Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
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 Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Alanymarce

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Sep 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Schengen stamp at Eurotunnel UK to France?

So I'm just doing a bit of pre-trip planning, and have a question based on an experience I had last time (when I rode from UK to Europe and then shipped the bike home and flew home from Switzerland to the US, without ever having stamped into Europe...oops...long story, but fortunately they let me out).

I'd like to do it right this time, since we're planning to enter the Schengen Zone via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone, and exit to the east to Asia. I'm hoping someone with actual experience can tell me for certain: is there a desk at the Folkestone Eurotunnel Passenger check-in that will stamp us into Europe? Or if not, where do I go to get our passports stamped in and start the clock ticking on our allowed stay?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 166
Quote:
Originally Posted by StaleFish View Post
So I'm just doing a bit of pre-trip planning, and have a question based on an experience I had last time (when I rode from UK to Europe and then shipped the bike home and flew home from Switzerland to the US, without ever having stamped into Europe...oops...long story, but fortunately they let me out).

I'd like to do it right this time, since we're planning to enter the Schengen Zone via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone, and exit to the east to Asia. I'm hoping someone with actual experience can tell me for certain: is there a desk at the Folkestone Eurotunnel Passenger check-in that will stamp us into Europe? Or if not, where do I go to get our passports stamped in and start the clock ticking on our allowed stay?

Thanks!
Bit difficult for me to comment as I'm a Brit and so would never get a stamp, but on the Folkestone side there are the border points where you might get a stamp. You have to go through these to get to the passenger terminal.

Same on the Calais side, coming the opposite way. I.E. You do your border checks before you get on the train, and then nothing when you're on the other side.

Ed
__________________
Where Next Barney? Buenos Aires to Lima 2015 | London to Sydney 2015/6 | Armenia, Georgia & the FYR 2022 | Algerian Sahara 2023.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
I'm not sure I understand the question.

"I rode from UK to Europe and then shipped the bike home and flew home from Switzerland to the US, without ever having stamped into Europe"

If I understand correctly, you live in the USA (?) and have a non-Schengen passport (?) and presumably flew into Europe, then rode from the UK to Switzerland, then flew to the USA? So, you would almost certainly have received an entry stamp (into Europe) when you entered the UK. When you left the UK you will (should) have had a passport check - the UK border staff would not have stamped your passport however you should have received a passport stamp entering the next country (France? Belgium?) since you would have been entering the Schengen Zone. Since this didn't happen, for some reason, you ended up with problems leaving Switzerland.

If you are a non-Schengen passport holder you should receive a stamp entering France at the Eurotunnel border office. Unless this has changed (I haven't used Eurotunnel for a while) the French Border Control office is at Folkestone (not Calais). If for some reason this doesn't happen I suggest asked Eurotunnel staff BEFORE leaving Folkestone where the French Border Controls are to make sure you get your passport stamped.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Sep 2020
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 102
Just follow the crowd to border control. I have done it many times and have never had an issue.

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk
__________________
Greg "WANDRR" Turp
2WANDRRs.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Sep 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Thanks All. Yes, for some reason, I rode straight up to the Terminal vehicle entry booth (in the lanes before boarding) at Folkestone last time, and they looked at my ticket (booked online) and let me through, and I never even thought to stop and have my passport stamped to enter France. Now that I know better, I'll be sure to stop at the passenger terminal before boarding the train.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Sep 2020
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,051
Quote:
Originally Posted by StaleFish View Post
So I'm just doing a bit of pre-trip planning, and have a question based on an experience I had last time (when I rode from UK to Europe and then shipped the bike home and flew home from Switzerland to the US, without ever having stamped into Europe...oops...long story, but fortunately they let me out).

I'd like to do it right this time, since we're planning to enter the Schengen Zone via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone, and exit to the east to Asia. I'm hoping someone with actual experience can tell me for certain: is there a desk at the Folkestone Eurotunnel Passenger check-in that will stamp us into Europe? Or if not, where do I go to get our passports stamped in and start the clock ticking on our allowed stay?

Thanks!

Jeez, I always thought UK is part of Europe if I remember my geography lessons But I must admit, that was quite some time ago.... Even after a successful Brexit UK stays part of Europe, although it then isn't part of the EU anymore
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Sep 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi View Post
Jeez, I always thought UK is part of Europe if I remember my geography lessons But I must admit, that was quite some time ago.... Even after a successful Brexit UK stays part of Europe, although it then isn't part of the EU anymore
The UK was never in the schengen region so non-EU passport holders have always needed a stamp for the UK and another for schengen.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Shipping dirt bike from France to USA Thrasherg Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 24 Dec 2019 21:48
Border crossings and bribes West Africa Oneroadoneworld.com Trip Paperwork 0 17 Nov 2017 18:08
France to Kirghizstan - any advice ? Jil Northern and Central Asia 4 17 Mar 2017 16:26
France advice - What is required to ride in France Gogsyboy Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 17 8 Sep 2016 08:12
Reflecting Helmet Stickers are required by visiting motocyclists in France Pongo Europe 53 20 Sep 2013 20:29

 
 

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!

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 09:52.