When things go wrong......

[VikingOnTour]

When things go wrong…..

Here’s a little story from the real life:
Entering Namibia 27th of March 2013 in Walvis Bay, to pick up my 4X4 that’s being shipped in.
Filling out the immigration card in the airport, asking for the allowed 90 days in the country.
No visa needed, as I’m on a European passport. Immigration officer stamps my passport and writes something on the stamp.
When he’s handing the passport back, I’m asking how long I can stay. Up to 90 day’s sir, is the answer.
I put the passport in my bag, WITHOUT CHECKING THE STAMP…….
I collect my truck, and spend some time touring around, not leaving Namibia.

The 11th of May I’m back in the airport, to fly back to France. My bag is checked in, and I’m given a boarding pass.
Then the fellow at the airline desk checks my passport, and informs me that I have overstayed my time in the country.
WHAT?? Yes, the immigration officer that stamped my passport, wrote down that I was allowed until the 20th of April (my birthday ???).
Long story, but I got arrested in the airport, taken to a holding cell in Walvis Bay, and spend 3 days there before appearing for the court.
Was fined 1000 NAM dollars, and given 48 hours to leave the country.
Back to the airport and on the plane to Johannesburg the next day.

Goes to show how quickly one’s life can change.
I can recommend to check passport stamps…………………………..
My truck is still in Namibia. I will try and re-enter in August.

Cheers, Ib.