Dear Motorcycle Travelers, we just heard from two Swiss travelers that Australia demands an import permit prior to shipping the bikes to Australia.
That means you have to fill out some forms, make some copies of supporting documents and get a permission after 17 working days, hopefully.
You will find all details under www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/vsb_10.htm .
We just have mailed them our applications. We keep you posted about our progress.
There is too much bureacracy in this world Kai

Hello Kai,

The correct link is http://www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/vsb/vsb_10.htm

Have fun in Oz!

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

[This message has been edited by beddhist (edited 17 March 2004).]

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

All of this is covered also on our Carnet page, special Australia section, if you want more details. Link on left.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Further to this thread, here is the latest information from the motoring organisation angle as a carnet issuer.

I am in regular contact with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) regarding customs requirements for vehicle temporary importation into Australia. AAA met with Australian Customs earlier this year to simplify entry procedure for motoring visitors to resolve conflicting information in circulation at this time.

The requirement for additional "Vehicle Import Approval(VIA)" as stated on the DOTARS website was highlighted & should only apply to permanently imported vehicles.

DOTARS have also been reminded that the carnet acts as the official temporary import/control document used by visitors in accordance with international road traffic conventions to which Australia is a signatory. No other entry document should be required.

RAC receives frequent feedback from carnet holders in Australia confirming that the VIA is NOT being requested on entry.

The subject of extension & replacement of carnets if a vehicle remains in Australia after carnet expiry was also reviewed with Customs. Carnet holders requiring guidance on this issue should initially contact their carnet issuing club.

The Australia carnet information elsewhere on the HU site still applies.Once official information on all topics is released via the AAA I will notify Grant & post a further message to this forum.

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Paul Gowen
Travel Research
RAC Bristol

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Paul Gowen
Senior Travel Administrator - RAC Carnets
RAC UK

Paul is right. you only need the veichle approval for a permanent import. if you have a Carnet that is sufficient. If you do not have a carnet you have to deposit a bond with customs for GST which is refunded when you leave.

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Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality

Further to my last post on this subject in March, the Australian Automobile Association has now revised its information on the temporary importation of vehicles (May 2004). Click on this link & scroll down to the heading "Bringing your Car to Australia"

http://www.aaa.asn.au/touring.htm

Please note that if a carnet is not arranged, you will require Vehicle Import Approval(VIA)which must be arranged in advance of arrival.



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Paul Gowen
Travel Research
RAC Bristol

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Paul Gowen
Senior Travel Administrator - RAC Carnets
RAC UK