Storing a motorcycle in Peru, Chile or Bolivia
 

I'm trying to find if you can store a motorcycle in Peru, Chile or Bolivia for 6 months. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've tried to find out from various sources and the best I've ever come up with is that since none of these countries issue TIPs for more than three months, it might be very difficult to get extensions to allow a six month storage even if you were allowed to leave without the vehicle. I know a couple who did leave a vehicle in Peru as they had to return home due to a family emergency, but Chile and Bolivia seem to prohibit leaving without the vehicle.

BTW I also know two lots of travellers who asked officially whether they could leave their vehicle behind in Argentina and they were refused - but hundreds of others who don't ask have no problems flying out.

From what I have been reading here on the HUBB, Brazil is your best bet for long term storage. I have heard of people leaving bikes in Argentina for a stretch, but I don't have details for you.

I met a Mexican in Bolivia that stored his bike in Peru too long. When confronted at the border trying to leave Peru, he said he would go back to Lima and straighten it all out. That night under moonlight he slipped into Bolivia and by total chance met someone that knew someone that worked at the border. By a miracle he got importation papers for Bolivia. Kids, don't try this at home.

I flew from La Paz, Bolivia to the US, leaving my bike with no issues leaving the country. For what its worth, Bolivia only grants a visa to US citizens with a maximum of 90 days per year. Extensions are not available to US citizens (and perhaps citizens for other countries.)

Later, assuming you fly back into Bolivia, you might have to pay a tourist fee, if it wasn't collected when you crossed the border. It all depends on your citizenship. I use this website for general visa info U.S. Passport & Travel Visa Services: Online Application, Visas Requirements. (not just for US citizens...)

Storage between borders does not have time limitations, where you can find it. Maybe someone knows of a business between the borders of Peru, Chile or Bolivia that stores bikes. If no one squeaks up here on the South American forum, try posting to the selection from the "Contact a Community" page
Contact a Community | Horizons Unlimited

Hi
I have left my bike in Argentina on two occasions and I haven't had any problem as long as the TVIP is still valid. You can get an eight month TVIP.
DerekO

I have left my bike in chile. Took a bus to Argentina and a bus back without problem.

OP wants to leave it for 6 months.

Argentina, normally OK for 8 months (although some border posts may only give you three months so need to check when you receive the TIP)
Uruguay OK for up to 12 months.
Brazil ???? Hasn't been tested yet as far as I can find out. Several hopeful theories but theories is all they are so far.

Thanks to all for the information. Sounds like I have to do a bit more research and checkout local formums.

Ernie

custom agent
 

hi ernie
all you have to do is go and find a custom agent and a secure parking in chile and you can leave your vehicle up to 270 days.
in chile you can get two extensions on you tip.
if you need i can pm you the mail adress of the guy who is doing my paperwork in valpo.
he can also find secure parking.
all the best geri

Extending TIP in Chile
 

HI Geri,

I saw your post regarding extending the TIP in Chile, is this possible? As for the secure parking, i met a nice Chilean guy who said i can store in his garage, is this considered 'secure' or do they mean an official storage company?

If you have the details of where we can extend the TIP, that would be brilliant. Hope you're riding hard and on two wheels.

Thanks in advance,

Neil
neilmcguire76@hotmail.com

I heard you can get your TVIP suspended in Peru - anyone clarify?

Yes we suspended our TIP for 8 months on basis of needing to return home for medical treatment. Mili at QuintaLala did all the work for us. Lot of running around and uncertainty though

From what I understand "custom agent and a secure parking" means "bonded warehouse" This is a facility that can be found is most any country, usually near sea ports and airports.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonded_warehouse

Storing you bike in a bonded warehouse "suspends" the TVIP, but not insurnce coverage. Local details may vary. Do your research.

Hi Ernie,

In Brazil it is (for 1000%) allowed to leave your bike for max. 24 month. If you need help in Brazil you can contact me.

For Bolivia i don't know but you can try to contact Maarten Munnik the dutch owner of Bolivia Motorcycle Adventures. (maarten (at) boliviamotorcycleadventures.com) possible he knows and maybe he can offer you a hand.

Is there an official procedure for this?

I did last month a registration for a sailingyacht that will stay here for 11 month (24 month allowed). As yachts are registered at the port of entry in combination with the captains passport you need to have the documents altered at the Capitania, Receita Federal and the Policia federal to release the passport of the captain.

For motorbikes and Cars there is no registration anymore at the border-entrance into Brasil. I presume you do not need to do anything as the bike or car is not locked onto a passport. But I advice to report it at the Receita Federal and the Policia Federal to have the overstay documented.

I contacted the Receita Federal at the port of Itaqui to inform me about the legal way but he did not know...... which documents should be made!!!! He agreed that in the past the same road as for yachts where to be followed.

As soon as I will receive the official answer I will post it here.