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Jumping Queue at Border Crossings Jumping Queue at Border Crossings
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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 2 Apr 2007
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Jumping Queue at Border Crossings
In July I will travel, in order, through Germany, Czech Rep, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and back to Germany. So, here's the question: I've been told at may border crossings I don't need to queue up or wait in line with the cars. Is this true? At which borders can I ride to the front? Once up front, do I need to get back in line..or just park??? How does this work?? Thanks, Jon
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Old 2 Apr 2007
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Personally I would wait in queue as not to annoy any anti-bike brigade that might be in it.If beckoned forward by an official I would go for it.
I can't speak for the baltic states but the other countries you mention have minimal fuss nowdays.I'm sure they are only still there to keep jobs.
July may be a busy month for caravaners etc but I doubt if you will have to wait long at any border.It will depend on which border crossing you choose.
I usually go for the smallest one on the map.

Have fun !
Last edited by sigoodacre; 2 Apr 2007 at 21:14.
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Old 3 Apr 2007
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Thanks Sigoodacre. Seems like good advice. I hope you're right about those minimal waits!!
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  #4  
Old 3 May 2007
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Hi,

I always waited in line in Eastern Europe. Afraid if I pushed in it might piss people off, including the border guards! They don't carry rubber gloves for nothing!
Having said that I was waved to the front a couple of times (I assume out of freindliness rather than any rule), although wether that was because I was from Western Europe or on a bike I don't know.

Matt
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  #5  
Old 13 May 2007
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I have never waited in a queue at a border with all the cars and lorries, if I did I'd still be waiting to get into Greece from Bulgaria and that was 1997. If someone at the border wants you to stop they'll make it clear but they see it as normal to ride to the front.
I park out of the way so as not to block other vehicles, always remove my helmet and then get on with the paperwork. In Africa & the middle east I would leave my partner looking after the bike and take her passport & mine to the control office. From Jordan to South Africa the only place they actually wanted to see her was Botswana.
When its really hot do you really want to sit in a queue breathing tons of exhaust fumes. Just ride to the front. I have done this without problem in the Baltic states, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia
Chris
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