Temp. import paperwork US/Canada

[Zappa]

Hi!

I'm gonna do some traveling in US and Canada and wonder what paperworks is included while traveling between US and Canada with a Swedish registred bike (it's owned by me so no trouble with ownership). Do I have to make a new temp. import thingy when I enter US and Canada everytime or could I get some sort of paper that works in both countries and the end it when I'm leaving Canada back to EU???

The same with visa, is there a visa which is valid for both US and Canada??? Or do I have to apply for a mulitple entry visa for both US and Canada???

Cheers,
Zappa

[PanEuropean]

Zappa:

So far as Canada is concerned, as long as you can prove that the motorcycle is properly registered and plated in Sweden, and that you have the insurance (liability) that is required by law in Canada, you don't need any other permits to import it. It will be quite obvious that you are travelling as a tourist, so, the process won't be any more complex than it would be if I rode my Canadian registered motorcycle into Sweden.

The Canadian Customs and Immigration people will want to see that you have the means to support yourself on your holiday, and that you have the intention of re-exporting the motorcycle. They make these judgements just based on 'common sense' when you arrive at the port of entry.

The insurance requirements in Canada and USA are harmonized, in other words, if you have the required liability insurance that is accepted in one country, it is sufficient for the other country.

As for the United States - I can't comment on that country. Until recently it used to be pretty much the same as Canada, but they have become pretty paranoid now.

Check the websites of the Canadian and American governments to see if you need a visa to enter. I rather doubt it, but check anyway. It is tough to buy North American insurance for a European registered motorcycle - you might want to investigate a company that specializes in that kind of thing, such as Motorcycle Express.

Michael

[Zappa]

Thanks alot for the info.

Yes I've already contacted Motorcycle express about the insurance and it's gonna take a real bite of my budget (so will the shipping do as well) but yes I think it's the only way to go.

I guess I just ride up to the border and ask them what I need to do. At the moment I've decided to ship the bike and myself to Montreal and start there.

Cheers,
Zappa