 171Likes
 |
|
16 Jan 2021
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
|
|
I don't know if any of you have seen this video it dates back to march 2020 so just before the coronavirus travel restrictions.
This is a frenchman who wanted to travel from Algeria to Mauritania.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zd6bI_rxYM
He claims that the customs told him that he can go to Mauritania but without external fuel tanks, which in this case is total nonsense since there isn't any gas station along the way in Mauritania for a very long distance.
They also seized his drone and then asked the french consul to give them more detailed information about this citizen.
Later on the returned the drone.
The frenchman decided to go back to oran and from there to europe.
Therefore, it seems that the border is open, but there are restrictions.
|
16 Jan 2021
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
|
Well spotted. Interesting that he too managed to get across the north from Tunisia without escorts, like Gerbert. Sets a good precedent.
I wouldn't be surprised if the jerrican rule was an arbitrary punishment plucked out of the air on him for having been caught/got away with a drone. Clearly, the 550km (he says 400) from Tindouf to Bir Mogrein is a long way with a dodgy fuel pump...
Normally it's the places you arrive at (in my experience: Tunisia, Italy, RIM, France) with cheap fuel from the previous that get arsey about extra fuel.
Either way, they may have done him a favour. Didn't catch the exact date but, assuming he was coming back up the coast via WS, the RIM border closed on March 16th and he or the car would have been stuck in RIM (or Mk soon after), for the duration.
|
11 Feb 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
|
|
|
Now I felt an urge to go back to Algeria before I die
|
11 Feb 2021
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 5
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Well spotted. Interesting that he too managed to get across the north from Tunisia without escorts, like Gerbert. Sets a good precedent.
|
I hitchhiked across the Tabarka - El Kala border last year and for a month in Algeria without a problem. Friendly border officials. But maybe its different when you bring your own car
|
12 Feb 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
|
Yes, vehicles complicate things, but also depends on nationality.
Easier to get the visa for some than others – and Brits are not high on this list last time I heard/tried.
Plus once you get down to a certain latitude (In Salah, more or less?), guide-escorts become mandatory.
Right now I am told the border are closed, though that will change of course.
|
20 Mar 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: All over the map
Posts: 116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Well spotted. Interesting that he too managed to get across the north from Tunisia without escorts, like Gerbert. Sets a good precedent.
|
He does pickup a police escort – sometime south of Taghit and after his breakdown – but he doesn't indicate where it started.
__________________
» “What do you expect to find there? Well, if I knew, I wouldn’t go there!” — Jacques Cousteau
|
29 Mar 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
|
|
|
I watched the recordings of this French guy on Youtube. He entered at the Taleb Larbi border, and was obliged to arrange an escort by a tourist agency. One of the customs officers helped him and called an agency, that sent a representative within a couple of hours. In the next big town the French guy was set free by his escort. He moved around freely in the north for about three weeks. Visited Cap Carbon, an amazing seaside spot near Bejaia, amongst others. When heading south to Mauritania his escort started near Taghit, like ours.
|
29 Mar 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
|
I wonder how being 'set free' by his agency escort works.
Is there no need, but one was it forced on him for a quick buck?
And if there is a need, how come he was let go?
The escort 'near Taghit' is Abadla, no?
A military one to Tindouf.
To be expected and not quite the same thing.
|
31 Mar 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
|
|
|
When you go with escort from Taleb Larbi, do you need a written contract with an agency? How formal are they at the border?
We were told we actually did need a guide only after we arrived at Illizi (2009).
Chief of police made arrangement with a touareg who somehow disappeared, and we were left to find one ourselves. No written contract.
Always planning the next trip to Algeria. Thinking the Frenchie may have paid tge guide off.
Thinking driving around leisurely can be done in the north without a problem. Perhaps also southward if patient and with time to spare (within visa limits).
|
31 Mar 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
|
|
|
I think this border simply wants you to have a guide, like often happens when you arrive in the port of Alger. I do not know the details, but it's not about money, I think. Just rules that are not always clear or applied evenly
|
31 Mar 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
|
|
|
It is a mystery isn't it, just like Algeria as a whole.
Who is really running the show? What are the rules?
No transparency. Everything opaque.
|
1 Apr 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
|
I think in many of these places officials are scared to use their initiative for fear of being sent to the salines.
And Taleb is near the Tebessa region where what's left of Algeria's jihadists hide out.
The thing is, Brits can't even get the visa without an agency invite (CdH).
On tours that works OK, but not for all independent travellers.
As we are always headed south where the escort rules are sticter, it's not a huge problem.
As I understand it, no escorts needed in the line north of Hassi M, In Salah, Adrar (which is handy for getting to the Tindouf route), but it's all about getting in, and then getting past certain checkpoints.
I have always thought there's a lot more going on in Alg that we never know about or understand. A dance of competing pouvoirs trying to maintain their hegemony. In most similar places it's the army or a dictator running the show.
I am struggling to find or get a reply from agencies in the Taghit - In Salah region (Gourara, Tidikelt). Anyone got any ideas?
|
1 Apr 2021
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 179
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
I think in many of these places officials are scared to use their initiative for fear of being sent to the salines.
And Taleb is near the Tebessa region where what's left of Algeria's jihadists hide out.
The thing is, Brits can't even get the visa without an agency invite (CdH).
On tours that works OK, but not for all independent travellers.
As we are always headed south where the escort rules are sticter, it's not a huge problem.
As I understand it, no escorts needed in the line north of Hassi M, In Salah, Adrar (which is handy for getting to the Tindouf route), but it's all about getting in, and then getting past certain checkpoints.
I have always thought there's a lot more going on in Alg that we never know about or understand. A dance of competing pouvoirs trying to maintain their hegemony. In most similar places it's the army or a dictator running the show.
I am struggling to find or get a reply from agencies in the Taghit - In Salah region (Gourara, Tidikelt). Anyone got any ideas?
|
This is all useful info on this thread, thanks all.
The Letter of Invitation situation sounds similar to parts of Central Asia a while back. In the case of the latter it was unavoidable for some countries, though you didn't need to be booked on a tour.
Is anyone aware of an agency who will provide LOIs/CdH's that are sufficient to get an Algerian visa on a GB passport, but don't require you to be part of a group tour for the duration?
Ed
__________________
Where Next Barney? Buenos Aires to Lima 2015 | London to Sydney 2015/6 | Armenia, Georgia & the FYR 2022 | Algerian Sahara 2023.
|
2 Apr 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
|
I doubt any agency will do that because if you get caught in the wrong area or at an arsey gendarmerie checkpoint, agency gets in trouble (afaiu).
It's not like the old CA or Russian LOI 'scam', more to track you should you get kidnapped (a threat in Alg at one time, and probably still in places).
And it's not about joining a tour group, like say Iran, it's about having an escort like China. Your group can be 1.
Others have tried using hotels for the CdH (even cancelling after confirmation to get a refund). Easier if you fly in, less so at the usual Oran, Algiers or Taleb vehicle entry points.
Hotel booking may be worth a shot at the London embassy as they may have forgotten the tourist rules by now. I was going to try it as a test last year.
• Some need an agency (not hotel) CdH to get the visa.
• All need to get clear of O, A or T without being asked: where is your escort?
Last edited by Chris Scott; 11 Apr 2021 at 16:41.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 12 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 12 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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
