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I would like to perhaps travel through central asia next year beginning from Istanbul and perhaps travel through iran and on to Afghanistan and perhaps Pakistan as well. Could anybody with knowlege of the experience explain how easy it is for a us citizen to procure a visa for Iran and Afghanistan ? And what may await me to see and experience in those countries? Anti-Americanism very strong? Dangerous???

Kathie

A friend has been in Pakistan several times in the last couple of years on business. They keep a "minder" with him at all times, and he has a car and driver - no taxis, which are considered an invitation to kidnapping.

Iran is an easier and safer place place to travel right now. I wouldn't recommend either Afganistan or Pakistan.

JamesA

I agree with Kathie, iran is different, it appears quite a number of people are visiting and of course there are some amazing sights to see, but it's a different ballgame altogether with Pakistan/Afghanistan.

JamesA

I agree with Kathie, Iran is different, it appears quite a number of people are visiting and of course there are some amazing sights to see, but it's a different ballgame altogether with Pakistan/Afghanistan.

Cicerone

You might want to post your question on the Middle East board, as many people would consider Iran and possibly Afghanistan as being part of the Middle East from a geographical point of view. There is not a lot of talk on this board on any of those countries or Pakistan. They are not typical tourist destinations at this point in time. You should probably also try the website for Lonely Planet guidebooks at lonelyplanet.com.

As a US citizen, your best source of visa information is the US State Department's website, in particular go to http://travel.state.gov

Iran does not have an embassy in the US, but uses the Pakistani embassy. This may give you an indication of some of the difficulties you may encounter in going to Iran.

I have been to Pakistan once over 12 years ago and loved the place and the people. As for current safety in any of these countries, I can't say from personnel experience. The US State Dept has a travel warning for all three; which may or may not mean anything to you, as the Sate Dept tends to be a bit conservative. I don't think you wil find any kind of tourist infrastructure in any country or good roads or hotels. A group tour may be the better way to go in these countries rather than independent travel. I imagine there are many parts of Iran and Afghanistan which are off-limits to tourists as well.