In researching countries on the route, one of the foremost questions in my mind concerns visas. As a British Passport holder, I am very lucky to be able to either

i) enter the majority of countries without the need for a visa, or
ii) obtain one at the port of entry.

Regardless of this, it always pays to be sure about the entry requirements before arrival at the gates!

Although guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guide print chapters devoted to Visas and Red Tape, requirements and entry conditions change frequently, especially in countries not specifically seen as tourist destinations. As a result there always seems to be conflicting information on the internet regarding the subject of visas.

I have researched the visa situation of my anticipated route and for those planning a trip to Turkey, Syria or Iran, you may find the following useful.

Turkey – The Turkish Consulate in the UK lists all countries and their visa requirements. British passport holders require a tourist visa to enter Turkey. A 90 Day multiple entry sticker type visa can be obtained at the port of entry in Turkey for £10.00 or from the Consulate General in London for £66.00.

Syria – The Syrian Embassy in London state the requirements for a visa are as follows;

• A passport (must be valid for six months on submission and have at least two blank pages & should not bear any Israeli stamps) .
• 2 colour passport photographs
• 2 Syrian visa forms (per person) to be completed and signed.
• For postal applications, a registered or recorded self-addressed envelope with exact postage must be enclosed.
• Visa Fees – £32 single-entry – validity three months OR £50 multiple-entry – validity six months.

The crazyguyonabike website has recent entries of people crossing into Syria without visas. Here is one account, and here is another.

Iran – There are a number of agencies who will assist in getting visas. Here are a couple, each detail the process.

http://iranianvisa.com/
http://www.iranvisa.co.uk/

Central Asia – having read many travel blogs about Central Asia, Stantours keeps popping up as reliable when obtaining visas for Central Asia.

If anyone has an conflicting or better information please leave a comment.