Introduction
Anything dealing with paperwork on the road and how to deal with it,
just send it in and we'll publish it here as a useful guide to all.
Vehicle Registration
Don't leave the country without it, you must have an official
looking document to show at borders.
Tip - If you are travelling for more than a year,
you may find it expires, and it proved impossible to renew ours from outside
Canada. So, we forged one in Gibraltar (thanks to some friends with a
Macintosh and colour printer), and it served nicely for all of Africa
and South America. Remember, they can't check its validity - it just has
to look good, and the information has to match your Carnet
de Passage.
Tip: - In a very few countries - the UK is one -
you do not need to carry your vehicle registration papers or proof of
insurance with you. However, in most countries you do. We recently had
a traveller from the UK come to visit us on her way south. I noted she
had no mirror on the bike, which here in Canada is illegal, and advised
her to get one quickly to avoid getting stopped by the police and ticketed.
An hour later I received a rather plaintive phone call; "My bikes
just been impounded by the police!"
Turns out she didn't have any insurance either, which is
why it was being impounded! Also - of course - she wasn't carrying her
registration documents - another ticketable offence. Sadly, she may have
escaped scrutiny if she'd had the mirror.
Lesson: Despite what your home countries regulations
are, be aware that most countries require you to carry all paperwork
with you at all times. Be sure the bike at least LOOKS legal even if
it won't pass a detailed technical scrutiny at home by the authorities.
Most, if not all, "western" countries such as Canada, USA,
all of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand REQUIRE insurance. Most of
the rest do not - but don't get confused as to where you are. :)
What is an International Driving Permit
(IDP)?
From the Canadian Automobile Association: (same for everywhere)
"The International Driving Permit is a special licence for tourists,
authorized by a UN treaty among nations of the world, for the purpose
of allowing motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without
further tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses
a valid driver's licence issued by a competent authority in their
country of residence.
It provides the holder with an extra photo ID. Provides translation
of your valid Canadian Drivers licence since the IDP is printed in 10
languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic,
Italian, Scandinavian and Portuguese.) Most Car Rental agencies will request
an IDP even though one is not required to drive in their country."
International drivers permits are usually available from
your local automobile association, (in Canada, it costs C$13.00) and only
valid for one year. "An IDP cannot be post dated, extended or renewed.
Each time a new IDP is required, the applicant must complete a new application
form, produce a valid Canadian driver licence, provide 2 new photographs
and the fee."
Drivers License
You must also have your valid national driver's license,
and this is the one that is usually requested by police and border officials.
Tip - Be sure your license will not expire while
you're overseas. It will be a major hassle to have it renewed, and the
new details may not match your other documents, such as the Carnet, which
will cause additional hassles.
Tip - If you're worried about handing your valuable
licence over to possibly corrupt officials on the road, make several colour
photocopies of your licence and laminate it nicely, that will work fine
- and if they want to hold it until you pay a fine, no worries!
What is a Carnet de Passages
en Douane?
"The Carnet guarantees to a foreign government that
the vehicle it identifies, having been granted temporary importation status,
will be removed from the country within the time limit imposed by the
respective jurisdiction or if not, that the country will be paid all duties
and taxes that would be required to permanently import the vehicle. Using
the Carnet is an alternative to leaving cash security deposits with foreign
governments. It allows free movement and unencumbered access between foreign
countries. Use of the Carnet is restricted to the countries listed on
the back cover. It is valid for one year from date of issue." Canadian Automobile Association
|
From
Court Fisher, on the BMWMOA site: "Most national auto clubs
arrange an internationally-recognized 'Carnet de Passages en Douane'
for home-country registered vehicles taken outside North America and
Europe for personal tourist use. The personal tourist vehicle Carnet
system is administered by the Swiss-headquartered Alliance Internationale
de Tourisme (AIT).
A Carnet document shows Customs officials that the vehicle owner has
already posted a bond at least equal to the vehicle import duty of
that country, and assures that the vehicle will be re-exported to its
country of origin.
Note that the Carnet system does not apply if you intend
to permanently import and re-register a vehicle originally manufactured
for sale in a different country. Under those circumstances, most countries
impose much stricter and more costly procedures. |
From the CAA
site - Actual size is A4 - 11 ¾ " x 8 ¼" |
The carnet is also known as a tryptych, or sometimes triptiq.
Where do I need it?
You do NOT need it in the Americas, North, South or Central, at all anywhere. You WILL need it in parts of Africa, and parts
of the Middle East, and Asia.
Here's the basic procedure for North Americans.
Other countries are SIMILAR but there can be significant differences, for instance
in the UK you can ALSO get a carnet using an "insurance" type scheme, so you do NOT have to have the guarantee.
From the CAA website, Canadian specific version: (for US residents substitute USA for Canada below and you've got the differences
at last check)
"Submit the completed application form, along with the following attachments:
- two photographs of the vehicle
- two signed photographs of the applicant
- a copy of both sides of the vehicle registration document
- the Carnet fee and cash deposit
Fee for CAA members $400.00 plus $28.00 GST
Fee for non members $450.00 plus $31.50 GST
Deposit: $300.00 (to be used for such expenses as couriers. The unused balance is returned once the discharged Carnet is returned
to the CAA.)
A cancellation fee of $75.00 will be charged if the Applicant begins but does not complete the Carnet de Passage application
process.
Visa and MasterCard accepted.
In addition to the Carnet fee and deposit, CAA requires a financial guarantee, sufficient for CAA to meet any claims that could
be made by a foreign government for customs duties and taxes. These duties and taxes can be levied against a vehicle when it is
temporarily imported into a country under cover of a Carnet de Passages, but is not removed or exported. This financial protection
is provided to CAA by the holder of the Carnet in the form of an irrevocable letter of credit, a certified cheque or a money order.
This financial guarantee is held by CAA in a non-interest bearing account until such time as the used Carnet is returned to CAA.
Guarantee
CAA calculates the amount of the financial guarantee using the value of the vehicle and the maximum amount of duties and taxes
that could be claimed by the countries to be visited. Permanent importation duty and tax rates may vary from 0% to over 300%,
depending on the country visited, the vehicle, and its equipment.
The Carnet, when properly discharged, will have an entry and exit stamp for every foreign country visited. The Certificate
of Location located at the back of the Carnet must be endorsed by Canada customs, upon your return, proving to CAA that the
vehicle is back in Canada. When the properly discharged Carnet is received by CAA, the financial guarantee and balance of the
cash deposit will be released."
A frequent travel dream is to buy a Royal Enfield Bullet in India and
ride it overland to Europe.
Paul wrote:
"India:
... RAC also received a number of enquiries regarding
purchase of Enfield bikes in India by visitors & returning overland
to GB. However, in June 2002 we were advised by the AIT in Geneva
who administer the carnet scheme worldwide, that according to Indian legislation,
only those persons resident in India with proof of residence are eligible
to purchase & register vehicles in their name.
Individuals who have purchased/registered motorcycles in the past have
done so illegally & may be held liable under Indian law. Issuing clubs
were advised that under no circumstances can a carnet be issued outside
India for a vehicle purchased in India bearing Indian registration plates.
Counterfeit carnets:
I followed the thread about counterfeit carnets with obvious interest
& availability from ‘Mr Carnet’ in London. No new messages
& queries appear to be posted so I hope that all travellers will only
obtain carnets from official sources.
Carnets are distributed by the AIT, Geneva & a
database is maintained of all serial numbers used. A list
is circulated so all clubs can identify where carnets are allocated worldwide.
AIT are also aware of the trade in counterfeit documents which was first
noted with the availability of illegal International Driving Permits promoted
on a number of websites.
Hope this is of help. Regards, Paul Gowen"
Regarding Enfields and riding one home (wherever that may be) from India - just go to Nepal, it is perfectly
legal to buy a bike and get a carnet for a Nepalese Enfield. They are somewhat more expensive in Nepal, but at least
it's legally possible.
Central and South America
The carnet is NOT required anywhere in North, Central and South America including in Ecuador. Ecuador used
to require it, and you may still be asked. If you have any problems, quote Articles 82/83, Decree 158/2082 in their law
books - which they should have - and inform them the new law came into place September 21, 2004.
Details here.
Notes on South America:
If you fly into Quito Ecuador, you may find there are delays and hassles. Until recently a carnet was
required to bring a vehicle into Ecuador, the only country in the Americas to do so. In 2004 there was a protest led
by Ricardo, and supported by many local people in Ecuador and a petition here on
HU, which was finally successful in changing the law. They are still getting sorted as of this writing, (early 2005) so there
may
be some hassles. If so, contact Ricardo Rocco, (contact him in advance
via the Quito Community) and he'll help sort it out.
Basically it takes patience, smiles, and sometimes a little extra in the way of fees, although that too is improving
- slowly.
More on sea freight into Ecuador.
If you have a carnet you can use it at most borders, and it is probably
cheaper and quicker if you do, but definitely not worth getting one just for North OR Central and South America.
Notes on Central America
Usually the bike's details are stamped into your passport - you cannot leave the country without the bike. Be VERY careful
- the permit for the bike CAN BE shorter than your own visa. Travellers have overstayed the bikes permit and paid up
to US$3500 in fines to get the bike released. Always ask for the maximum allowed, no matter how quickly you plan on
staying, things can go wrong - or right, and you want to stay longer!
USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe
USA, Canada, Mexico and European countries do not require duty, Customs
bond or Carnet to import personally-owned 'tourist' vehicles as long as
they are re-exported within liberal timeframes, usually 6-12 months. Most
other countries still require a Carnet, or an alternative on-site border
crossing or port-of-entry duty/tax payment, even for short stay or transit
imports. Although a Carnet eases Customs clearance in countries that require
or recognize it, the Carnet system itself is not without costs.
When bringing a bike in to any of these countries - and for that matter ANY country - it is important to be
clear from the start that "I'm just travelling through to X, and looking forward to seeing your country" with a big smile. Period.
NO questions about for instance;
"What if I want to sell my bike here, what would be the procedure?"
Or
"I
want to park my bike here for a year while I go home and work for a while, then come back, what do I need to do?"
Fatal -
keep your mouth shut! Ask questions like that later, once you're in, or preferably beforehand, here on HU or ask
one of the local Communities.
In North America specifically, the only organization authorized to issue
personal tourist vehicle Carnets for Canadian, Mexican, and US-registered
bikes, is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). As of 2000, the CAA
charges a non-refundable CD$350 for the Carnet itself, an additional CD$150
(unused balance refundable) for costs, and a minimum CD$5,000 bond on
any USA vehicle (Canadian bikes=CD$2500) by bank letter of credit, VISA/MC,
certified cheque or money order. The CD$5,000 is refunded when the Carnet
document is returned to CAA, 'discharged' by Customs to show that the
bike has been returned home. You get the bond money back, but without
interest. There is also a lengthy application procedure and document.
In recent years, fewer than a dozen North American bikes annually have
used personal tourist vehicle Carnets, in part because the procedure is
itself costly and time consuming. A Carnet usually makes sense [only]
if you are taking the bike on a lengthy trip that includes a number of
different countries.
For bikes taken specifically only to Australia or New Zealand, 'tourist'
vehicle entry procedures are relatively straightforward and not time consuming;
it is usually easier and less costly to apply directly for Australian
or New Zealand Customs clearance, and pay their vehicle import and sales
taxes (OZ = 26.4%; NZ = 12.5%, refundable when the bike is re-exported/shipped
home), rather than apply for a Carnet from the CAA.
Australia Temporary Import
There is a current thread which Susan has responded to concerning importation
into Australia. A carnet is the easier option for persons wishing
to TEMPORARILY import a bike into Australia. This allows entry for 12 months & it is
possible to get further extensions with the assistance of the Australian
Customs Service (ACS) & the local Australian state club depending on
the visitors' visa status, etc. The carnet issuing club has to
give authorisation for an extension that a continuing security is in place
to cover potential
claim.
The ACS issued a reminder last year that vehicles "having entered Australia
under cover of carnet cannot then be permanently imported" - the
first stage being a Vehicle Import Approval (permanent importation
authorisation).
It is important to stress here that under worldwide temporary importation
regulations - a vehicle cannot be left sold, abandoned, loaned,
hired or otherwise disposed of in a country without the prior agreement
of the customs
authorities.
Australia has been tightening their vehicle import procedures for some
time. Basically, either you have a carnet de passage or you obtain approval
to import the vehicle in advance, which may take up to a month and is
not guaranteed. If you show up without either a carnet or a Vehicle Import
Approval, the vehicle may be denied entry and you may be subject to fines.
See below for the official language from their
site:
"Concessions for tourists and temporary residents
As a tourist or temporary resident, you may bring a motor vehicle
or a motorcycle and attached trailer or a caravan to Australia for a
period of up to 12 months (or longer under certain circumstances) without
paying duty on them, provided they are subsequently exported from Australia.
For this concession to apply, you will need one of the following:
a Carnet De Passages en Douanes issued by an overseas organisation
which has a reciprocal arrangement with the Australian Automobile Association,
or
a cash or bank security, equal to the amount of duty and GST and,
where applicable, LCT otherwise payable.
If your vehicle is stolen, damaged or destroyed whilst you are in Australia
you should notify Customs as soon as possible at your original port of
arrival.
All fittings and accessories imported with your motor vehicle, motorcycle,
trailer or caravan must also be exported with that same vehicle."
If you DO NOT have a Carnet de Passage, you must have approval
in advance to import the vehicle. This Vehicle Import Approval is obtained
from the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS). From
their
site:
"In accordance with the provisions of certain international conventions
on road traffic, Australia recognises the temporary import of vehicles
for a period of less than 12 months by visiting foreign nationals of
signatory countries who hold a visitor's visa. In this category vehicles
may be allowed entry in one of two ways:
(a) By presenting a valid Carnet de Passage en Duane at port
of entry to Australia, in which case no Vehicle Import Approval is
required.
(b) By submitting an application to import a vehicle accompanied by
a copy of current overseas registration document valid for the period
of the visit and passport pages showing nationality, personal details
and valid Australian visitor's visa.
Please note that if you import your vehicle by either of the above
methods, then the vehicle MUST be exported from Australia. Under no circumstances
will an Import Approval be issued to allow the vehicle to remain in Australia.
An Import Approval must be obtained for a vehicle to gain clearance
at its point of entry to Australia. Vehicles that arrive in Australia
without an approval will have to be re-exported or destroyed and the
importer may face a fine of up to 120 penalty points. 1 penalty point
equals A$ 110 (as at 22/ 1/ 02).
Do not ship your vehicle to Australia until such time as you are issued
with an Import Approval. If you do ship your vehicle before receiving
an approval and your vehicle arrives before the application is processed,
an approval cannot be issued."
Our interpretation of all the above is that without the carnet, you
would have to get the vehicle import approval in advance, AND put up a
deposit on entry to cover duty and GST in the amount of 26.4% of the value
of the vehicle. If anyone has had any recent experience with this process,
please let us know.
For further details, see:
The Australia
Customs Services site.
Details on obtaining 'Vehicle Import Approval' from Department of Transport and Regional Services,
Vehicle Safety Standards, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601, tel +61/2 6274 7444, fax +61/2 6274 6013,
. Information and application forms are available on their Website.
New Zealand Temporary Import
Details on importing your bike temporarily into New Zealand are available
from the NZ Automobile Assoc, International Motoring Services, 419 Great
South Rd, Auckland NZ, +64/9 579 6886, fax +64/9 579 7473,
; from the NZ Customs Service,
, Website.
You will be required to register the bike in NZ and, while not required ot obtain insurance,
it's VERY recommended, and a safety inspection will be required.
Nigel Marx, NZ Community, says: "Many travelers have not even been
required to register, some have to buy a partial registration with Accident Compensation Corporation levy (saving
NZ$160) and some full registration, but that seems to vary with the person you are dealing with. Also sometimes
a WOF (Warrant Of Fitness safety inspection) is required, and sometimes not."
Further details on temporary registration can be obtained from the NZ Land Transport Safety Authority,
, Website.
France
From Jenny Kelso & Peter Hendricks:
"Arya Panya (ph. 0140554300) is the man who looks after carnets in
Paris. He seems much more knowledgeable than our local office
here in Nice.
Cost: €114 for club membership, €150 for carnet + deposit of 150%
of Argus (semi-official valuation) per vehicle.
To get back the deposit you must supply the customs import
certificate from France or another country. It is not enough to
send back the carnet." |
INTRO to site 
Your Information
budget
), contact 
"The
good news is that basic third party liability green card insurance for
foreign registered motorcycles (called Grenzversicherung) is available
through ADAC for 22 Euros a month. The bad news is that it is not available
by post or email. You must show up in person or assign someone to go to
an ADAC office with your original registration paperwork to apply and
pay for it. This from Jens Messerschmidt at ADAC." 
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