|
31 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
|
|
Getting visas in advance
Seems like a lot of time that could be spent enjoying countries gets spent hanging out in capitals waiting for visas to come through ( or going from one border crossing to another). Angola/DRC visas... for example
Which visas can be got in advance of a trip and what does that mean in terms of dates and fees?
If anyone knows, it would be great to share this info!
Thanks, D
|
2 Sep 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: on the road, Earth
Posts: 92
|
|
Get them on the way
I've gone down the East coast and am now going up the West coast (in Angola now) and I've gotten all the visas on the way. They normally only take a day or so, but the real benefits are:
-No schedule, just because you only have so long for a trip doesn't mean you know how long each country will take, if you get the Visas before hand you have to stagger them and just guess at where you'll be when. No to mention what happens if you have a breakdown.
-It's usually easier and they want less to get a Visa in a neighboring country than at home. When you apply from home many African countries want a letter of invite , etc, etc, but in Africa that can be avoided most times.
-Theft. Your passport may get stolen/lost- that is a huge hassle. Now think of the hassle if you happen to have $500USD worth of visas in it? Think they'll reissue them for free? This also applies to change of plans (have to cut the trip short or delay it- there goes all that visa money).
I've also talked to people who have come down the west and they generally agree that getting the visas on the way is best. Check the site for the best cities to get what and I think you'll be okay.
|
2 Sep 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 16
|
|
Sounds very sensible! Thanks DRad. So you even got the fabled Angola visa or is it the 5 day transit pass?
|
3 Sep 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: on the road, Earth
Posts: 92
|
|
I lucked out and have a full 30 day tourist visa. But, maybe it wasn't all luck...
I got it in Cape Town (though they all get processed through Luanda) and it was a pain in the ass. They really make you jump through hoops and the 5-7day processing time is wildly optimistic. If you really have yourself in gear and get things done Bam-Bam book on two weeks from arrival in CT to leaving with your visa. It's not just getting the visa that takes time, it's getting the translations, the letter of invite, etc. Some of it you can start ahead of time. Actually, I'll make a post right now on the translator and the lady to go for for a letter of invite.
|
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
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.
|
|
|