We're in Namibia, our existing carnet runs out in May and I've been in discussion with the RAC about a new one.

The RAC will only issue the new carnet for the day after the old one runs out - they won't issue it to start a few days beforehand to have an "overlap".

So - I can't exit Namibia into Botswana stamping the old carnet out and stamping the new one in (unless I was to manage to do it at exactly midnight on the day of changeover!).
The only other way I could see was to drive all the way to Zambia while the old carnet is still valid, stamp the old one out of Namibia, enter Zam on a TIP and then activate the new carnet on the next border crossing. I'm not massively keen on this as it is going to involve a 1000-mile detour in a 40mph vehicle.

Talking to the RAC, they suggest that I could remain in Namibia even though the old carnet had expired, drive to a border, cross over and stamp the old carnet out, then "in" on the new carnet on the other side. When asked if the Namibians wouldn't have a problem with that, the answer was "so long as you have the new carnet with you it shouldn't be a problem".

This somehow doesn't seem right to me - maybe I'm being paranoid, but surely you need a "current and stamped" carnet in-hand when in a country?

Can anyone shed any light on this please? I need to book flights for my wife who is coming out to join me and I need to know where to book her flights for!:confused1:


Thanks, Ian

That sounds really inflexible!
I just got new extension to my carnet from ADAC Germany.
My original carnet will run out early June, but I need new carnet to be valid already from mid April. This was not a problem for ADAC.

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Hi Ian,

I don't think anyone will be able to give you a definitive answer here.

For what it's worth I think the RAC are right. A carnet does not cease to have effect when it's expiry date is up (otherwise no-one would worry very much about claims ;-). Plus if you are in possession of a new one then the continuity is clear.

However that doesn't mean that a customs official won't refuse to stamp a document which is out of date. He may think it's the correct approach (a fair enough assumption) or he may just be glad of a reason to inject a little interest into an otherwise boring day.

If it were anywhere other than a SACU country I would be very relaxed about it as the chances are no-one will even look at the date. However, I understand that SACU are responsible for by far the majority of unclosed RAC carnets. In other words if you don't get it stamped out for whatever reason then it may be difficult to get your release notwithstanding other evidence (eg subsequent carnet entries and exits and even the presence of the car back in the UK).

In short you need to make a decision whether you want to risk it or play it safe.

Perhaps ask the RAC if they would consider doing you a letter to show at the border (only if the issue arises - don't bring it up yourself) saying that you have replaced your carnet whilst overseas and could the customs official please ensure that the exit stamp is on the same document as the entry stamp notwithstanding the date on the document. I suggest you draft the letter for them and ask if they will have it put on their headed notepaper and signed. They may say no but it would be worth a try. "Official" letters carry a lot of weight at African borders.

Best of luck.

Thanks Itchyfeet - a very clear reply.

I'm feeling a bit risk-averse on this (a Unimog at 200% might be a deal-breaker!), so I'm thinking about that long haul up to Katima - not my favourite journey by any stretch of the imagination.

It seems the RAC are more stringent than most other organisations these days, I'll see if they'll write a letter for me, but I'm not hopeful.

Ian

This is what I'm thinking of proposing to the RAC, any comments would be welcomed:


To whom it may concern,

Whereas carnet number XYZ expires on XX May 2013, the Royal Automobile Club of the United Kingdom has issued a subsequent carnet number ABC to the holder which ensures continuity by commencing on XX+1 May 2013.

The RAC requests that,

· on exit, the original carnet be stamped whether it be in date or expired, allowing Mr CCC to discharge the responsibilities covered by said carnet,
· that on inspection within Namibia, the new carnet be considered to be a valid continuation of the original carnet due to it’s continuity.

Thanks, Ian

Did you see this:



http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...h-africa-66959

I hadn't spotted that - I thought I'd seen all of Neill's posts about his carnet - that's very interesting - it does mean that I'd have to be in a major town on the day of the swap-over.
I've written to the RAC and spoken to them on the phone, they've promised to let me know what I need to do next week.

Ian