The Iraqi (Kurdish?) border guards that saw the 3 American tourists now being held in Iran cross the border said they didn't stop them because they are American - and they thought Americans are allowed to go anywhere, according to the BBC.
According to the LA Times, they simply ignored warnings. But they were still clearly allowed to pass right through.
What does this say about border security in Northern Iraq? I imagine it's all quite patchy, but jeez. Sounds like open season for any corrupt person with an American accent.
American citizens traveling to Iran have to get visas. If they are going as private citizens, they are usually required to have submit an itinerary and hotel reservation confirmations when applying for an entry visa. I guess these kids didn't do their research. Granted you can generally get around much of the Middle East by just showing up and waiting at border, but Iran is something else.
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