Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
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 13 Feb 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
Traveling in Angola

I'm doing some research on traveling into Angola and read the below article and was wondering if anyone can confirm the info.

Angola Border Post Tips | Drive Out

My vehicle will be registered in the UK and will be using a carnet in Africa. I'm certain I'll need a TIP at the Angolan border, but a bank letter and clearance certs??? :confused1:

Thoughts???

David
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
I assume the bank letter is referring to a situation whereby the title is in the bank's name as you have a loan outstanding against the vehicle and you therefore need permission to travel to foreign countries.

The terminology is a bit strange but the clearance cert looks to be the authorization letter that you will have to get from a travel agent prior to receiving a visa. I remember absent mindedly tossing it into my bag after getting my visa but at the border they were quite insistent that I was missing some documentation and they needed it to let me in the country. Eventually I remembered the letter, and that seemed to pacify them so I would suggest that you should remember to not toss it away after you get your visa
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Feb 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
Hmm, well I won't need the bank letter than as I own my Cruiser outright. And I'll have to see about the clearance cert since I'm not going through a travel agency to get the visa but doing it on my own.

Any other thoughts or recommendations for crossing Angola borders?

David
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Quote:
Originally Posted by AfricaOverlander View Post
Hmm, well I won't need the bank letter than as I own my Cruiser outright. And I'll have to see about the clearance cert since I'm not going through a travel agency to get the visa but doing it on my own.

Any other thoughts or recommendations for crossing Angola borders?

David
Not sure wha the rules are now, but don't you still need a letter of invitation to get a visa? I did when I went through there a couple of years back.

To be clear, I used the travel agency to get the letter of invitation, not as a visa service agency, those are two separate functions. I got the visa on my on my own, just like you intend on doing.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 268
I crossed into Angola at Songolo 2 years ago in a Land Rover on a carnet. Passport and carnet stuff was straightforward (ie they knew what the carnet was and used it) Main confusion was over our visas, which were not the usual transit ones, but full 30 day visito ordinario s which were obtained in Brazzaville with help from Congo's minister for transport as I was with a slow moving cycling expedition with some friends in high places. Eventually they shrugged and went on to the final hurdle, which was did we have enough money to support ourselves? 3 credit cards were deemed sufficient!
I've heard airports are the really tough ones, mainly for corruption. My experiences at entry and exit (into Namibia) were nothing but friendly and straightforward. One of my favorite African countries. Enjoy all the time you can manage there.
Simon.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Feb 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainMan View Post
Not sure wha the rules are now, but don't you still need a letter of invitation to get a visa? I did when I went through there a couple of years back.

To be clear, I used the travel agency to get the letter of invitation, not as a visa service agency, those are two separate functions. I got the visa on my on my own, just like you intend on doing.
Rules are still the same according to the Angolan website. I know about the invitation letter and have some friends who will be assisting me with that, so I guess that means I won't have a clearance cert as that is part of what comes from a travel agency when obtaining a letter of invitation from them? Is this correct??

@mossproof, good to know they're more familiar with carnet's! When I was there in 07 they had no idea about carnet's. I've never done the DRC crossing, only the Katwitwi and Oshikango crossings in the south and I did cross once at Shangombo/Rivungu by dugout canoe in 09 on the Zambian border.

I've heard the roads in the south have improved quite a bit. You guys know anything about the road to Menongue from Katwitwi? What about petrol/diesel stations? Is it still recommended to carry 800 km worth of fuel?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: South Africa
Posts: 138
we were in Angola last year and they still do not know what a Carne is but you can do without a carne.

DO KEEP A COPY OF YOUR INVITATION LETTER THEY ASK FOR IT AT THE BORDER.

These numbskulls make up new rules as they go. We sat at the border for 6 hours to wait for somebody in SA to fax us the letters to a bank on the border in Namibia.
__________________
12 reasons to follow us www.pikipiki.co.za
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Feb 2012
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Umtentweni, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
Posts: 182
Visa Requirement for South Africans

I went yesterday to the consulate in Durban they gave me an List with their requirements for an Visa, but I guess you need to have residence in South Africa !

2 Passport size Color Photos (recent)
Passport must be valid for more than 3 months
(Foreigners) must have permanent residence in the passport / with 90 days in South Africa
Company`s letter in Angola or invitation letter of the host in Angola, certified by the ministry of foreign affairs, with email address and telephone number of the company.
Copy of residential address (electricity bill)
Copy of medical cover
Copy of yellow card fever
Copy of round trip air tickets or reservation of the trip.
Copy of contribution card of NIP (registration of the company)
Work declaration of the company in South Africa
Takes 10 - 15 days
Visa application fees are 750 Rand (around 75 Euro)

I must say its quite a list maybe I give it a miss ! And spend more time in Namibia !
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Feb 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by michnus View Post
we were in Angola last year and they still do not know what a Carne is but you can do without a carne.

DO KEEP A COPY OF YOUR INVITATION LETTER THEY ASK FOR IT AT THE BORDER.

These numbskulls make up new rules as they go. We sat at the border for 6 hours to wait for somebody in SA to fax us the letters to a bank on the border in Namibia.
Well, as usual info on Angola is conflicting. Given the state of the country this does not surprise me. Interesting that up along the DRC border they recognize carnet's, but don't along the Namibian border... TIA!

Lot's of good info though. Thanks everyone for sharing. I'm in the process of getting my invitation letter and visa from the USA side. Hopefully it will be a smoother process than last time.

Anyone have a good RORO company they recommend for shipping into Walvis Bay? My Cruiser's in the UK.

David
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
Angolan Visa in Dolisie silverback001 sub-Saharan Africa 10 1 Oct 2017 20:44
Angola visa in Abuja silverback001 sub-Saharan Africa 26 6 May 2012 13:01
Burundi/Ruanda to Angola - Via DRC Saiporai sub-Saharan Africa 1 13 Feb 2012 00:50
Angola: Bike storage for 1 year possible? oerg sub-Saharan Africa 13 24 Jan 2012 02:32
Traveling the PanAm in an '87 4runner - need a quick favor! red87runnerATX The HUBB PUB 0 17 Nov 2011 03:42

 
 

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 12:00.