Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Squamish BC
Posts: 2
Cuba

Leaving Oct 1 for rtw trip. Would like to enter Cuba with my 2009 Honda Varadero (go figure). Has anyone else been to Cuba on their own bike ? What are entry rules ? Is a carnet required ? Length of visa ? etc. Going to send off an email to Cuban consulate in Toronto but was also hoping for some insider info from real travellers. Hoping to spend Christmas 2012 in Cuba. Thanks to all - Al
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
(You really should do a search on HUBB...and there's not much):

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...in-april-61273
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-to-cuba-59939

You might also be interested in:
Amazon.com: Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba (Adventure Press) (9780792264224): Christopher Baker: Books
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 May 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
The Lonely Planet Thorntree forum has a Cuba branch. They're an argumentative, opinionated bunch (I should talk!), but there are bits of valid information scattered widely plus a bunch of people on the ground in Cuba.

The Stahlratte was planning a Cuba trip this spring. I forget when, and I haven't heard whether it actually came off as planned, but they were going to bring bikes from South America and exit via Mexico. Google is your friend.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 May 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Squamish BC
Posts: 2
Thanks to all who responded to my query. Looks like this venture may die before it gets off the ground. Emails to the three Cuban consulates in Canada have come back as invalid address's. Will try a phone call; if no reply, then I will discard this potion of my trip. Thanks again. - Al
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 133
Hell its not that hard to do. Most special place I've ever road my motorbike, felt like Fidel's son at times. I took my bike to Cuba over 2010/2011 on a German sail boat. I've got my report on ADVrider.com, here's a link to the start, Cuba trip is buried in the middle somewhere: 33 1/3 N C S + Cuba - ADVrider

John getting deep into Venezuela currently.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nw england
Posts: 379
i also would like to visit Cuba with my bike after touring south america . thats if i ever get out of Suriname . If I could it would be a nice way to leave out central america on my way north
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
i'm taking my bike in Feb 2013 for three weeks in Cuba, going on the Stahlratte out of Columbia...real easy, no problems just minimal space on the boat if there's any left contact captain ludwig via his website www.stahlratte.org: Logbuch
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Aug 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
Hi RTWPaul, I've booked a berth with Ludwig for me and my moto on the next Cuba run, he reckons he is sailing from Catageña end of Jan 2013. Got any info on Cuban TIP and insurance? Ride safe.
__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
you get all paperwork dockside when we arrive

Quote:
Originally Posted by maja View Post
Hi RTWPaul, I've booked a berth with Ludwig for me and my moto on the next Cuba run, he reckons he is sailing from Catageña end of Jan 2013. Got any info on Cuban TIP and insurance? Ride safe.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Aug 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 133
Quote:
Originally Posted by rtwpaul View Post
you get all paperwork dockside when we arrive

It's not all dockside, all I got there was a sticker. I had to go into town with the bike to the Aduana's office and then to Cuba's version of the DMV to get my bike inspected and get my new temporary plates, it took me a little over a day, maybe it is getting faster after a few boat loads have gone up but I spent some quality time waiting on the officials at the DMV but not near as long as most locals had been waiting, I had a little help since the nice aduana officials where waiting there with me Fair amount of paper work and tax stamps affixed to all the right places before getting road legal.

I didn't need insurance for my bike but had to pay a temporary import bond which was a small percentage of the bike's value and fees for the tag and inspection and tax stamps, something like 90euro total IIRC with a bike valued ~$4500us I also had to get a ~90euro insurance policy since I don't travel with any.

Was a real nice time riding the island after getting through the importation stuff

John
__________________
www.throttlemeister.net
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 31 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
so i guess what ludwig mean was what you are saying, the officials come to the boat and then the paperwork is dealt with from that point forward...not dealt with there. he did say that it is quite organised now...hopefully not a day riding missed because of waiting...

just got an email from him today and this was his response to my question if everything is running good and any problems getting out of columbia

"hi paul! absolutely no problems with customs in cartagena and no change of
plans..everything runs like it is planned cheers, ludwig"
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
I was some weeks in Cuba, with a rental car - it is beautiful and safe! To stay there for longer, and explore the small villages is amazing (and i`m jealous)!

Most of your questions are answered... But because you on a rtw trip - this overview may help you:



Safe travels!

Surfy
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nw england
Posts: 379
the is not a single country in the americas that a carnet is needed or even asked for
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
Quote:
Originally Posted by kito View Post
the is not a single country in the americas that a carnet is needed or even asked for
thats true, i was never asked at all thru south and central america last year
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfy View Post
I was some weeks in Cuba, with a rental car - it is beautiful and safe! To stay there for longer, and explore the small villages is amazing (and i`m jealous)!

Most of your questions are answered... But because you on a rtw trip - this overview may help you:

Safe travels!

Surfy
good to have it as a reference even though south and central america no carnet is required
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
Want to go to Cuba with your own motorbike? Throttlemeister Route Planning 16 26 Mar 2016 16:29
Cuba in April? dunters Central America and Mexico 0 13 Jan 2012 01:56
Shipping bike to Cuba larrysimpson Trip Transport 7 2 Nov 2011 03:01

 
 

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 02:38.