Epic Roadtrip - UK to Iraq and Back

1. Planning Your Epic Journey

1.1 Visas and Documentation

A trip of this magnitude requires a hefty dose of bureaucracy, but it’s all part of the adventure:

• UK to EU: While the UK is out of the EU, British citizens can still travel to France visa-free for up to 90 days (in 180 days). A valid passport is essential.
• Turkey: For stays up to 90 days a visa isn't required.
• Iraq: Iraqi visas used to be tricky. November 2024 saw a change to the visa rules. Kurdistan Regional Government e-visa can now be used to enter Federal Iraq, making the visa application much quicker and smoother. We did this trip ourselves from Zakho in November, and not all checkpoint staff had been appraised, but the Dohuk-Mosul south checkpoint were aware and allowed us to pass through to Federal Iraq. Like any checkpoint, it wasn't swift though.

1.2 Preparing Your Car

• Ensure your car is roadworthy with a valid MOT and V5C (vehicle logbook).
• Purchase Green Card insurance that covers driving in Europe, Turkey, and Iraq.
• Obtain a Carnet de Passage, which acts as a customs bond for your vehicle, mandatory for entering Iraq.
• Carry an International Driving Permit (available at UK post offices).

1.3 Insurance Matters

• Extend your current car insurance to include international cover for Turkey and Iraq.
• Ensure the policy includes roadside assistance—trust us, a tow truck 2,000 miles from home is not a DIY project.

2. Mapping the Adventure

Route Overview

Here’s the route broken down by daily stops:

Day 1: UK → Calais, France
Day 2-3: France → Germany → Austria
Day 4-5: Austria → Hungary → Romania
Day 6-8: Romania → Bulgaria → Turkey
Day 9-12: Turkey → Iraq (via the Habur/Ibrahim Khalil border).

Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze but bring a physical map too. Nothing screams adventure like unfolding a map on your car bonnet in the middle of nowhere.

Tips for Each Leg

• France: Smooth roads and frequent fuel stops.
• Germany: Autobahn’s no-speed-limit zones can be thrilling but be cautious.
• Romania: Roads can be rugged, so drive carefully.
• Turkey to Iraq: Habur border crossing requires patience. Carry copies of all documents for smoother processing.

3. Must-See Stops Along the Way

The journey isn’t just about the destination. Here are some fantastic detours:

• Germany: Frankfurt’s Altstadt (old town) for a mix of history and schnitzel.
• Romania: Sighisoara, a colorful medieval town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).
• Turkey: Istanbul for its stunning Hagia Sophia, and Cappadocia for hot air balloons over alien-like landscapes.
• Iraq: Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO site dating back 7,000 years, is a must-see.

4. Accommodation and Daily Driving Plan

Driving six hours a day is ideal for balancing exploration and rest. Here’s where to sleep:

• France (Day 1): Stay at Ibis Budget Calais Coquelles Tunnel Sous La Manche, perfect for a quick rest after crossing the Channel.
• Germany (Day 2-3): Motel One Frankfurt-Römer combines comfort with a great location.
• Romania (Day 4-5): DoubleTree by Hilton in Sighisoara offers a cozy spot in the heart of Transylvania.
• Turkey (Day 6-8): Sultanahmet Palace Hotel in Istanbul. Breakfast with a view of the Blue Mosque? Yes, please.
• Iraq (Day 9-12): Van Royal Hotel in Erbil provides modern amenities in a historic city.

5. Handling Emergencies and Breakdowns

Breakdowns happen—hopefully not, but preparation is key:

• Roadside Assistance: Invest in international roadside coverage. Providers like the RAC and AA offer extensive plans.
• Emergency Kit: Stock your car with essentials: first-aid kit, spare tire, toolkit, and plenty of snacks.
• Embassy Support: Keep contact info for the British embassies in Turkey and Iraq.

If your car isn’t returned to the UK, inform DVLA immediately. Be prepared for potential fines and logistical challenges.

6. Crossing Borders: What to Expect

Border crossings are thrilling…and occasionally frustrating. Here’s how to make them smoother:

• Documents to Present: Passport, visas, vehicle papers, Carnet de Passage.
• Vehicle Checks: Customs officials may inspect your car. Be polite and cooperative.
• Pro Tips: Smile, carry photocopies of everything, and pack your patience. Avoid photographing border facilities; it’s often prohibited.

Conclusion

This journey is a logistical feat and a lifetime adventure rolled into one. Whether you're delivering cargo or exploring new horizons, the memories (and stories) will last forever. With Forte Travel Management, your logistics partner, you’re not just driving from the UK to Iraq—you’re embarking on an epic adventure AND have access to 24 hour support whilst you are on the road.

Ready to make the leap? Contact us today, and let’s map out your journey together!