhaps mainly, ways for institutions to protect themselves by meeting a growing demand for guidance and security from a certain public, as well as a reflection of the increasing judicialization of public space. It’s a rather bleak world, with some pretty grim symptoms. This isn’t just a French issue—France and parts of Europe are just the most committed to this approach, while the U.S. seems to be moving away from it.

My concern, though, is that as the desire for protection grows stronger and Europe’s political and diplomatic isolation becomes more pronounced, the "red" zones might soon dominate the map. If the war in Russia doesn’t go the way the European Union wants, we might find ourselves unwelcome in large parts of the world.

I like to cross-check this site with similar ones from other countries to balance things out, decode what I’m reading, and stick to my own Cartesian free will.

Michel

Good evening, In 2019, we traveled through Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, returned to Russia, then passed through Georgia and Turkey... all in a converted van. It was a different time—no countries were marked red except for part of Georgia. We stayed extra cautious and didn’t encounter any issues.

Today, the situation has changed—and not for the better. Russia is at war; Iran isn’t stable, and with the pressure Trump was putting on them, it’s impossible to see beyond the immediate future. Given the current conditions—which can shift overnight—I wouldn’t head toward Iran or cross Russia (let’s not forget France is an ally of Ukraine...). Iran must be incredible, but I think it’s wise to postpone your trip until things settle. I’d say late 2025 might offer more clarity.

Jack

if the war in Russia doesn’t go the way the European Union wants, we might no longer be welcome in much of the world.

There isn’t a war *in* Russia, but rather Russia’s war in a sovereign country. As for the second part of your sentence...🤕🤕🤕