Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Egyptian Carnet alternative? Egyptian Carnet alternative?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Egyptian Carnet alternative?
Yes, i know one should plan better before rushing into such things, but retrospect is of no use to me now...

Im in Ethiopia heading to Egypt via Sudan, problem is that my South African issued Carnet is not valid for Egypt. My Cape to Cairo experience will just not be the same without the Cairo part and getting stuck between borders unable to go back into Sudan with a single entry visa is unappealing.

Ive heard talk of people (like Roman the Russia, whom i cant get hold of...) who have managed to get in with alternative documentation.?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Jim
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Jim,

I assume you ended up solving your problem of crossing into Egypt. Can you let me know how you did it, and what is the problem with trying to enter on a South African carnet? I am about to arrive in SA next week to buy a bike, and was going to try to arrange my carnet in SA.

cheers

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
to save you planning on false assumptions and optimistic outcomes with Egyptian customs, check elsewhere on HUBB and you'll find Jim couldn't solve it, but had to go south again.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Oct 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Rich, Im afraid is right. I tried in vain for a few weeks to get the bike into Egypt but ended up turning back to Sudan. It seems that no amount of money or persuation will convince the AA of South Africa to endorse a carnet for Egypt.
Egyptian troubles aside the SA issued carnets are easy and cheap to obtain and are valid everywhere else in Africa and Europe.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542

Hmm.......that is a real bugger. Are there any other alternatives to getting a carnet in South Africa that will be valid for Egypt, as that is where I intend to end my trip.

Jim, I notice that you are from Cape Town. Can you recommend any good bike dealers in CT to buy a used Honda XR 650L or KTM 640, who also have a good workshop to undertake modifications.

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Oct 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
From what i have been told there is no way to legally get through Egypt with an SA Carnet. If for some strange reason you were to trust the Egyptian Customs People you could leave a large cash deposit with them at the border which they claim will be refunded.... around $5000.00, Ye right!

As for dealers in CT, there are good KTM and Honda dealers here for new bikes. Second hand is usually a bit of a gamble unless you know your stuff. A new KTM 640 costs around 11000 euro. If you have time you can find a much cheaper older bike being sold privately. I did my trip on a bike i bought for $2300 - 1985 Tenere, beautiful and reliable.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Nov 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Jim,

Thanks for the tip on the CT bike dealers. I have been harassing them all for the past couple of days trying to find a suitable bike.

I have also just spoken to the AA of South Africa and they said they will endorse a carnet for Egpyt, provided I give them a bank guarantee for 200% of the bikes value. Slightly steep, I know, but it seems to be the only way to do it. Was this not the case for you, or am I missing something?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Nov 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,226
Matt, that's the way a carnet works - you have to provide a bond for the value of the countries duty charged when importing a bike.

Go ahead and do it if you want to go to Egypt.



------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Nov 2004
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
What other alternatives are there to bypass Egypt? We are also heading that way without a Carnet for Egypt. South African bike. How about a ferry from Port Sudan to Jordan or from Djibouti? Is it worth going all the way to the Egyptian border to try to get in or not? If you get refused, it is a lot of money wasted. How else do you get to Europe without flying the bike over? We are now in Dar Es Salaam.
Johan & Charmaine
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Nov 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Ahh....having just reread Jim's initial post, I think I can answer my own question. I thought you had a SA issued carnet that was endorsed for Egypt and for some reason you were denied entry, despite having the carnet endorsed.

Reading it again, I now interpret it that you had a SA carnet, but it hadn't been endorsed for Egypt because of the extra cost involved, and hence the problems getting across the border.

It is much clearer now!

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Nov 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Matt,
Be careful with that 200% deal! When i was in Egypt and desperately trying to my Carnet validated by the AA in SA I offered to give them a 400% deposit and they refused saying that under no circumstances will they endorse it. I pleaded desperation and everything else i could think of too Speak to Abigale at the AA Carnet dep, she seems to know whats up there. This was 3 monmths ago so it could have changed, just make 100% sure.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Nov 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Oh yes, try this guy for a bike, his name is Kim and he sometimes sells very good bikes. If he doesnt have one he may be able to point youi in the right direction. Tell him james (thats me) refered you.

0027 (0)826859288 Mobile
0027 (0)21 7822393 Home
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Nov 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Johan,

I thought i would just try Egypt without the right carnet... Its not worth it, they know the system well now and you wont slip past. It costs 130$ for one person and bike from Sudan to Aswan which you have to pay twice as youll get sent back, add to this a new Sudan visa (100$) and storage and "security" fees from customs. Its a very expensive and frustrating experience, I would not recommend it.
If you do go give Mr Hamman (head customs official) a boot in the bottom from me, hes a real sod and absolutely untrustworthy.
Call me in Cape Town for more info:
0826859288
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Nov 2004
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
Jim

What other options are there? We went to the Egyptian Embassy in Dar and they say US$20 for the bike and a stamp in your passport with the bikes engine no. and no problem - yeah right!! Can we get a transit visa for Saudi Arabia or should we go through west africa. We will try and find out more info in Dar about Saudi.
Johan

We will a
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 8 Nov 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
JC

I dont know what to say really, its possible that things have changed in the last 4 months, but i dont think so..
Ive spent a lot of time considering alternatives for this route, From what i hear West Africa is a whole different trip that requires more money and planning than i could come up with at the time. Ask around, but i dont think its really realistic... this said by someone without any experience of that side of the world so ask around.
I think you can ship from Asmara (Eritrea) to Mid East or Europe. Cant help with costs though, try emailing Safmarine, i found them helpful and knowledgable. Another option is thisP: ride to Sudan or whereever you really want to see and then come back to Kenya from where you can fly the bike to SA or Europe really cheap with "Flower Wings" a company that flies Kenyas flower crops all over the world... A lot of riding, but couild be worth trying. Searck web for contact details.

Hope thats helping you mate!
Jim
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 00:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top