Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 🇮🇷 Iran (Nakhchivan exclave)
Nearest Cities
🇦🇿 Poldasht, 🇮🇷 Shahtakhti (ferry/bridge)
Coordinates
39.10°N, 45.10°E
Border Type
Land crossing via bridge/ferry
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~3000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Azerbaijani/Persian
Currency Exchange
Available near Poldasht (AZN, IRR)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇦🇿 112/102 🇮🇷 112/110
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
Learn more about Azerbaijan
Learn more about Nakhchivan (Az exclave)
About 🇦🇿 Poldasht, 🇮🇷 Shahtakhti (ferry/bridge)
A New Bridge to an Exclave
The border crossing connecting the area near Poldasht in Iran with Shahtakhti in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is a journey across a new and strategically important bridge on the Aras River. This is a major international checkpoint, but it is the secondary crossing to the exclave, a modern alternative to the main crossing at Jolfa. To cross here is to travel a route that is a powerful symbol of the growing economic and political ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, a passage through a remote and arid landscape that has been a historic crossroads for centuries. It is a crossing defined by its modern infrastructure and its vital role in securing a second lifeline for the isolated exclave of Nakhchivan.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province with the Kangarli District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The new bridge and the modern checkpoint facilities were opened in 2007 to provide a second, reliable connection for the exclave and to boost regional trade. The crossing is a vital link for goods moving between Iran and Nakhchivan, and onwards to Turkey. While it is a major crossing, the traffic is generally lighter than at Jolfa, which can sometimes make it a faster option.
A History of an Exclave
The history of this crossing is the history of Nakhchivan. This ancient land has been part of numerous empires. The modern exclave was created in the 1920s by the Soviet Union. The border on the Aras River was established by the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828 between the Russian and Persian Empires. During the Soviet era, Nakhchivan was connected to the rest of the Azerbaijan SSR by rail through Armenia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Armenia closed the border, completely isolating Nakhchivan. The crossings with Iran and a small border with Turkey became the exclave’s only links to the outside world. The opening of this second crossing at Poldasht was a major strategic development, reducing the exclave’s reliance on a single point of entry.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a complex and often very slow process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed across the bridge to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport and a visa for Iran (which must be obtained in advance for most nationalities). A special permit or visa may be required for Nakhchivan, depending on your nationality and how you arrive. A “Carnet de Passages en Douane” is typically required for taking your own vehicle into Iran. The customs procedures on both sides are very thorough and can take many hours. Be prepared for detailed inspections.
The Surrounding Region: Iran Side
On the Iranian side, the crossing is in the West Azerbaijan Province. The nearby town of Poldasht is a small, agricultural settlement. The region is known for the magnificent St. Thaddeus Monastery (the “Black Church”), a very ancient Armenian monastery that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage destination. The crossing is a gateway to the historic cities of Khoy and Maku, with its unique cliff-side setting.
The Surrounding Region: Nakhchivan Side
On the Nakhchivan side, the crossing is in the Kangarli District. The exclave of Nakhchivan is a land of stunning, arid landscapes and incredible historical treasures. The capital, Nakhchivan City, is home to the magnificent 12th-century Momine Khatun Mausoleum and the Alinja Fortress, often called the “Machu Picchu of the Caucasus.” The region is also famous for the Ashab-i-Kahf caves, a sacred site mentioned in the Quran. The entire exclave is a unique and fascinating destination for the adventurous traveler.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must have all your documents, including visas and carnet, in perfect order. The official currencies are the Iranian Rial (IRR) in Iran and the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) in Nakhchivan. Currency exchange facilities are available. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid, though you will likely need to purchase separate insurance for Iran. Be aware of the strict laws and customs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The political situation can be tense, so it is wise to check for any travel advisories.
Final Considerations
The Poldasht–Shahtakhti border crossing is more than just a checkpoint; it is a geopolitical lifeline. It is a journey into a unique and isolated land with a deep and rich history. For the adventurous and well-prepared traveler, it offers an unforgettable experience, a passage between two fascinating cultures. It is a border that is defined by its strategic importance, a testament to the enduring power of geography and history in shaping the destiny of nations. It is the second gate to the remarkable and little-visited land of Nakhchivan.