Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Help -Ethiopian Customs Trouble... Help -Ethiopian Customs Trouble...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Help -Ethiopian Customs Trouble...
Hello
Im in Addis, planning to head to Sudan in the next 3 weeks. I got here from Kenya via the E shore of Lake Turkana (a route that i will recommend to anyone, rough, but amazing!!). Trouble is that though there is now an immigration office in Omoratea there is nowhere to sort out Custom for teh bike. For the last 5 days i have been trying to get the necessary paperwork out of the Addis Customs people, its not happy work when you no speak Americ.
Soon i will turn to violence... or at least crying.

My question is: What will happen if i arrive at the Ethiopia / Sudan border without any Import documents? Apparently Ethiop doesnt recognise Carnets, the vacant stares of Customs officers in Addis seem to confirm this.

Thought and condolences appreciated.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
1) Ethiopia certainly did recongnise and use Carnets about 2 years ago.
2) I doubt anything will happen as you are leaving, not entering.
The whole thing about carnets and other documents relating to the vehicle transition is to stop you bringing the vehicle in saying you are going to take it back out and therefore not paying the import costs and then illegally selling it. The fact you are leaving proves you aren't doing this.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 18
Hallo Jim!

I'am sorry I can not help you realy, because it is to long ago I have been to Ethiopia (1993)and I am sure that the rules would have changed. At that time it was no problem to leave the country without any custom papers.
But I have one question. I am planing to go from Ethiopia to Kenia on the same way you came up.
about this way, like petrolsupply, boardercontrols and roadconditions please send me a mail.
Joe

[This message has been edited by Joe Pichler (edited 11 July 2004).]
__________________
www.josef-pichler.at
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Thanks for the info,

About the Lake Turkana route: I took the East shore coming from Maralal to South Horr, there is petrol avail in B..... but expensive and out of a drum. Then to Loyangalosi, there is petrol from Catholoic Mission. From here to Illoret is long hard hot beautiful road with no petrol and little water, took me 2 days of riding. Bush camped illegaly in Park ($15 entrance). There is no Immigrat or customs in Illoret (called Fort Banya on Michelin Map), say hello to police who understand the situation and follow very vague track about 60km to dirt road, you are now well into Ethiopia, turn left to Omoratea (different name on Michelin map) for Immigration, but no customs. Then backtrack to Konsol for first petrol in about 700km. Take plenty of water and food for 2 days.
This route was the highlight of my trip from CT so far, enjoy.
PS Most of these names are spelt incorrectly....
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
when I entered Ethiopia at Moyale last year, I tried to use my carnet, but they don't do that. at that border, at that time, they had a temporary import form. it cost about $1, but I heard along the way of someone having a really bad day trying to haggle.
when I left for Sudan via the border near Gondar, they wanted the bit of paper and a chat. very friendly. they spoke reasonable English so if the guys at Addis airport can't help, go for the border and try your luck. I wouldn't try claiming you lost it in case they check!

while you're there, can you find out what tax they'd want for tyres shipped from Europe? thanks ;-)

[This message has been edited by RichLees (edited 11 July 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jul 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 39
Hello Jim,

can you mail me how it worked once you found out?
I am in a similar situation (bikes standing in Addis for 1 year now and the customs document seems to be valid 30 days only).

Thanks,
Oerg
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
try getting hold of Swiss Steve (www.contrast.cx?) he uses the HUBB and I guess he had to leave his bike there for more than a month when he broke his pelvis. maybe he knows a wrinkle or two about getting a bike out after 30 days.
good luck
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Oerg,
Remind me in a couple of weeks, once i have done this thing.
An option that is open to you is this; ride back to Kenya via Omo and Lake Turkana, you can very easily leave Ethiop without passing Customs as there is no office in Omoratea. There is also no immigration or customs on Kenya side, so just cruise to Nairobi, get visa and enter Ethiop via Moyale getting new papers on entry.

So why dont i do this?? Because its a long way out of my way, but it remains an emergency option.

PS Plan may need pollishing...
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Jul 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
Jim,

I had a similar problem last year, coming from the other direction.
I had crossed the border over Easter, so customs was closed and I wasn't able to get the little $1 piece of paper.
Consequently I went to the main customs office in Addis (not the one at the airport, but the one in town) and received a letter from them stating that I wasnot dodgy and that the bike really was mine. (that's what I was told it said anyway) and it worked as the bloke at the border had no problems with letting me through.

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Thanks Geoff,
I wish it were still that simple. I spent 5 days being sent between the city and airport offices and have nothing to show for it.
I leave tomorrow for Lalibela and then to Sudan, will just hope for the best. Met up with a Japanese RTW'er who has no costoms OR immigration paperwork... should be interesting.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 7
I came through Ethiopia (Moyale - Eritrea - Massawa) 8 years ago with no customs paperwork and had no problems. They didn't seem interested. Worst case scenario is probably a bit of a discussion and a couple of s.

------------------
1985 XT600 Tenere (55W..)
__________________
1985 XT600 Tenere (55W..)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Jul 2004
jim jim is offline
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Cape Town South Africa
Posts: 222
Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated.
I am now in Sudan!
I went to immigration on the Ethiopian side of border (at Gallabat on Sudan side),had my passport stamped and was told to proceed to customs. I got on my bike and rode past customs and into Sudan.
No problem.
__________________
"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 21:23.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top