Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Around Africa in a 4x4 without a Carnet - mid 2016 to mid 2018 Around Africa in a 4x4 without a Carnet - mid 2016 to mid 2018
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
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 Tree37Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Around Africa in a 4x4 without a Carnet - mid 2016 to mid 2018
Hi All,

I'm driving around the perimeter of Africa in my Jeep Wrangler, and I'm going without a Carnet.

I've read a lot of conflicting reports and have struggled to get the real details about which countries a Carnet is 100% mandatory for.

I will update this thread with the details of each country as I pass through, hopefully others will find the information useful.

Morocco - no problem, temp import for 3 months, completely free.
More details here - Overland Morocco Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi all,

Driving into Mauritania without a Carnet is no problem at all.

10 Euro for the Temporary Import Permit, which can be valid for one week, 10 days or one month depending on what you say to the guy who writes it out.

All the details, including insurance, price, gas prices, etc. for Overlanding in Mauritania are here: Overland Mauritania Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi all,

Driving your own vehicle into Senegal without a Carnet is no problem at all.
In all my research I though Senegal would be one of the only countries in Africa where a Carnet is 100% mandatory. Not so at all.
I crossed at Diama. Also note vehicles older than 5 or 8 years CAN be driven through Senegal no problem. That rule only applies to vehicles being permanently imported into Senegal.

2,500CFA for the temp import, which is only valid for 48 hours, then go an renew it in Dakar for free, for two weeks then another 2 weeks if you wish.

(Note: Even if you have a Carnet the same thing must be done after 48 hours)

All the details, including insurance, price, gas prices, etc. for Overlanding in Senegal are here: Overland Senegal Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Last edited by Grecy; 30 Sep 2016 at 11:04.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Sep 2016
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 890
Thumbs up Africa without carnet
Hi Dan,

thank you so much for posting your travels around Africa without a carnet.

Just one little details I would suggest, please mention the border crossings you did ... because even its into or out of the same country it could also be different on another border crossing.

Enjoy your trip
mika
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hey Everyone,

Driving into Gambia without a Carnet is no problem at all.

I believe the Temporary Import Permit is supposed to be free (a friend recently paid nothing) - though after a many hour stand-off I wound up paying 10,000CFA, which I'm pretty sure was not official (no receipt given). Oh well.

I was given 30 days (same as my personal Visa) and I crossed at Farafenni

All the details, including insurance, price, gas prices, etc. for Overlanding in Gambia are here: Overland Gambia Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Oct 2016
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 307
great stuff , keep up the good work ,I am going next year
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Nov 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi All,

Driving into Guinea-Bissau without a Carnet is no problem at all.

The Temp Import for the vehicle cost 2,500CFA for two weeks, it can be extended in the capital of Bissau.

I crossed at Mpak, directly south of Zigunchor in Senegal (where I got the Guinea-Bissau visa)

All the details, including insurance, price, gas prices, etc. for Overlanding in Guinea-Bissau are here:Overland Guinea-Bissau Travel - WikiOverland
One country where gas is cheaper than diesel!

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Nov 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 12
Visa for Ghana
Hi Grecy,

Great and informative tread! We are a few weeks behind you (crossing into Mauretania Sunday). We have no visas yet, but a plan for most of the countries:

Mauretania: At border
Senegal: At border
Gambia: At border
Guinea Bissau: In Ziguinchor, Senegal
Guinea: In Bissau
Ivory coast: In Dakar
Ghana: ????
Togo: In Accra
Benin: In Accra
Nigeria: In Bissau
Cameroon: In Calabar, Nigeria
Gabon: In Lome, Togo
Congo Brazaville: In Lome, Togo
Congo Kingshasa: In Cotonou, Benin
Angola: In Accra, Ghana

As you can see we have no plan for Ghana yet. Do you have a visa for Ghana? Where did you get it (or where are you planning to get it)?

/Jörgen
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Quote:
Originally Posted by Familjenmarken View Post
As you can see we have no plan for Ghana yet. Do you have a visa for Ghana? Where did you get it (or where are you planning to get it)?

/Jörgen
Ghana is very hard to get. Friends just got it in Burkina Faso - took 3 days and some pleading. Write a letter why you need one, and you must have an invite letter OR 2 hotel reservations. Copies of your carnet, insurance, etc. etc. can't hurt either.

-Dan

EDIT: forgot to mention you can get the Ghana visa at the border. Many people have told me this, and friends just confirmed it in November 2016. No prior planning, easy as pie. 140 euro. Must be at the "bigger borders". Little borders know about it and just tell you to go to a bigger one.
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Last edited by Grecy; 14 Dec 2016 at 09:33.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi all,

Driving into Guinea without a Carnet is no problem at all.
It's actually the first border I have been asked for a Carnet.
The guys at the little border were not sure what to do with me, so they sent me to the nearby regional capital (Koundara) where the boss wrote out a Passavant for me no problems.

I paid 50,000 GNF for it (which is around $3USD when using the street exchange rate). It clearly went in the guys pocket, but he was having none of my arguing.

I crossed at Kandika in the extreme North West of the country, coming in from Guinea-Bissau.

All the details, including insurance, price, gas prices, etc. for Overlanding in Guinea are here: Overland Guinea Travel - WikiOverland
Gas and diesel are pegged at the same price, and nice and cheap!!!

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Jan 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Germany
Posts: 82
Thanxalot!

The thread, I was looking for.

Keep us updated and have a nice trip!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi all,

Mali without a Carnet is straightforward and easy.

A Lesser Passe (Temp Import Permit) costs 5,000CFA, and takes about 10 minutes for them to type up for you.
It's valid for one month, and you can extend it for one month free of change in Bamako.

I crossed at the main border from Guinea into Mali - I forget the name right now.

All the details, including insurance, price, gas and diesel prices, etc. for Overlanding in Mali are here: Overland Mali Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Hi all,

Ivory Coast without a Carnet was easy at the border, then got expensive.

A Lesser Passe (Temp Import Permit) was free at a small border (Manankoro) , and takes about 10 minutes for them to write out.
It's valid for one month.

Unfortunately I then was told to go to the main Customs office (in Man) to get a computer version, and wound up paying a bribe there to the official I thought would impound the Jeep of around $50USD.
Then he gave me the computer version of the temp import.

My advice would be don't go to Man to get the computer version - just keep moving with the typed version. Nobody cares or knows the difference anyway..

All the details, including insurance, price, gas and diesel prices, etc. for Overlanding in Ivory Coast are here: Overland Ivory Coast Travel - WikiOverland

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 Mar 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Hi Grecy,

Thank you very much for all the info you share!! We start our trip from Spain to South Africa next month in a Land Rover Defender and we were wondering about getting the CDP or not. But now, we are sure that we will travel without it.

Regards!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 20 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
Quote:
Originally Posted by VerOíryViajar View Post
Hi Grecy,

Thank you very much for all the info you share!! We start our trip from Spain to South Africa next month in a Land Rover Defender and we were wondering about getting the CDP or not. But now, we are sure that we will travel without it.

Regards!
Brilliant!!! Glad you've finally decided!!!

GRECY: The Vignette Touristique is FREE - read on: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ithout-89519-2
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« 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
Renewing a carnet on the road in Africa Boomslang 1962 Trip Paperwork 2 2 Jun 2016 17:29
South/East Africa - April to July 2016 Gwively Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 26 Mar 2016 19:50
Importing vehicle on Carnet into South Africa Duty Free (Returning South African) langebaan sunset Trip Paperwork 6 14 Nov 2013 18:28
Extending a carnet in South Africa nljafrica sub-Saharan Africa 2 21 Nov 2012 18:52

 
 

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 13:38.

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