Crossing the Land Border Between Azerbaijan and Iran

 When crossing Iran's land borders, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider from financial and time perspectives.  

To enter Iran by airlines, travelers typically use Pegasus Airlines from Turkey, transiting through Ankara or Istanbul to Tehran International Airport.  

This is the most recommended method for those traveling from Western Europe or near Turkey.  

The advantages include quick entry and simplicity for travelers who already have visas or come from countries eligible for visa-on-arrival at the airport.  

Summary of advantages: Speed, convenience On the other hand, for those entering from Pakistan or Azerbaijan—from Iran's northern and eastern borders—land entry might seem attractive.  

It allows travelers to save on their travel budget and simplifies entry without transiting through other countries. 

Summary of advantages: Budget savings, simplified entry Disadvantages: Visa must be obtained in advance, difficulties traveling from the border to Iran's central regions (transportation issues, etc.) Until entering Iran in 2024, I was concerned due to insufficient information, but currently, land entry is possible. 

I entered through the Astara border, and since not many people use the land route, the waiting time was relatively short.  

My group and about three other teams proceeded with land entry, and after a baggage inspection and a brief 10-minute interview, we were immediately cleared for entry. 

The total time spent waiting and passing through was approximately 1-2 hours.

Here are some precautions for land entry:

1. Don't enter late in the evening. 

Border towns have essential currency exchange offices and mobile phone shops for foreigners, but their operating hours are uncertain. 

For example, if you enter Iran through the border at 9 PM, your phone won't work without a SIM card, and you won't have exchanged Iranian currency. 

International credit cards don't work in Iran. You're likely to face various problems, and currency exchangers waiting at the border entrance will offer you ridiculous exchange rates. 

At that time, Iran's exchange rate was 58,000:1, but the exchangers offered 40,000:1.  

I recommend entering before 6 PM at the latest. 

2. Be sure to obtain a visa in advance.  

Land entry into Iran is different from airport entry. 

Most countries, including Turkey, cannot apply for visa-on-arrival. 

3. Before entry, take screenshots of maps of the city where you'll cross the border.  

Internet won't work immediately after crossing the border, and there's no WiFi around the border. Search for currency exchange offices and places to buy SIM cards in advance, check the map, and take screenshots

 The journey from Lankeran to Astara took less than an hour

Crossing the Astara Border

Purchase a bus ticket from Baku International Bus Terminal to Lankeran. About $6. If there's a bus ticket to Astara, buy that instead. 

For me, going to Lankeran was easiest, so I went there and then paid $8 for a taxi to the Astara border. Check the map to get to the Astara border. 

If you ask locals for directions, they will kindly show you the way. The currency exchangers I visited in Astara were very conscientious people. 

They traded at good rates. I knew that street currency exchangers waiting at the border had a bad reputation, so I ignored them.

 I had found several currency exchange offices and mobile phone stores near the Astara border between Azerbaijan and Iran in advance and took screenshots.
When arriving in Iran, Azerbaijani SIM cards don't work, so phones have no internet access.