Carnet update for Senegal
 

Hi folks,

We are on a 12 month trip from UK to Cape Town and heading down the western route in 4x4. We started in Moroc in September and transited Mauritania no problems at all (BTW they ask for Carnet at the border and you have to get the visa in Rabat).

We crossed from Mauritania to Senegal via Rosso (an interesting experience, last ferry of the day affair, enforced by a closed, flooded road to the Diama crossing) and had the pleasure of dealing with the customs people there.

Here is the latest on the Senegal carnet (all of this was validated by Martin at the Zebrabar who went to Dakar to meet customs and discuss the latest changes).......

In June 2010 (ish) they changed the law re. importing of vehicles. It turns out that some high up official has set up a business importing new cars from China and hence rules have changed for temp. imports.

As far as we were "told" you MUST get your carnet stamp in Dakar port terminal. You are given a 2 day Passivant to get there from point of entry border which makes it a bit of a mission .....Once you get the stamp you are free to roam.

Here is what we did....... we got ours stamped at Rosso! The one thing we actually "got from them". There was some protests and we had to accept the rule on the 2 day passivant (small charge for it) but we insisted and got the stamp and left quickly. This meant we did not have to go to Dakar (a real pain of a drive / nightmare traffic).

Senegal police checks are frequent from Rosso to St Louis and Carnet was asked for - clearly there is confusion (normal African status quo) and so having all paperwork in order was key to avoid fines.

Bottom line - you need a Carnet for Senegal - take advantage of current confusion and INSIST on the stamp.

HTH

Nick

Escorts not needed.....
 

Folks

Forgot to mention that we had heard about the need for escorts in Senegal, esp. if you were going to Gambia. During our processing into the country this was never discussed at all and we were never asked about it.

Things may vary if you come in from South but we cant comment on that.

HTH

Nick

So, if you, like us, arrive in Dakar port, and get the stamp in the carnet, you don't have to pay for a passavent?(or a laissez-passer, what's the difference?)
Because that was the situation until now, they would'nt accept the carnet, and you had to pay for a passavent also.

Titbird

We were charged for the 48 hour Passivant paperwork but ALSO got the stamp in the carnet at the border (lucky) at the same time - it took some persistent requesting, smiles, hand shakes etc....in the end I think we got it because we were so persistent. However, if you get it, it means the need to drive to Dakar to get the stamp in the Carnet at the port becomes a non-starter. Just hide the passivant when asked and show the Carnet if requested.

Titbird - I guess (and if I understand you correctly) you arrive in the port (by ferry with your car / bike) you should be able to get the stamp there and then, no need to Passivant. and then leave port with a stamped Carnet - sorted!!!

The fact that we still had to pay for the Passivant as we arrived at a land border (which is not a great deal of money and you cant avoid it) is worth it as the drive to Dakar and driving in Dakar is a nightmare. Plus there is stuff to see in and around St Louis and you will want to chill in the Zebrabar for sure after Rosso! We have heard of a recent story where some folk took a taxi to Dakar to get the stamp and taxi back to the border to pick up the car before they would be let in!!!

I guess we had a stroke of luck at Rosso.....(not many people can say that) but we were pretty much the first 4x4 overlanders through this season since the change, so maybe the idiots running the customs were having a lazy day. Hard to judge but in Africa stamped paperwork counts for everything..... be firm and try and get it and just accept the cost of the Passivant.

HTH

Nick

Today I passed the border at Diama and now I have 24 hours to go to the Port of Dakar to get the stamp for my Carnet. I'm driving a motorcycle.

Greatings from Saint-Louis