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Apostille for West Africa Apostille for West Africa
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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  • 1 Post By Wanted
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  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2016
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Apostille for West Africa
I am going to travel in West Africa on a motorcycle with a Company name on the registration paper. I have done this before in Russia and with a Apostille there was no problems at border crossings.
But most of the West Africa countries have not signed the Apostille convention, and I am therefore a bit uncertain if this document will be accepted at the borders? I will have a Carnet as well with my name on, so maybe that will be enough?

Anyone any ideas?
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  #2  
Old 30 Jun 2016
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Dude the truth is they have no idea whats going on.
I've been using insurance valid only in Senegal the whole way down the West Coast, I hand it to them and they look over it for 30 seconds pretending they know what they're looking at, then give it back.

If I was you I'd do it. Just act confident, make all your stuff look official, and talk as if you're certain you're right. They have no idea what the rules are.

That's my opinion anyway lol
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 20:02.
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  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wanted View Post
Dude the truth is they have no idea whats going on.
I've been using insurance valid only in Senegal the whole way down the West Coast, I hand it to them and they look over it for 30 seconds pretending they know what they're looking at, then give it back.

If I was you I'd do it. Just act confident, make all your stuff look official, and talk as if you're certain you're right. They have no idea what the rules are.

That's my opinion anyway lol
They are not educated like us in Europe but that doesn't mean to break their laws.


I think it is laughable, but sad that you break the rules of other countries that allowed you to ride on their roads. It will not be hilarious when you have an accident and kill some Africans.

The moral is don't s**t on my doorstep and I won't s**t on yours.
And that is just my opinion.

I hope you have a good time.
Last edited by markharf; 30 Jun 2016 at 20:02.
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  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2016
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Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
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Attitudes like this ruin it for others coming behind you.

The majority of West Africans including some police are honest, very friendly and fair ...

If you hit something or someone on the road, I wouldn't like to be in your shoes!
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  #5  
Old 30 Jun 2016
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Let's review:

This is a thread about the use of apostilles or carnets while traveling in West Africa.

I'm removing one off-topic post, and editing another. Remaining on-topic and civil will insure that posts remain untouched.

Thanks.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 1 Jul 2016 at 00:36.
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  #6  
Old 30 Jun 2016
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Going back to the OP

I've looked into this as we need to get a vehicle down to Cote d'Ivoire for the NGO. The vehicle would probably be registered in the NGO's name, without a carnet. My only paperwork to back me up is the NGO's paperwork and my passport etc.

Friends from Mauritania & Mali have said this won't be a problem. I know I'll be OK in Cote d'Ivoire with it. My one possible hiccup might be Morocco which I've not checked up on in regards to paperwork, but the insurance (from France) will be in my name.
Last edited by markharf; 1 Jul 2016 at 00:36. Reason: Incitement
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  #7  
Old 1 Jul 2016
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I'm now removing everything not directly related to the OP's query. As for the rest, please take it someplace more appropriate--like the recent thread addressing Brexit, if that's of interest. Remember that there, too, the rules of civil discourse will apply.

Thanks.

Mark
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  #8  
Old 1 Jul 2016
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It might be laughable and sad for breaking their rules, however when I go to buy legitimate ECOWAS insurance and get sold fake insurance through a scam at an official border, who is the one laughing? Not me. After realising they've f!@$ed me when stopped by police in Guinea-Bissau, who also invent another ficticious document and try scam me 100 euro for a document I don't even need, who is the one laughting? It's not me.

The reality is, these people screw it for themselves. That is the only thing laughable and sad here. If they want to shit on tourists, fine, but I'm not going to feel guilty for being shat on.

If you want to get technical, anybody who is traveling Africa without a carnet is apparently "breaking the rules", as the passavants for each country should only be issued to citizens of West Africa, yet the rules are broken in many countries to allow tourists. This was made very clear to me at the border with Ghana. Using an apostille is hardly "breaking a rule". Much like using insurance under the impression it is ECOWAS insurance bought at a damn border crossing.
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