When should our carnet start?

[becausewecan]

Hi all, firstly thanks for all the info, have been a lurker for months and advice on this site is invaluable.

We are currently trying to fill out our carnet paperwork, heading down the west coast of Africa (yep, decided we would go the carnet route despite mixed messages about needing it). However, we are unsure when we should put the start date on it because it sounds as though you don't need a carnet for many north west countries... So the question is, will Morocco accept a carnet (which sounds easier for us newbies), or do we need to complete the import forms as posted by Tim Cullis?

Hope this makes sense, and look foward to some advice!

Allison and Mark

[Redboots]

If your trip is less than 1 year, start it now. If its not used for a month or 2, what's the odds. You have it when you need it.

John

[becausewecan]

Thanks for the response John. We're looking at going for 12+ months, but in the first year are only getting African countries on the carnet to avoid the extra cost of Asia (being 500% compared to 200% as I understand it). I take it that Morocco will stamp a carnet in then?

Anyone got experience of this?

Allison and Mark

[orrin]

I rode with a guy from england down from Spain to Senegal Nov2007.
He had a BMW 1200GS.
He did not have a Carnet. No problems!
I continued to South Africa with Carnet. Most other west african countries customs had to be shown how to complete the carnet..ie didnt have a clue.
I would say you can get down to at least Angola without a carnet, As far as Nigeria with getting visas at border(Mauritania 3 day transit at border)
Print about 25 copies of a "Fische?" to help from morocco to senegal.
Just send me a PM if you want to chat bout what little I remember( is cheap in africa)
Orrin

[ChrisC]

HI

I would post up a message in the Sahara forum, specifically asking Chris Scott or other expd riders whether or not you need a carnet for the countries you are intending to travel to.

Also try the RAC carnet dept - they should know!?!

[Redboots]

There is another thread about where a carnet is needed.
To my mind, a carnet is needed in ANY country that is signed up to the agreement: see here for a list: Public - Carnet de Passages en Douane

The only debate is whether the personnel on duty when you hit a border are clued up enough to understand what they should or should not be doing.
The exit process/stamping should not be done if the entry was not completed.

Percentage wise, I think Egypt is the highest. Cant remember if its 500 or 800%. Either way, the carnet I got last year, included all countries and specifically Egypt. This was issued in France and cost no more and no less and the bond was the same, no matter what countries it was used in.
My friends on the other hand was issued in the UK by the RAC and specifically excluded Egypt.

All depends on who's on the gate...

John