Border status
Updated: 15.10.2026Updated weekly; an estimate only. Check with us before loading.
* Times exclude border queues and vary with season, cargo and border conditions.
How this route works
Overland, cargo leaves China through the Khorgos crossing, enters Iran at the Lotfabad border and continues to the destination city.
Alternatively, cargo sails from Chinese ports to Mersin in Türkiye and is trucked to Iran in transit; this combination suits some shipments.
How it works
- 1Enquiry: send the origin, destination, cargo type and weight.
- 2We confirm the rate, transit time and documents.
- 3Loading at origin and preparation of transport documents.
- 4Carriage and border crossing, followed by a SEAROAD specialist all the way.
- 5Clearance or delivery at destination.
Documents usually needed
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- CMR for road or bill of lading (B/L) for sea
- Certificate of origin, where required
- Iranian order registration and permits
We confirm the exact documents for your shipment after your enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
How long by road from China to Iran?
About 20 days via Khorgos and Lotfabad, not counting border queues.
When does the sea route via Mersin make sense?
It depends on the cargo, its volume and destination; we compare both routes for your cargo in the quote.
Do you also clear the cargo in Iran?
Yes; SEAROAD’s representatives work at Tehran, Bandar Abbas and Sahlan (Tabriz) customs.
Where is your next shipment coming from?
Tell us the origin and the cargo; we will reply with the rate and transit time.