Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Apostille for West Africa Apostille for West Africa
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree15Likes
  • 1 Post By Wanted
  • 5 Post By schenkel
  • 3 Post By CREER
  • 3 Post By markharf
  • 2 Post By markharf
  • 1 Post By Wanted

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denmark
Posts: 17
Apostille for West Africa
I am going to travel in West Africa on a motorcycle with a Company name on the registration paper. I have done this before in Russia and with a Apostille there was no problems at border crossings.
But most of the West Africa countries have not signed the Apostille convention, and I am therefore a bit uncertain if this document will be accepted at the borders? I will have a Carnet as well with my name on, so maybe that will be enough?

Anyone any ideas?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Dude the truth is they have no idea whats going on.
I've been using insurance valid only in Senegal the whole way down the West Coast, I hand it to them and they look over it for 30 seconds pretending they know what they're looking at, then give it back.

If I was you I'd do it. Just act confident, make all your stuff look official, and talk as if you're certain you're right. They have no idea what the rules are.

That's my opinion anyway lol
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 19:02.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2016
schenkel's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colchester, UK & Sudan
Posts: 161
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wanted View Post
Dude the truth is they have no idea whats going on.
I've been using insurance valid only in Senegal the whole way down the West Coast, I hand it to them and they look over it for 30 seconds pretending they know what they're looking at, then give it back.

If I was you I'd do it. Just act confident, make all your stuff look official, and talk as if you're certain you're right. They have no idea what the rules are.

That's my opinion anyway lol
They are not educated like us in Europe but that doesn't mean to break their laws.


I think it is laughable, but sad that you break the rules of other countries that allowed you to ride on their roads. It will not be hilarious when you have an accident and kill some Africans.

The moral is don't s**t on my doorstep and I won't s**t on yours.
And that is just my opinion.

I hope you have a good time.
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 19:02.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
Attitudes like this ruin it for others coming behind you.

The majority of West Africans including some police are honest, very friendly and fair ...

If you hit something or someone on the road, I wouldn't like to be in your shoes!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jun 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
Let's review:

This is a thread about the use of apostilles or carnets while traveling in West Africa.

I'm removing one off-topic post, and editing another. Remaining on-topic and civil will insure that posts remain untouched.

Thanks.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 23:36.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
Going back to the OP

I've looked into this as we need to get a vehicle down to Cote d'Ivoire for the NGO. The vehicle would probably be registered in the NGO's name, without a carnet. My only paperwork to back me up is the NGO's paperwork and my passport etc.

Friends from Mauritania & Mali have said this won't be a problem. I know I'll be OK in Cote d'Ivoire with it. My one possible hiccup might be Morocco which I've not checked up on in regards to paperwork, but the insurance (from France) will be in my name.
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 23:36. Reason: Incitement
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jun 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
I'm now removing everything not directly related to the OP's query. As for the rest, please take it someplace more appropriate--like the recent thread addressing Brexit, if that's of interest. Remember that there, too, the rules of civil discourse will apply.

Thanks.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
It might be laughable and sad for breaking their rules, however when I go to buy legitimate ECOWAS insurance and get sold fake insurance through a scam at an official border, who is the one laughing? Not me. After realising they've f!@$ed me when stopped by police in Guinea-Bissau, who also invent another ficticious document and try scam me 100 euro for a document I don't even need, who is the one laughting? It's not me.

The reality is, these people screw it for themselves. That is the only thing laughable and sad here. If they want to shit on tourists, fine, but I'm not going to feel guilty for being shat on.

If you want to get technical, anybody who is traveling Africa without a carnet is apparently "breaking the rules", as the passavants for each country should only be issued to citizens of West Africa, yet the rules are broken in many countries to allow tourists. This was made very clear to me at the border with Ghana. Using an apostille is hardly "breaking a rule". Much like using insurance under the impression it is ECOWAS insurance bought at a damn border crossing.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 09:53
why i travel on Africa twin ? omar mansour Which Bike? 7 23 Apr 2016 02:09
East Africa Motorcycle Purchase and Paperwork Logistics misterfeathers Trip Paperwork 3 20 Apr 2016 11:14
From zero to Zambia: A learner about Africa Riders for Health Ride Tales 0 22 Mar 2013 13:13
Kenya to South Africa: teaming up with another rider to get around import issues. davidsuk sub-Saharan Africa 11 9 Aug 2012 15:26

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 10:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top