Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 56
Visas for Algeria, Mauritania and Mali. Easy?

Hi, I am in Spain, in my way to Africa (the north of Africa). I have already the visas for Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco (I made them in Mexico before start the trip), but I have not done the ones to Mauritania, Mali and Algeria. I have one month to prepare the trip and my first thought was to send my passport to Mexico because here in Spain they just make visas for residents, but the 600 Euros have makes me try to find another better solution. So, as always, I have found valuable information here and in sahara-overland.com, so, just trying to confirm that (the information is always changing):

Is possible to make the Mauritania visa in Rabat, in Rue Thami Lamdawar (It seems that the phone numbers 00212-3756679 and 00212-7656678 have changed).

For Mali, the embassy is in the same street than the Mauritania. And is possible too in Nouakchott.

And for Algeria, it seems not too easy, right? Maybe harder for Mexicans. My plan (MX3 MEXICO POR EL MUNDO EN MOTOCICLETA) is to get to Algeria from Mali. Possible visa in Bamako? It seems that the only option would be to send my passport to Mexico for the visa (less expensive that made Mali and Mauritania in Mexico too). About the escort, like how much time takes to arrange it?, how much time before enter to Algeria is recommended to arrange the escort?

As always, thanks in advance for your help and posts.

Ibvan.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Oct 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Hello Ivan, for Mori and Mali you are right re visas.

For Alg not too easy is also right, though no harder for Mexicans. We had a Mexican in our group last year (this was an organised tour).

Not sure if you mean Algerian visa in Bamako - may be possible - or try Ouaga or Niamey. Tho see below - there may be no point.

Or do you mean head direct to Algeria from Bamako (Mali). Bad idea: read the AQIM posts or see Routes

Even up from Agadez (Niger), it is said the region is currently closed to tourists and may not reopen until the kidnapped French are safe.

The only safe and legit way into Alg now is off a ferry or from southern Tunisia. Currently crossing into southern Algeria is either risky (Mali) or risky and or/ not allowed (Niger, Mori, Libya, Maroc).

But before the escort, the same agency will have to invite you so you can get a visa. That is what takes time, but I suppose can be done in a month. It depends if the nearest embassy wants to co-operate.

Ch

Last edited by Chris Scott; 21 Oct 2010 at 16:00.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 56
Hi Chris.

I can not believe it.!. The AMHandbook that I saw for first time in Romania (in a 4 months motorcycle trip in Europe), made me start this Round the World Trip. Master!!

So, acting again like professional… My plan is to cross from Mali to Algeria thru Tessalit. Yesterday I called to Mexico and it seems that the Algerian consulate will not give me the visa before December (I will need it for January), so, the option could be to send my passport from Senegal (I can spend a couple of weeks there) to Mexico in December and if it does not work, try to make the visa in Mali.

I know about the LOI, now somebody in México will help me with the Algerian visa. But about the escort, and having in mind the December time of the consulate, when could be the best time to manage the escort stuff.

Have a great sand.

ibvan
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
Hi Ivan,

Yes you can get the visas for Mali and Mauritania in Rabat on the same street. The GPS coordinates are: Mali (N33°58.778, W006°49.965) and Mauritania (N33°58.821, W006°49.870). If I remember correctly they took 1 day each to process. We travelled around Africa for 1.5 years so if you need any other info you can check our website Touring Africa

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,
obtaining a Visa for Algeria is normally only possible in the country of residence. One exception however in the past were transit Visa, for instance in Agadez to enter at Ain Guezzam.
But with the current, very bad security situation in the northern Sahel I doubt that this is still possible today.

A particular warning: entering Algeria from Tessalit is actually prohibitive, the region is by far too dangerous (read the other thready on this BBS). I would say everything north of Gao or Timbuktu is off limits. The region north of Agadez is not much better.

Best regards, Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 56
Thanks for the advice, maybe I will have to change the route. What do you know about the escort? Does it take a lot of time, considering that I will try the Algerian visa in December to enter in January?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Oct 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Good idea to forget Tessalit Ivan. You would not have even got near it anyway.

The Alg escort is not a problem as they will know the exact day you arrive at a given border (your visa will have this date) and will be there waiting for you and can help with the papers. They do this sort of thing all the time.

It is possible by January that the Alg-Niger border will be open again, but best not to count on it.

Until that happens, legit/safe Sahara crossing for overlanders seems to be not possible between Atlantic and Nile.

Ch
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
Angola Cameroon Congo Braz Visas all easy in Abuja tnt go east sub-Saharan Africa 13 18 Apr 2010 11:17
Visas for Mauritania Jaywin North Africa 1 21 Dec 2008 22:21
Visas for Mali Andrew Wood Trip Paperwork 4 29 Nov 2006 15:46
Mali visas petelewis North Africa 10 3 Oct 2004 14:33
visas for mauritania plewis North Africa 10 7 Sep 2001 23:02

 
 

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 17:54.