Hi,

My wife (65) and myself (69) are not bikers, nevertheless, we are contemplating a trip from France to China and back (South Road and North Road), probably in a Land Cruiser (we had a Defender for 5 years in Africa, but we are getting older and want some more comfort.

For Africa, we used to travel for 2 to 4 months, then came back home for 2 to 6 months, etc..

Everything with a Carnet, leaving the rig in countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, etc.. was never a problem.

We would like to do the same in Asia, i.e. split the trip in 6 parts.

It does not seem to be so easy in Asia, so we need the following informations:

- What is the duration (and the price) of the TIP's in the various countries (provided they give one, otherwise what are the temporary import formalities for cars ?)?

- Is it possible to leave the car for some time (let's say a maximum of six months) in the respective countries (for example in a trustworthy hotel or garage, or in a custom storage at airports??

Thanks a lot in advance for the information.

Cheers.

Eric

Eric, what do you mean by south and north route? Just list all the countries.
Because south route to me seems like Iran, Pakistan and India, which definitely need a Carnet du Passage. North route sounds like countries that can all be done with TIP.
For you, splitting it in 6 parts, maybe a Carnet is easier than TIPs.
Most TIPs don't last that long. But if you search TIP + country, or the topics where can I park my bike/car, then you should already get some info.

Hello,

I am sorry for the late reply, I had not got information about yours.

I think, if it is possible, to travel throug the following countries:

- Balkan to Istambul.
- Eastern Turkey, maybe Georgia.
- Iran.
- Kazakhstan
- Russia (Irkutsk).
- Mongolia.
- China(Beijing).
- Russia (Vladivostok, then more or less following the path of the Transsib back to Europe.

I have had lots of CPD's in Africa (11 trips for 24 months within 5 years,
AFAIK only Iran needs a CPD, you can leave your car there for six months.

Georgia isnot clear to me, some sayyou can store your car for a long time (6 monhts), some say the contrart.

For the Russian Custom Union 1 year.

Mongolia six months

Is this correct ?

If yes, I could leave the car after a first leg in Iran or in Georgia, then second leg to Russia (Irkutsk).

I think it may be difficult to leave the car in Mongolia, due to the climate (I was already there): you can travel this country only in a short summer, so that one leg would be Irkutsk / Mongolia / Bejing / Vladivostok, then back to Europe in three legs..

What do you think about it ?

Are other countries than Iran accepting CPD ?If yess for how long ?

Currently, I drive i.A. a 110 Defender with 300.000 km on the clock (whereof 100.000 on Africa's dirt), no breakdowns, no problems.

I like the car, even if it is uncomfortable and has virtually no heating, it is very easy to repair (always the same things: bearings, seals, bushes...). Nevertheless I as myself whether it is the right car for this ride. Land Rover does not seem to be very present in this part of the word, so that i might switch to Toyota (Prado). What do you think?

No roof top tent, looking for cheap accoms on the way (those for locls), did it successfully in Africa, and just in case a safari dome tent (large) and basic camping equipment ont the back.

No additionnal fuel tanks, only jerries on the roof rack for the few legs where you need it. Two jerries of water in the back, the usual staff..

Cheers.

Eric

Hi Eric

I have a Toyota Surf which is based on the chassis of a Toyota Prado. It's a good car for Asia as there are plenty of spares available (it's a very common car in eastern Russia for example). You don't need extra tanks or any other expedition stuff.

The only country on your route which accepts the carnet for passenger vehicles is Iran, but it is not mandatory there.

For Russia (and Kazakhstan), you can have up to 1 year TIP, but only as long as your visa is valid. So if you have a 30 day tourist visa you will not necessarily be given a year. No problem to fly out without your car (I did this last October).

I am not sure about Turkey or Georgia; I have heard people leaving cars in both countries but I have not done it myself.

I think for Mongolia it is not likely to be possible as they are quite strict with foreigners bringing cars in thanks to all the 'adventurers' on the Mongol Rally 'donating' broken, crappy 2WD cars to charity.

In China you cannot bring in your own car without an escorted tour, so I would forget about leaving the car there.

Good luck

EO

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EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.

Hi Eric, entering China from Stans, then head east, exit to Mongolia on your way back would be an option.

Eurasiaoverland
how can I get into Iran whit my motorcycle without a carnet?

A number of travellers have got temporary import permits at the border. You can try it yourself, like these guys or employ the services of a local guy to do it for you (who I am not necessarily recommending, just giving you the link as an option), see here..

Typically, the price for the TIP is similar to the paperwork fee of getting a carnet, but there is no need for a deposit or bank guarantee etc, so you have no financial liability.

I would recommend however that you come to Iran with a carnet, as it will be much easier at the border. But if you cannot get one for whatever reason, it doesn't mean that you can't come to Iran with your vehicle.

Good luck

EO

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EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.

Thanks a lot.

Since first replying to the original post, I have heard of a traveller who left their vehicle in Iran and flew out with no issues, so waiting to see the outcome when he returns and drives out of the country.

Regards Turkey, I have found people who have left the country without their vehicle. It requires a form to be filled out and stamped by (any) customs, and this is technically checked on departure (though it seems in practice that it isn't). The form gives the location of the vehicle etc. I am however not very clear on how long a vehicle can be kept in the country. My guess would be 90 days, but in 2015 I was given 5 months (without asking) at the Kapikule border.

EO

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EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.