Carnet "needed" to cross senegal with Nissan Patrol 1996
 

Hey guys,

I'm planning a trip the 9th of february by Nissan Patrol from Amsterdam-Sierra Leone (to work there, and use the car).
I understood only for Senegal a carnet is necessary....all though, the stories are very inconclusive, and I was wondering what your experience is?
I only need 72hrs to cross the country (but off course I prefer longer), with a passavant (but my car is older than 8 years...)??

What do you think? To try or not to try......
I think try and alternative is enter Mali (but than I need to arrange my visa first in Nouackhott).

Cheers

You will get through at Diama but it will cost you. We crossed two days ago.
It cost 180 euro for the pasavant but there were four cars waiting. I think if there is only one car it can be 250. Ask the customs if you can speak with Idy.
He seems to be the head of the Diama mafia.
Richard

OK..we have a lot of info on this crossing...Cheapest option is to pay 2500cfa for a 2 day Passavant and go to Dakar and get 30 days for free..
Go to the customs office in the Place de Independence. You will see the AXA building and to the right of it a sign saying Senegal Tours.. Go into the building and walk to the 4th floor..
We were invited to see the "Big Boss" who was bored and lounging on his leather sofa and just wanted a chat..We did the usual "We love Senegal" thing..and it was happy days all round. Any more info needed just ask..Oh..and don't use a fixer at Diama. Just have your 4000cfa ready for the bridge crossing after the Mauri side..first go the Police building on the right and then to the customs office on the left to get your Passavant.
Do not pay anything on the Mauri side!!! I didn't despite aggressive attempts by all 3 offices there..i can guide you through that as well if you want?? You will be asked to pay a vey small Community tax on the Mauri side which maybe right.

And car 10+ years?
 

Thanks guys for the replies! Yeah, well if not necessary I prefer not paying hundreds of euro's, I only need some days to cross the country in our way to Sierra Leone.
@Tonka, thanks! How old was your car?

I confirm what Tonka said. My motorcycle is 14 years old. And btw there's few topics about it here :)

My car is 21 years old..

My friends have just purchased a Laissez Passer for Senegal from the Senegalese consulate in Freetown (they're heading North)... cost them £35 and is valid for one month.

They won't have a carnet but their car is registered in Salone so I have no idea if that makes a difference.

Hi,

Can confirm that the Diama " Mafia " is quite a challenge.
As usual, it will cost you a lot less if you have time on your side.
Like, You can camp at the border if they want 180 € or 200 € .
The Passeavant should not be more than 10 000 CFA for a few days.
The Zebrabar can be of good advise aswell.
Enjoy the drive. ( Once you're done with Diama )
Luc

I'm going in with a motorcycle from 2001 (Honda Varadero). Is Diama now open for visa application at the border, or do they still lack the biometric machines and stuff?
Which border would be easiest to try without a Carnet, do you think? I'm aiming for a Passeavant.

At this moment, all borders are closed between Senegal and Gambia. You will need to follow the local news online to know if you can pass.

Ah, thanks for the info!
Senegal is my primary target, and then to return to Sweden, and Gambia would just be a bonus. So, my concern is actually mainly Senegal!

It sure makes a difference. That car has ECOWAS member state plates and can travel freely around in ECOWAS countries. Cannot be compared to the nonesense you get with an european registred vehicle.

From the BBC news page

"...Travellers are free to cross the border on motorbikes and donkeys and then take mini-buses on the other side to continue their journey."

Senegal truckers tired of taking the long way around The Gambia - BBC News

But it sounds like it'll cost a bit

Crossing the Senegal Gambia border with your own vehicle has a starting price of around 50,000 cfa...per person...and getting your carnet stamped out of Senegal....and that leaves you stuck in Gambia at the mercy of the border mafia. We didn't get beyond that initial price to find out what other fees would materialise. The border is basically in the hands of the Senegalese transport union.

But if you ask anyone before you get there they'll tell you the border is open. Maybe you can get your own motorbike through, but I wouldn't count on it.

Just read online the border reopened two days ago, I will try and let you know how I get on with fees etc in a week or so

Also the passavant TIP was the only thing I paid for on the Senegal side, 2500CFA for two days which was extended to 15 days for free in Dakar. 2500CFA is like 4 euro ish... A lot different from 180 euro mentioned above