Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By NickterHorst

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
Possibility of bringing back my Ghana-registered motorcycle overland to Europe

After my work in West-Africa is finished I am hoping to drive back my Ghana-registered motorcycle to the Netherlands. However I am unfamiliar with the official-processes that are bound to intervene with my travel. As such i believe that reaching Morocco will not give me trouble due to the ECOWAS- and African-agreements. However what will I have to do to allow my bike on the boat from Morocco to Spain? What will it all cost me? Will I be allowed to drive in Europe with my Ghanaian License-plate? And, upon reaching the Netherlands I have the option to "officially import" the bike and register it there as well, but my feeling is heading to storing the bike and just keeping it. Any help/information is highly appreciated.

Nick
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
Hi Nick,

As far as I know, ECOWAS is valid until Mauritania (please correct me if I made mistake), and there you're buying border insurance at the border until you reach Morocco.
For getting off the ferry in Europe you will need border insurance policy/third party liability, that we can sort out for you in advance (sending by mail to Morocco for example to chosen place where you plan to stay).

By using our border insurance policy you will be able to freely and insured travel all the way back to your home in Netherlands.

Using your licence plates from Ghana is totally fine.

Do not know the details of bike importation to Netherlands, but you have to check it by yourself is it worth it?

Let me know if you need any more info from us.

Safe journey back home

Cheers
Dooby
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Mar 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
hi Dooby,

Thank you. It would be great if you could contact me on my E-mailaddress, so that we can further discuss these options: Nicktdterhorst@hotmail.com

Kind regards,
Nick
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Mar 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
EU citizens are not allowed to drive non EU registered vehicles within the EU.
Doing so will get you prosecuted for tax evasion.

Upon entering the EU, probably Spain in this case, the vehicle has to be imported permanently.
Due are Customs duty, VAT and road tax.Spain is greedy here.

Now, if your vehicle meets the requirements of 'household goods' it would be duty and tax free in the Netherlands.

To prevent the Spaniards from relieving you from your moneys you need to find a freight company that is willing to issue you a 'T1' customs form.

This needs to happen BEFORE you get even close to customs.
Should cost around €40.

That form is your get home free pass.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Mar 2017
IJ IJ is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Cotswolds, UK
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bell driver View Post
EU citizens are not allowed to drive non EU registered vehicles within the EU.
Doing so will get you prosecuted for tax evasion.



That form is your get home free pass.
Not sure that is 100% true. If you have been resident and working in Ghana you should be able to ride the bike back into the EU. The prohibition in entering the EU on/in a non-EU vehicle only applies to residents of the EU. Once in the Netherlands you will then need to re-register the bike.

That was my experience riding back from Turkey in 2008. Greek Customs checked that I had been resident outside of the EU but I was then able to ride accross Europe back to the UK.

I guess it helped that I had a Turkish CdP, Turkish residence Permit and Turkish registration documents that supported my case.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
africa overland, europe, foreign registered, ghana, import


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15
Foriegn registered 4x4s in Africa and Europe. Bundubasher Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 5 Jan 2012 17:35
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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!

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 17:52.