Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
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 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Sheffield, England
Posts: 5
Question Visa Questions...please clarify!!!

Hi to all,

I'm considering a trip from the UK to central asia and back, and I've been searching a range of websites etc to find out the paperwork requirements but would very much like it if someone could confirm the following, or correct me where I'm wrong! These are for a UK passport holder if that makes a difference - here goes:

Europe - no worries!
Turkey - visa purchased at the border? 15 USD I think I read?
Georgia - No visa required for UK citizen?
Azerbijan - Easiest to acquire in Georgia, Letter of Introduction (LoI) required, only 72 hours to transport bike from inbound customs to oubound customs
Turkmenistan - Use a visa agency + London embassy, LoI needed even for a transit visa? Stantours has been recommended, anyone agree / have an alternative?
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazachstan - All obtainable in Istanbul, no LoI needed for any of the three.
Russia - Use a visa agency + London embassy - onlinevise . ru has been recommended? any other visa requirements for a transit visa from Kaz to Belarus?
Back in Europe!

The Trip qould be anti-clockwise so the countries would fall roughly in this order. Also, is a Carnet needed for any of these countries?

Thanks in advance, you folks are priceless!

Cheers, Dan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
I am German, so things might be a little different, but here's how it went for me:

Europe: no visa obviously, but check if your green card covers all the countries

Turkey: no visa, but some paperwork for the bike (stamp in your passport), might need to buy insurance if you greencard doesnt cover Turkey

Georgia/Azer: didnt go

Turkmenistan: no LOI, no agency, direct from the embassy in Berlin (first visa). The visa has fixed dates, so if you miss them, you will need a new one - which was the case with me. New visa applied for in Tehran and picked up in Mashad, no LOI, no agency.

Uzbekistan: no LOI, got this one at home (watch out, valid for a fixed period, like most of the stan visa)

Kyrgyzstan: got this in Tehran, they wanted a LOI, express visa is very expensive.

Russia: too long ago and Russian friends did it for me through some Russian agency, so I can't comment. I'll try to find out ...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2010
strimstrum's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
Just a note about the Turkey visa - you can pay either 15 euro OR 10 pound sterling BUT the notes must be crispy new ones or they won't take them. I gave a slightly ripped 10 pound note and it wsas refused - lucky I had 2 crisp fivers.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: england
Posts: 79
Europe = worries,

Georgia= Worries

Azerbaijan visa cost me $40 in Tashkent, Transit visa 30 days to enter 5 days to transit, but only 72h for the bikes

Uzbek= Get the LOI from Stantours ect and apply at any Uzbek embassy you like, as long you tell Stantour which embassy you want to apply at, Visa cost me over $100 in Almaty to be issued on the spot

Russia = Visa agency in London

Kazakhstan = Just applied my self in London £26 single entry

Turkmenistan Transit $80 in Tashkent and 1 week wait and a lot of hassle. You are better of applying for the Turkmen transit visa in London and request to actually get the visa stamped in for you on your travels. The london embassy will get all the nessesary clearance and you just turn up at any Turkmen embassy and they will give the transit visa same day with the entry date you like.

Have fun
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Sheffield, England
Posts: 5
Cheers for all the answers folks, especially for replying as quickly as you have, it's very greatly appreciated. Any more people's experiences would be equally cherished!!!

By the way, is anyone heading that way any time soon?

Greatly indebted to you all,

Dan
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
Posts: 153
Hi Dan,

We're currently in Pakistan and have come through the same way as you in the last few months. We're also UK passport holders and left the UK with just China and Pakistan visas so got the rest en route.

We did as follows:

Europe: no problems, anything required is done at the border (look into green card/insurance though)
Turkey: got at border €15 plus €10 for 3 months insurance.
Georgia: all done at border - didn't pay a penny
Azerbaijan: applied in Istanbul, dead easy - never asked for an LOI so didn't get one) - definitely get to the customs in Baku before your 72 hours is up. We ended up parking our bikes in customs, and then coming back a few days later.
Turkmenistan: applied for transit visa in Istanbul (took 20 mins) and arranged to pick up visa in Baku. Definitely the best way as means you don't have to specify date (it starts when you land). Make sure you allow 3 weeks between application and pick up. No LOI required.
Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan - applied for both in Istanbul (Kyrg let us take passport away for other apps). No LOI required. Note, do NOT overstay your Uzbek visa - they got very funny when we needed to extend after they closed border at Osh. Kyrg extensions are dead easy, 3 hours and $20 for 30 days.
Kazak - applied in Tashkent - took 2 days, cheap.

Can't comment for Russia, but we haven't needed any LOI's or agents. All been pretty straight forward. Even Pakistan (some in our china crossing group didn't have their Pakistna visas) was easy despite a recent ruling that you can only get Pakistan visas at the embassy in your home country. We just rode to Sost and they gave them no questions asked for $24 for the month. Way cheaper and far less hassle than we had doing it in London!!

Hope that helps. If you want any extra info, go to our blog where I've tried to record visa/border info as we've gone. If you've got any other questions though just get in touch.
__________________
www.motoventurers.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobduro View Post
Note, do NOT overstay your Uzbek visa - they got very funny when we needed to extend after they closed border at Osh.
and if you do overstay the Uzbek visa, and they are about to deport you, then PM me and I'll tell you how I managed to get out of it

Seriously though, the Uzbeks are very tight on a lot of things. Make sure you don't overstay and don't have to extend, make triple sure you declare all cash and electronics when entering, and make sure you stay in a hotel in at least some places, so you get the police (Ovir) registration papers in case they ask for it when leaving the country. Apart from that it's a blast :-)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Hey, mate!
I returned back on August 20 from a 3-week motorcycle trip from Italy to east Turkey, Georgia and Armenia.


GEORGIA: outside of Europe, it's been the easiest experience of my life as concerns customs formalities.
I did all the proceedings (including Visa) at the border: all was easy, relaxed and fast, due to highly professional officers.


AZERBAIJAN (Krasny Most border point): a real pain in the a--!
I could not enter the border even if I had a regular Visa obtained at Azeri embassy here in Italy: they wanted a USD 1520 deposit because I was not in transit (I meant to do Tbilisi - Baku - Tbilisi) even though I was made sure before departure that if I remained 72 hours only, no deposits would have been requested.
They did not give a s--t of this information I received, so I turned back and came back to the friendly Georgia.
A friend of mine that was in transit to Turkmenistan received the same request.

If you can, enter Azerbaijan at Lagodekhi border, not at Krasny Most as I tried to do: Lagodekhi border officers are way less bothering than their collegues at Krasny Most (many people told me this).


Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel M View Post
Also, is a Carnet needed for any of these countries?
Well, technically no, but I friend of mine was asked to show the Carnet de Passage at Turkmenistan border, even though Turkmenistan don't appear on the list of Countries where it is necessary.
But I must point out he's the only friend of mine that received this request in Turkmenistan out of many others that did not.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré

Last edited by Knight of the Holy Graal; 15 Sep 2010 at 16:02.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
They asked to see my Carnet at the Turkmenistan border too. I don't think it's required in any way, it's just easier for them to identify frame and engine numbers that way, because the Carnet is a familiar document, whereas vehicle registration papers from all over the world are all different and might as well be home made ...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: england
Posts: 79
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirakor View Post
They asked to see my Carnet at the Turkmenistan border too. I don't think it's required in any way, it's just easier for them to identify frame and engine numbers that way, because the Carnet is a familiar document, whereas vehicle registration papers from all over the world are all different and might as well be home made ...

This a good point, I was travelling with a temporary V5 from the UK, which is written by hand. I only had trouble in Moldova, but no problems else where. To be honest the temp V5 looked sooooo soooo fake it was embarassing. I think one could easily fake a V5 logbook
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New zealand, russia
Posts: 80
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel M View Post
Cheers for all the answers folks, especially for replying as quickly as you have, it's very greatly appreciated. Any more people's experiences would be equally cherished!!!

By the way, is anyone heading that way any time soon?

Greatly indebted to you all,

Dan
russia look under visas in The Moscow Expat Site :: The virtual community for English speaking expats and Russians, Moscow, Russia may help
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 Sep 2010
champagne-james's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Guernsey
Posts: 8
I'm planning a very similar trip, when are you off?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel M View Post
any other visa requirements for a transit visa from Kaz to Belarus?
Belarus requires a Visa.

Oddly there are no border controls coming from Russia - it's like going from France to Belgium, just a sign. However EU passport holders still require a Visa and will have to produce it on exit to an EU state.

I am told it is a somewhat boring country to cross.
I have always avoided Belarus, going to it's north, and exit Russa into Lavia (or Estonia) then return west through Lithuania, Poland, etc - all EU. The scenery is pretty good too until Warsaw.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Sheffield, England
Posts: 5
Hey all,

Thanks again to everyone for the information and advice, you folks are fab!

Cheers to Tony P for the advice on Belarus, or on avoiding it!

To Champagne-James: Don't have a date really, just an open ended plan at the moment. When are you going out that way?

Many thanks again,

Dan
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Espoo, Finland
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirakor View Post
They asked to see my Carnet at the Turkmenistan border too. I don't think it's required in any way, it's just easier for them to identify frame and engine numbers that way, because the Carnet is a familiar document, whereas vehicle registration papers from all over the world are all different and might as well be home made ...
Back in end of July, no Carnet required. I was coming from Iran at Bajigiran border crossing: Day 24 Turkmenistan - Ilpo Juvander
__________________
http://www.juvander.fi/ilpo
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
please clarify! crlyn Trip Paperwork 5 18 Mar 2010 10:22
visa questions bmw.bec North Africa 11 16 Mar 2008 14:23
Visa and route questions bmw.bec sub-Saharan Africa 1 10 Jul 2006 16:21
visa questions Vegan 1965 sub-Saharan Africa 1 1 Jun 2006 08:51
Mauritanian Visa questions... dwair North Africa 4 8 Nov 2004 04:08

 
 

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 10:35.