Road trip to the United Arab Emirates from France

I'm planning to drive to the UAE by road, going through Iraq. Has anyone done this and can give me some info? Specifically about the border crossings Turkey/Iraq and Iraq/Kuwait.

Hi there, we're thinking of driving to Dubai from Toulouse in mid-December 2025 and then heading back to France in early January. I’ve seen that the best route actually goes through Iraq.

You’ll need a CPD (Carnet de Passages en Douane) for the vehicle. Some countries along your route will ask for it.

Thanks for the info—do we need to ask for it?

At the Automobile Club de France. Before requesting the CPD, make sure you thoroughly research how it works at the border, when returning to France, and what value you need to declare for the market value of your camper van. The market value determines the deposit you’ll have to leave at the Automobile Club de France. Get your wallet ready—or pack a big suitcase.

Hi there. Try contacting Franck on magicargol.fr. They left France and crossed almost all the Gulf countries. They’re now in Uganda.

I don’t quite understand why this would be mandatory through a private "Association" or "Club"?

From what I see, it’s a deposit for paying transit taxes in the countries? But if the taxes are paid upon entering the country, why require a deposit when they’re already paid at the border... My motorhome is new since June, worth 96,000 €, so it’s a pretty complicated sum to put up as a deposit...

On the automobile club’s website: "The amount of this deposit is calculated to cover potential customs duties or other taxes that may be required by the countries visited. This amount varies depending on the country. For most countries (except those listed in bold below), the deposit amounts to 100% of the vehicle’s current value (Argus rating) with a minimum of 2,700 € for a vehicle worth no more than 2,700 € (example: if your vehicle is worth 15,000 €, the deposit to be paid will be 15,000 € - if your vehicle is worth 1,500 €, the deposit to be paid will be 2,700 €)."

some countries require it to make sure you’ll leave with the vehicle. No CDP, no entry into the country🙂

For the amount, for the CPD, just put a reasonable sum.

Otherwise, no problem with Iran and Iraq, except sometimes difficult fuel supply in Iraq—might want to bring jerry cans.

Hi, did you make the trip?