Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
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 11 Aug 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: bristol, england
Posts: 10
japan without a carnet?

As I can no longer get a Carnet for my Enfield, can I get a temporary import permit for Japan?
I have one here in Australia and can get one for N.Z.
How can I find out whether I can get my bike into Japan without one?
Thanks, Jacqui

[This message has been edited by jacqui furneaux (edited 22 August 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Aug 2003
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Sorry,
The only temporary import system for Japan is with a Carnet. Others have ridden illegally, but the problem is getting costoms to release the bike for "transport to another port" or somew other reason. You stand the risk of being hit with big fines in you are caught riding. Also, you will have problems exporting again, I think.

[This message has been edited by Chris in Tokyo (edited 08 September 2003).]
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Townsville, QLD, Australia
Posts: 10
I shipped BKK to Osaka without a valid carnet. I was given temporary import papers, and paid a small fee that was a % of the bike's value. Osaka customs are very quick and helpful. They didn't even bother to look at the bike at the dock.

Dave

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Nov 2003
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Dave,
Could you give me more information on your getting a bike into Japan without a carnet. In all my contacts with various customs officials, they all say they require a valid and authorized Carnet. I suspect you need a carnet to actually (legally) drive in Japan, but legality seldom stands in the way of a determined traveler!

I have been going over domestic and international road convetions, and to tell the truth none of them make any sense at all. Of course I am not a lawyer...
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Nov 2003
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
Hey, I have a (silly) question here - what if the bike was originally Made in Japan? Couldn't you tell them that it had citizenship there by birth? That it was just returning home?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Nov 2003
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally posted by PanEuropean:
Couldn't you tell them that it had citizenship there by birth?
Japan does not give citizenship automatically to those born here as the USA does. Your parents must also be Japanese. I don't know how this applies to bikes...
(Sorry, ask a silly question and get a completely irrelevant answer)
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Townsville, QLD, Australia
Posts: 10
Chris,

Don't really understand exactly how my bike was permitted entry into Japan. I don't read or speak Japanese. All I know is that after I paid import duty (which on a stated US$500 bike value, was not much) I was allowed to collect my bike from the dock. Some of the paperwork was retained by customs when I caught the ferry to Vladivostok. I didn't have to pay anything to export the bike.

I don't know if I was riding lawfully or not.

Cheers
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: bristol, england
Posts: 10
Thankyou so much, Dave. You have given me hope! My bike is an Enfield bullet and I can no longer get a carnet for it thanks to the enforcement of a rule from the Indian Government. So unless I can re-register it somewhere else, I have to do without! By the way, I am currently in Cooktown, not a million miles away from you! Going back to Cairns soon. Thanks again, Jacqui

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave McSkimming:
Chris,

Don't really understand exactly how my bike was permitted entry into Japan. I don't read or speak Japanese. All I know is that after I paid import duty (which on a stated US$500 bike value, was not much) I was allowed to collect my bike from the dock. Some of the paperwork was retained by customs when I caught the ferry to Vladivostok. I didn't have to pay anything to export the bike.

I don't know if I was riding lawfully or not.

Cheers
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Townsville, QLD, Australia
Posts: 10
Jacqui,

Is your Enfield in Australia?

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: bristol, england
Posts: 10
Yes, It's here with me now in Cooktown. Did you take your bike to Japan recently? Originally posted by Dave McSkimming:
Jacqui,

Is your Enfield in Australia?

Dave
[/QUOTE]

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Townsville, QLD, Australia
Posts: 10
I was in Japan during June last year, and I might have just struck it lucky with the Osaka customs.

I don't know if you have made any enquiries on this, but it may not be too difficult to get a Carnet from an Australian motoring organisation. They are cheaper here than most other countries.

First try ringing The AA in Canberra to see if they will issue a carnet on a bike with foreign rego. They probably won't, so then you would have to register your bike here.

A friend of mine travelling without a carnet imported a UK registered Transalp into Perth recently without too much hassle and expense. Duty is ~25% of bike's stated value. There would also be some admin. and registration fees. I think rego is cheapest in Sth Aust. You need to check with a Transport Department to make sure that Indian Enfields are registerable in Oz - should be OK. Your bike would also have to be in reasonable condition if you were required to pass any pre-registration inspections.

Then sign up with an Automobile Association and get your carnet. Don't hold me to this but I reckon you could do all this for around AU$1000.

Cheers
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: bristol, england
Posts: 10
Quote:
Originally posted by PanEuropean:
Hey, I have a (silly) question here - what if the bike was originally Made in Japan? Couldn't you tell them that it had citizenship there by birth? That it was just returning home?
I am British, my Enfield Bullet was made, bought and registered in India and I am in Australia !
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


 
 

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 22:51.