Simplifying International Land Travel: Iran’s Carnet de Passages en Douane System Revolutionizes Cross-Border Vehicle Movement

Published on December 14, 2025

In a historic move to improve international land travel, Iran has implemented the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) system, a comprehensive document that is transforming cross-border vehicle movement. This initiative, spearheaded by the Touring and Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran (TACI), has the potential to streamline border procedures and improve travel experiences for both tourists and business travellers. The CPD serves as an international “passport” for vehicles, allowing personal and commercial vehicles to enter foreign countries temporarily without the usual hassles of large cash deposits or intermediary involvement at border crossings.

Key Advantages of the CPD System

The implementation of the CPD system offers several key benefits that significantly improve the land travel experience. These advantages include:

• Eliminating Costly Customs Guarantees: One of the most notable advantages of the CPD is the removal of costly customs guarantees that were previously required at borders. This elimination not only saves money for travellers but also simplifies the process of crossing borders.
• Reducing the Need for Intermediaries: Previously, travelers had to rely on intermediaries or brokers at borders to facilitate vehicle entry. The CPD system has streamlined this process by removing the need for such third parties, allowing for a more direct and efficient crossing.
• Accelerating Traffic Clearance: The CPD system has been designed to expedite border clearance procedures, ensuring that vehicles can pass through checkpoints more quickly, reducing waiting times and preventing delays.
• International Legal Security: With the CPD being supervised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), travelers can enjoy legal security under international standards. This ensures that vehicle owners have access to the necessary protection while travelling across borders.
• Financial Transparency and Prevention of Currency Outflow: The CPD also helps prevent excessive currency outflow, ensuring greater financial transparency in international travel. This benefit plays a crucial role in safeguarding both the interests of the travelers and the economies of the involved countries.

These advantages make the CPD system an essential tool for travelers looking to cross international borders with ease, ensuring that both the travel experience and the associated costs are manageable.

Expanding the CPD System Across Borders

TACI has made significant strides in expanding the reach of the CPD system by negotiating agreements with neighbouring countries to further facilitate cross-border travel. A key milestone in this process was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Iraqi Automobile and Touring Association, which allows vehicles carrying a CPD to travel temporarily between Iran and Iraq. This move is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate easier travel between the two countries, benefiting both tourism and business activities.

Additionally, TACI has concluded a separate agreement with the Armenian Automobile Federation and a private Iranian company to issue and accept CPDs for Armenian vehicles. This partnership will facilitate land travel between Iran and Armenia, benefiting tourists and business travelers by reducing the administrative burdens traditionally associated with cross-border vehicle movement.

Impact on Regional Land Travel

TACI’s efforts to implement the CPD system extend beyond bilateral agreements. The system has also been adopted by the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a regional group consisting of Iran and several neighbouring countries. This move is expected to significantly ease land travel within the region, allowing travelers to navigate borders with minimal disruptions.

In addition, Iran is actively working on expanding the CPD system to include neighbouring Georgia. A similar agreement is expected to be finalized soon, further enhancing regional connectivity and simplifying land travel for all involved parties.

By expanding the CPD system to multiple countries, Iran aims to create a more cohesive and efficient regional transportation network that will foster both tourism and trade. This initiative reflects Iran’s commitment to improving international travel and strengthening its position as a key player in regional connectivity.

Simplified CPD Application Process

TACI has designed the CPD application process to be straightforward, ensuring that travelers can easily obtain the necessary documentation. To apply for a CPD, applicants must provide essential documents, including:

• Proof of vehicle ownership
• A valid exit permit
• Transit plates
• A passport
• An international driving licence

These documents are required to ensure that the vehicle and its owner meet the necessary legal requirements for temporary travel across borders. The CPD can be obtained at TACI’s central office in Tehran, as well as at various border crossings and designated service points, making it accessible to travelers from different regions.

Temporary Entry for Foreign Vehicles

Under the current regulations, vehicles travelling with a CPD are allowed temporary entry into destination countries. For example, foreign vehicles entering Iran from Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq are generally permitted to stay for up to three months. However, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) may adjust this duration based on specific conditions at the border.

This temporary entry period makes it easier for tourists and business travelers to explore Iran and its neighbouring countries without the need for long-term permits or extensive bureaucratic procedures. It also facilitates smoother travel for pilgrims, who often visit the region for religious purposes, by reducing the costs and delays typically associated with crossing borders.

Legal and Logistical Considerations

While the CPD system offers numerous advantages, travelers are reminded that it is essential to comply with legal requirements to avoid complications. For example, vehicles entering or exiting the destination country must be registered with customs stamps. These stamps serve as the official proof that a vehicle has exited the destination country, and failure to obtain them can lead to serious legal issues for travelers.

Travelers planning to use the CPD for international travel are advised to check the entry regulations and border requirements of their destination countries in advance. Some countries may require a CPD for entry, while others may have different restrictions that travelers must be aware of.

Promoting the CPD System for Regional Land Tourism

TACI is committed to promoting the CPD system and raising public awareness about its benefits. By encouraging travelers to take advantage of this system, TACI aims to boost regional land tourism and foster a culture of safe, transparent, and modern travel. The CPD system not only enhances the travel experience but also supports economic growth by facilitating smoother and more efficient trade and tourism between neighbouring countries.

In the future, the proper promotion and institutional support for the CPD system could turn it into a model for international land travel, encouraging other countries to adopt similar systems to streamline cross-border vehicle movement.

Conclusion

TACI’s introduction of the Carnet de Passages en Douane system represents a significant step forward in simplifying international land travel for vehicles. The CPD system has the potential to transform cross-border travel by eliminating costly customs guarantees, reducing reliance on intermediaries, and speeding up traffic clearance procedures. The CPD system, with its expansion to neighbouring countries and the support of regional organisations such as the Economic Cooperation Organisation, is poised to foster greater connectivity, boost regional tourism, and provide a more enjoyable travel experience for all. TACI’s initiative is a positive step forward, promising to make international land travel more accessible, transparent, and secure for travellers in the future.