leaving on my trip through eastern Europe and then on down through Africa.
have just found a £2300 difference between including syria and jordan on my carnet and not. If the hassels are not too great for getting the bike through these two countries then I would rather not have those extra funmd tied up. Please respond shortly as i have only a little time to make that decision.
keep those wheels rolling

I assume by you including Syria and Jordan on your route, that you will be entering Africa via Aqaba into either: (multiple choice, now)
a)Egypt
b)Port Sudan
c)Djibouti, via Red Sea/Jeddah
d)Mombasa

Could you not go via The Balkans to Turkey, then ship to Alexandria, and ride down into Sudan? (I hear Egypt is a hassle...) Or get to Cyprus and ship the bike to Israel, riding into Egypt via Sinai (I'm not sure if Egypt lets in people with Israeli stamps). From Haifa, you could ship to Port Sudan, Djibouti, or Mombasa, all avoiding the expenses of Syria and Jordan. I think there are lots of options, it depends on your availability of funds. I reckon that no matter what and where you go, you'll have to offset the costs with shipping expenses, customs, etc., As this site has so clearly illustrated, Egypt may want to be avoided. But travelling via Jordan/Syria, I assume you will be in Egypt? Also, what kind of a bike are you riding that these two countries add that much cost? B M W . . .

In regards to Sudan, you do not need a Carnet, but a "Letter of Credit" or Bank Guarantee of "x" amount of funds is needed, approxiamately $1000 (Canadian). ITs not real cash, but it guarentees that you have it, tying up money.

Donald.

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Travel Africa Overland...
scenicplanet.com offers route planning information, GPS points, shipping contacts and a "lovely array of travelogues". Well, one right now.

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I still wish to traverse Syria and Jordan but without a carnet. Has anybody got any info on cost or if this is possible. As if I exclude them from my carnet the amount lodged is cheaper.

I hope my question is clearer. Thanks for the info so far

Hi,

Contact Chris Bright at chrisbright@bigfoot.com, he was there recently, but he had a carnet. He may be able to tell you if there is any hope without.

I THINK you will find that for most of the middle east a carnet is required, and generally it really is!

Some areas such as South America say they require it, but in reality it is not necessary for South or Central or North America.

East Africa it is required.

Good luck, let us know how you go!

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com