Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
New Regs for Central American Travel

This was all the buzz with the expats in Antigua. It seems that Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El salvador have got together on tourist visas. Starting June 1, 2006, when you enter one of these countries, you get a 90 day visa that is good for a combined 90 days in the four countries. For instance, I just left GT for Honduras. I did not get a fresh 90 days for honduras, I am legal for 90 days minus what I already spent in GT. Guatemala stamped me out in my passport, but Honduras would not stamp me in, even though I asked repeatedly. They said there is no border control between the four countries, GT just stamped me out because I got stamped in from Mexico, a non agreement country. Of course, my Spanish sucks, so this is my fuzzy interpretation of what I was told at the border. So now I am in Honduras with no entry stamp in my passport. We´ll see if it is a problem when I exit to Nicaragua in a few days. I did have to cancel my GT bike permit and get a new one for Honduras. Confused? I am.

Also, if you have a ATM card with a 6 digit PIN, it won´t work in many ATM´s in Guatemala and Honduras, they only accept 4 digit pins. I forget the brand, but the red machines will take 6 digit PIN´s, the blue and yellow ones will not.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
You'll get a full 90 days when you enter Nicaragua.
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Danbury CT USA
Posts: 105
Yes, it was explained to me by the Honduran Migracion official at El Florido (the entrance to Copan Ruinas) that the stamp I got in my passport when entering Guatemala was now good for 90 days throughout Central America. However, one still needs to get a temporary vehicle import permit from customs (aduana) for each country entered, unless your vehicle has a Central American plate.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
This will cut out mucho border time, between oficinos.

The renewing process might not have matured yet when you're there for +90 with a stamp from another country.

Good news, for sure.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan 23
You'll get a full 90 days when you enter Nicaragua.
I entered Nicaragua today, and did not get a new 90 days, the 90 day clock is running starting on the day I entered Guatemala. This is not a problem for me, as I won't be here that long anyway, it is more of an issue for people who are actually living here without permanent rsidence status. I can't say it saved any time, you still have to show your passport, they just don't stamp it. Maybe that will change, but for now it does nothing for me except save a little room in my passport. You still need a new vehicle permit for each country, and that is the hard, and expensive, part anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Stone
Yes, it was explained to me by the Honduran Migracion official at El Florido (the entrance to Copan Ruinas) that the stamp I got in my passport when entering Guatemala was now good for 90 days throughout Central America. However, one still needs to get a temporary vehicle import permit from customs (aduana) for each country entered, unless your vehicle has a Central American plate.
Yep, that's exactly my understanding.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
Sorry Andy, guess we hit different rules - I popped across to Honduras last month to renew my Nica visa and had no problems getting 90 days when I skipped back into Nicaragua.

Give us a shout if you're in Managua and fancy a chat and a
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ketchum, Idaho Tucson, Az
Posts: 80
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyT
You still need a new vehicle permit for each country, and that is the hard, and expensive, part anyway.
1. Vehicle permits for each country you travel through, how "hard" as you say and how "expensive":Mexico,Guatamala,Honduras,Nicaragu a, Panama

Last edited by MAXVERT; 8 Sep 2006 at 02:31.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK
Posts: 67
Question More info needed

When you enter Guatamela you get a vehicle permit, does this mean that if I left for a while to go back to London, my vehicle has to leave Guatamela?

Look forward to your answers

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAXVERT
1. Vehicle permits for each country you travel through, how "hard" as you say and how "expensive":Mexico,Guatamala,Honduras,Nicaragu a, Panama
I posted some info on my border crossing adventures in my HU blog in my sig. All borders so far (currently in Costa Rica) were easy with the exception of Honduras/Nicaragua, and that wasn't hard, just difficult to do alone and keep an eye on the bike.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_r
When you enter Guatamela you get a vehicle permit, does this mean that if I left for a while to go back to London, my vehicle has to leave Guatamela?

Look forward to your answers

Paul
Theoretically yes, would they actually stop you from getting on a plane? Who knows.
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
NO AMERICAN FLAGS! GlobalGS Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 103 9 Feb 2005 02:57
Security in Niger roro North Africa 2 11 Jun 2004 23:47
Travel from India to Turkey around Caspian Sea Story Leavesley Route Planning 9 16 Oct 2003 04:21
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Travel Warning Ceasar Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 17 Sep 2001 23:32

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 17:46.