Argentina to Johannesburg - Layover Question
 

Hi all. Not wanting to drive to Brazil to avoid the Tourist Visa application, I plan to fly from Argentina to Johannesburg, Africa with my bike. However, all flights seem to layover in Sao Paulo, Brazil, change planes, and then to Africa.

Could you please help:
1) Do I still need a visa if I am just on a 2+ hr layover?
2) I read a lot about shipping the bike first. Do you mean on, say, an earlier flight? If yes, do they know to just keep the bike until I get there several hours later?
3) Is there any known issues with them having to switch the bike to a different plane, or is it handdled like luggage would, just moved without any input from me?

Look forward to any help. Did I mention I've never done this before, or did my questions give that away :blushing:

There should be no need for a visa if you stay within the international transit lounge, have a connecting flight and are there less than 8 hours.

When you say "bike" you mean motorcycle, right? If so, yes, it takes some time for cargo items to clear customs. Our experience with South African customs (not in JoBerg) is very good. If you mean "bicycle", it is generally checked as luggage.

Motorcycle as cargo: This will be taken care of by the cargo folks.

Bicycle as luggage: It is not unusual for bicycles to get lost or damaged when being transported between two different carriers. So, if you are flying from Argentina to Brazil on one airline, then Brazil to South Africa on another... that might be trouble. I would avoid that situation if possible.

One more thing.... if it is a motorcycle, you will need a carnet for South Africa.

Thank you VWVagabonds
 

Thank you VWVagabonds. I will be taking a motorcycle so your helpful replies are much welcomed. Puts me at ease about making my first big trip with my mc. I would be happier if the motorcycle was on the plane with me though. I’m sure I’ll figure this out as I go along. Thank you again VB.