Iran Border Customs Crossings: What to Know
Gürbulak, Kapıköy, and Esendere: an overview of Turkey’s land gates with Iran, how they are used, and the compliance checks every shipper should make first.
October 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Turkey and Iran share a land border of about 530 km in the east of Turkey. Today three gates are in regular use for trade. A fourth, Borualan in Iğdır, is listed as closed.
Compliance first. Iran is subject to wide-ranging international sanctions. Before you plan any shipment, check the goods, every party involved, the payment route, and insurance against all the rules that apply to you. AntEX does not handle sanctioned goods.
The gates
| Turkish gate | Province (district) | Iranian side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gürbulak | Ağrı (Doğubayazıt) | Bazargan | Main road freight gate; oldest and busiest |
| Kapıköy | Van (Saray) | Razi | Road gate; freight trains also cross here |
| Esendere | Hakkâri (Yüksekova) | Serow | Modernised gate opened in April 2017 |
| Borualan | Iğdır | — | Closed |
Gürbulak–Bazargan
Gürbulak, near Doğubayazıt at the foot of Mount Ağrı (Ararat), is the main road freight gate between the two countries. It sits on the main east–west highway, and its facilities have been modernised. Truck queues are common at busy times.
Kapıköy–Razi
Kapıköy in Van province is a road gate, and it is also where the railway crosses into Iran. Freight trains between Van and Iran have continued to run here, while passenger train services have been stopped.
Esendere–Serow
Esendere in Hakkâri province is the southernmost of the three gates. Its modern facility opened in 2017. At that time the gate handled about 90,000 vehicles and more than 400,000 passengers a year. Much of Hakkâri’s border trade passes through it.
Current situation (2026)
The situation on this border has changed in 2026. In March 2026, after regional conflict, Turkey’s Minister of Trade stated:
- Freight transport was continuing in a controlled way at Gürbulak, Kapıköy, and Esendere.
- Daily (same-day) passenger crossings had been suspended by both sides.
Rules, opening hours, and security conditions can change quickly. Always confirm the current position with the Ministry of Trade and your customs broker before you load.
Documents and procedures
- Export from Turkey: a standard export declaration in BİLGE, made through a licensed customs broker.
- TIR: Both Turkey and Iran use the TIR carnet system. TIR is the usual way to move cargo through Iran toward Central Asia.
- Commercial papers: commercial invoice, packing list, CMR, and certificate of origin. Your goods may also need permits or certificates.
- Sanctions screening: Keep a written record of the checks you made on goods, parties, and payments.
Practical tips
- Do the compliance check before anything else. If any part of the shipment is restricted, stop there.
- Expect changes at short notice. Build extra time into your plans.
- Ask about winter. The roads to Gürbulak and Esendere cross high ground, and snow can slow traffic.
- Use an experienced broker. Documents must be correct and consistent on both sides of the border.
AntEX works within the rules of international trade. We review every request with care, and we do not handle sanctioned goods.
Please note: This article is general information, not legal or customs advice. Border gate status, working hours, and rules can change at short notice. Always check the latest position with the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the authorities of the other country, or your customs broker before you ship.
Lawful by nature
We move what matters — within the rules of international trade. Every shipment is checked with care, and we do not handle sanctioned goods.