Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 May 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 12
Border Crossings in CA without a title

Hey guys, looking for a little input if you can help.

We are halfway through our trip for Canada to Panama and during the cross into Guatemala yesterday at Citudad Hidalgo, Mex we had some issues with paperwork.

Being from Canada I dont get a "title" per say like Americans woul, all I get from the government is a registration for the bike, this wasnt good enough for the customs guy on the Guat side and we had to go to a Notery to get an affidavit sworn about ownership of the motorcycle...

Also my friend Rob, an American is only carying a copy of his title, after being told he only needed his registration with him. Same problem, another $300Q fee to the notery...

We now have the original notery letters with us, will this issue be the same at upcoming crossings? Honduras? Niquerauga? Does anyone have suggestions on this issue?

We also hired a Helper as our spanish is really bad, but I think that only helped make the crossing more expensive...

Your thoughts are appreciated!

Patrick
__________________
BC to Panama on a KLR
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: calgary canada
Posts: 126
Patrick
I have crossed into Guatemala at 3 diff. borders and never been asked for title always used registration. It is all you need!! I just returned home to Canada 1 week ago from my ride to Panama and used reg. at every border coming and going. Also if you are returning thru Guatemala you keep your permit and do not need to turn it in on your way south, same with the Honduran permit if you cross at Las Manos they will keep the permit and if you return via Las Manos you pick it up again on the way back. They make a note in your passport that says Se Retiene temporalmente la forma ....... por salida a nicaragua aduana Las Manos. Date and signed. The border to Hon. at El Florido near Copan is easy.

As per helpers: I used then about half the time just to point out windows and copy shops, never in Guatemala because they are usually very easy crossings! I payed from 1 to 5 dollars for a helper. 5 at the honduran el Salvador crossing because the aduana was on lunch break and we had to track them to the lunch counter and do the work well the agent ate. $2.00 is about the right amount at all the crossings but you should be very pleasant and speak some spanish.

Spanish is a very real help stop in Xela and take some lessons the price is resonable and Xela is a great city to spend some time in, lots to see and do with in a 100kms. Last year in stayed 3 weeks.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 May 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
This question is asked and answered periodically here, and you may find a search productive (use Google, not the HUBB search engine). The general consensus is that experiences differ, sometimes greatly. I've never been asked for a title in Latin America, and have stopped carrying it with my bike documents although I've always got it with me. When I used to offer it, I was told "No, not that document; we need the one which shows you own the bike!" or some such (in Spanish, which I do not speak or understand well).

The guy I was traveling with at that particular crossing into Guatemala had some issues involving previous travel and the difficulty in identifying which stamp applied to entry and exit. I sailed right through with my expired and incomplete documents.

Others have said they've been forbidden entry to some countries at some border crossings in the absence of a title. No predicting this, and sometimes no alternative but to try after a shift change or try a different crossing. Same deal with color photocopies; sometimes it works, sometimes not. Personally, I always offer fake or expired documents first, but am prepared with the real thing just in case.

Hope that helps.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,051
Must agree 100% with Calvin. Never have had a problem at any C.A.border because I only have an Ontario registration ONLy. The particular fellow asking you for it must have been on some US document overload. You should in these cases clearly state that your country/province does not deal in such double documentation, that your registration slip is proof of ownership also.
Funny story,; this year crossing into Belize at Santa Elena/Subte Lopez the BZ customs fellow asked me "what is your title? " .I thought he was referring to that US reg. document, but then after a few moments and questions it became clear he was asking what my NAME was.Same English, differet application
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 May 2010
TorPedro's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 43
I agree with Calvin...just got back from a ride thru south and central america. Ontario Registration document was all that was required at umpteen border crossings as proof of ownership.

We did have to talk the officials through the document a number of times, but just so they could understand what parts referenced VIN, brand, colour etc.

Suerte!

This Way UP!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Best border crossings in CA Forsellini Central America and Mexico 6 2 Jul 2009 21:16
Border crossings kebabtomten TRAVEL Hints and Tips 2 2 Jul 2009 01:37
passing Mexican border with new title brianb Central America and Mexico 3 11 Nov 2005 05:09
The Border Crossings Davidfl West and South Asia 1 2 Feb 2002 13:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:17.