Entering Senegal

[Roderick]

Anybody know exactly how difficult it is to get into Senegal with a 5 year old car? Can i get in and drive on to the Gambia, or is it impossible?

[greynomads]

I entered Senegal with a 13 year old bike a year ago with no problems. I did have a Carnet which, despite all the comments about them being a waste of money, etc., I have found does smooth the way without 'backsheesh'. Others I met during the same period also got into Senegal without Carnets, but did have some hassle.

[Tiffany]

Just lie...

[Tiffany]

We crossed the border 2 months ago - 3 bikes and a 13 year-old van.
There was no chance of baksheesh to get the van in and so we lied and said it was only 2 years old - as everyone's registrattion documents are s different depending what country your vehicle is originally registered in, it is very difficult to find a date on some docs. One of the bikes is also 12 years old - we were told that the 5 year rule does not apply to bikes - but hey, this Africa so we were taking no chances and lied for that one as well.

[Roderick]

Is anyone going to believe that a renault 5 is less than 5 years old. I realise it's africa, but even they have to know that the last R5 was built somewhere 10 years ago. Anyway, worst case, I'll sell it in Mauritania. Are the border officials in Senegal prepared to take bribes with regard to this matter? Or do i need to get a faked carnet de passage...? (and where do I get one?)

[backofbeyond]

I went through Rosso in Jan 04 on a 1987 XR600. My diy registration document said it was a four years and 11 months old. The officials accepted it but spent a good 10 mins telling me that it could not stay in Senegal for more than a month. They never looked at the bike which was parked right outside the office.

[Roderick]

I've got a dutch registration with a dodgy stamp on it, I can always photocopy it or scan it on my computer and color print it without the stamp on it... the put on a more recent stamp. As long as it looks official all is well right?