Carnets req'd for Western Europe?
 

I bet it's been covered before, but I can't find the exact answer to my question; If I shipped a bike from the East coast of the US to Munich, (on lufthansa, which is apparently cheaper than the agents, and pretty straightforward)got the insurance from ADAC in Germany ... do you think I could travel around France, Germany, the UK, and maybe get into Switzerland without a carnet??? Are they still such important things even with all of the EU countries and the land borders being so open? I know Switzerland technically requires a carnet - but it's a hassle, especially coming from the US.

Absolutly no need for a carnet in any part of Europe, Western, Central or Eastern. I've shipped my Canadian moto overseas by air twice now, no problems at all. The ADAC liability insurance covers all the EC countries and Switzerland. I suggest you get the insurance document either before you ship the bike, or before you go to the freight building to pick up the bike - in case the customs people ask to see your liability insurance. Once, I was asked by French customs to show that I had insurance. They weren't interested in looking at the moto - all they asked was for proof of insurance. I showed it, they stamped the papers, and I was riding away from the airport on my motorcycle 2 hours after I landed there as a passenger. Most of the time was spent waiting to claim my baggage at the passenger terminal...

[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 19 December 2003).]

Oh, one other thing - I work in Switzerland and spend most of my time there - there is NO requirement for a carnet that I am aware of. You will need to buy a 'vignette' (expressway tax sticker) if you want to use the controlled access expressways, but that is cheap - USD 25 - and can be purchased in 30 seconds or less from any border entry point that also has customs facilities. It's not required that you buy the vignette, you only need it if you plan to use the expressways. But, considering the low cost of it, it makes sense to get it.

You "should" have a nationality oval on the back of your bike (white oval with the letters USA in it) - you might be able to get one from the AAA in the United States, or perhaps by mail from a US Military PX in Europe.

[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 19 December 2003).]

You will not need a carnet for any countries in western europe, and you will probably not even see customs or checkpoints between EU countries. Get michelin maps and ride on the little curvy green (scenic)highlighted secondary roads, and you will have the best rides of your life...

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Wow guys - great! thanks for the info. Can't wait to give this a try.

Thanks again.