|
|
19 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 140
|
|
West Africa - Where Do I Get Visas On The Road?
I will be travelling down along the West coast of Africa, starting next month. I am planning to take about 4-6 months to get to South Africa, so I will have to get may of the visas on route. As a UK citizen, I believe I do not need a visa for Morocco, Namibia or South Africa. My questions are, therefore, where do I get the rest of the visas along the way?:
Mauritania - I think these are valid for 3 months, so I should still be in time if I get one before I leave the UK
Western Sahara - Is this visa covered under Mauritania?
Mali - "Mali visas are easily obtained in Nouakchott - 2 months double entry"
Niger - ???
Nigeria - ???
Cameroon - ???
Gabon - ???
Congo - ???
DRC - ???
Angola - Only seems to suggest "you can get Angolan Transit visa at the border, but it's only valid for 5 days. "After overstaying the 5 day visa by another 5 days, we simply pleaded ignorance and weren't even fined on departure". Any better suggestions, or do most people get by with this?
Last edited by Chris of Motocross Africa; 19 Aug 2007 at 14:37.
Reason: I like editing
|
19 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: RTW
Posts: 88
|
|
Hallo,
All very simple:
1. Mauritania-Get it in UK, Last resort-Rabat.
2. Westren Sahara is under morrocan control-no visa needed.
3. Mali-get in in Mauritania.
4. Niger, mauritania, or Mali.
5. Nigeria-Mali, or Niger, if you need an invetation letter, contact me, i'm working in Nigeria.
6. Cameroon-in Nigeria, or Mali, Niger.
7. Gabon, in Yaonde-no problem.
8. Congo, DRC, and Angola, all in Libreville, Gabon. Very easy and friebndly embassis.
Allways try to secure visas one counrty ahead, so if you are refueds at one place, you can go on to the next country, and try again without changing you plans.
Good luck,
Adam
|
19 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 140
|
|
Adam,
Excellent info, thanks! I will pm you in a minute for the Nigeria invite letter!
I'd just like to clarify some of the detail which other travellers might find useful too...(see bits in red)
4. Niger, mauritania, or Mali. Assume this is also Nouakchott?
5. Nigeria-Mali, or Niger, if you need an invetation letter, contact me, i'm working in Nigeria. If getting in Mali, is it Niamey, Bamako or either?
6. Cameroon-in Nigeria, or Mali, Niger. Again, if getting in Mali, is it Niamey, Bamako or either?
Cheers,
Chris
|
20 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: RTW
Posts: 88
|
|
Hi Chris!
Let me clarify:
1. Niger and Mali visas: one can get in Nouakchott.
2. Nigerian visa: try to get in Mail (Bamako), I'm not sure that it's possible to get a Nigerian visa in Niger anymore…
3. Cameronian visa: You can get in Bamako, Niamy, or Abuja.
Hope this will help! contact me if you have any other qustions.
Adam
|
20 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 219
|
|
1. Mauritania-Get it in UK, Last resort- Rabat.
A very common mistake, you cannot get a visa in Rabat (since a few years).
Instead you can get a visa in Casablanca or at the Mauritanian border. The visa at the border is recently changed into a 3-days transit-visa after which you have to get a extension.
Keep a watch on Chris Scots's country info pages, the Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree pages and offcourse here on the Hubb for changes and updates.
Which offcourse is also usefull for the other countries you are planning to cross.
BTW It is suposed to be possible to get a visa for Mauritania at every French ambassy around the world when there is no Mauri ambassy. Maybe they don't know it but they are entitled to issue the visa's for some of their ex-colonies (at the moment).
enjoy!
__________________
bart & sophie
Last edited by Sophie-Bart; 20 Aug 2007 at 12:04.
|
20 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 104
|
|
Another visa question
Don't mean to hijack this posting, but I logged on to ask a similar question.
We are doing the Atlantic Route (depart UK 7th October 2007) to Ghana and will a detour into Benin and Togo.
Where would you suggest that we obatin our visas for these two countries?
Thanks
Ian
|
21 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
|
|
Visa
You can get it in Accra, easy as it can be. If you intend to visit other countries like Burkina, Niger, it might be usefull to get a single combined visa for 6 or 8 countries which form a sort of common market (CEDEAO). You can find info on (French) WIKI . You can also get an issurance which covers all of these countries.
Most Embassy will tell you that this Visa does not exist but IT DOES exist! The only embassy that was able to issue this visa to us was the Benin (actually it was the Togo one) embassy in Accra. Cost is slightly more than an individual visa, like Euro 40 i.s.o. 25 or so. (dunno exactly anymore) but it worked like a charm!
cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Last edited by noel di pietro; 25 Sep 2007 at 11:46.
|
21 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 104
|
|
Thanks for that, but I did not make myself clear.
We will pass through Benin & Togo BEFORE we arrive in Ghana, so we really need to get them either at an embassy beforehand (any suggestions ???) or can we get them at the border?
Thanks
Ian
Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro
You can get it in Accra, easy as it can be. If you intend to visit other countries like Burkina, Niger, it might be usefull to get a single combined visa for 6 or 8 countries which form a sort of common market (CEDEAO). You can find info on (French) WIKI . You can also get an issurance which covers all of these countries.
Most Embassy will tell you that this Visa does not exist but IT DOES exist! The only embassy that was able to issue this visa to us was the Benin embassy in Accra. Cost is slightly more than an individual visa, like Euro 40 i.s.o. 25 or so. (dunno exactly anymore) but it worked like a charm!
cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
|
|
6 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Luang Prabang, Laos
Posts: 35
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro
You can get it in Accra, easy as it can be. If you intend to visit other countries like Burkina, Niger, it might be usefull to get a single combined visa for 6 or 8 countries which form a sort of common market (CEDEAO). You can find info on (French) WIKI . You can also get an issurance which covers all of these countries.
Most Embassy will tell you that this Visa does not exist but IT DOES exist! The only embassy that was able to issue this visa to us was the Benin embassy in Accra. Cost is slightly more than an individual visa, like Euro 40 i.s.o. 25 or so. (dunno exactly anymore) but it worked like a charm!
cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
|
Hi Noel - do you know what this document is called or is there a reference number for it as non of the CEDEAO embassies in the UK know of it - I also phoned the Benin Embassy in Ghana who were very helpful but also hadnt heard of it
cheers
Rob
__________________
Rob
Last edited by Rob Reznik; 8 Sep 2007 at 08:17.
|
25 Sep 2007
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Limoux, France
Posts: 352
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro
Most Embassy will tell you that this Visa does not exist but IT DOES exist! The only embassy that was able to issue this visa to us was the Benin embassy in Accra. Cost is slightly more than an individual visa, like Euro 40 i.s.o. 25 or so. (dunno exactly anymore) but it worked like a charm!
|
Having rung the Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo & Burkina Embassies in Paris I'm getting no where fast - no one will issue one from France & I'm looking at going to Marseille to get a CI visa to start the trip.
They all also said that the Visa d'Entente doesn't exist anymore & has been like this for about a year ...
So, Noel, could you shed some light on when you got yours please!?? I'll be going past Accra & will stop to get one for the other countries if you think it's still do-able
Thanks
Kira
|
25 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
|
|
visa
Kira,
Ah that would maybe explain, as what I am refer to was in Dec 2005!! But at that time too, all embassies except Togo's in Accra said it did not exist (anymore).
Maybe not worth persuing from Europe or everywhere along the road but when you are in Accra I would certainly try the Togo embassy for this visa!!
cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
|
25 Sep 2007
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by adamiko
Hallo,
All very simple:
1. Mauritania-Get it in UK, Last resort-Rabat.
2. Westren Sahara is under morrocan control-no visa needed.
3. Mali-get in in Mauritania.
4. Niger, mauritania, or Mali.
5. Nigeria-Mali, or Niger, if you need an invetation letter, contact me, i'm working in Nigeria.
6. Cameroon-in Nigeria, or Mali, Niger.
7. Gabon, in Yaonde-no problem.
8. Congo, DRC, and Angola, all in Libreville, Gabon. Very easy and friebndly embassis.
Allways try to secure visas one counrty ahead, so if you are refueds at one place, you can go on to the next country, and try again without changing you plans.
Good luck,
Adam
|
1. Mauritania...there is no consulate in Rabat. Its in Casablanca near the Oasis campground...you can get it same day...show up in the morning with a couple of pics, fill out the form, hand it in...and after lunch its processed. 30-60 day visa...I got a 45 day one...
2. per Adam.
3. Mali...can ge obtained in Rabat...same day.
4. Niger...can be obtained in Rabat...same day.
others...not sure
I would get the visas a couple countries ahead, if possible as some consultates are friendlier than others. Morocco in general is pretty consulate friendly area to pick up your visas...
|
26 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Luanda, Angola
Posts: 28
|
|
Mauritanian Visa
We collected our visas in Casablanca 2 days ago. We arrived at the consulate at 8.30am and waited, along with other overlanders and Moroccans for something to happen. We'd heard that if you file your application before 9 you can collect the same day.
This was impossible since the application forms were only handed out at 9.30. Once you have filled in the form you join the huddled mass pleading with the guard to convince him that you arrived first. One by one you are allowed to go up the steps to the embassy window where you hand over 200 dirham and are given a ticket with your photo. We were told to return the following day, which we did and the visas were ready.
Incidentally, we asked for 45 day, multi-entry starting on Oct 1st (we like to keep our options open) and received 30 day, single entry starting on day of issue. Either way, it will do for now.
I think Ramadan is probably behind the late opening and 24 hour wait, but we're not in a rush so these things don't bother us.
|
26 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: worcestershire,uk
Posts: 150
|
|
Whilst this isn't exactly the answer you want to the question you were asking, I'd put loads of thought and research into ensuring your trip doesn't become one long Visa Hunt. Ours occasionally did and in retrospect, that was a bit regrettable. You end going to cities that you didn't really want to go to, spending too much money and time in places you don't want to be.Cities aren't necessarily a bad place to be but.....
I can't offer specific advice because I am an old fart who did his Africa trip evading the dinosaurs millions of years ago - but this is a really useful thread if it means folks on the road don't waste too much time and dosh waiting for a Visa stamp. We didn't enjoy it much.
|
26 Sep 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 104
|
|
Feeling smug !!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by levitan
We collected our visas in Casablanca 2 days ago. We arrived at the consulate at 8.30am and waited, along with other overlanders and Moroccans for something to happen. We'd heard that if you file your application before 9 you can collect the same day.
This was impossible since the application forms were only handed out at 9.30. Once you have filled in the form you join the huddled mass pleading with the guard to convince him that you arrived first. One by one you are allowed to go up the steps to the embassy window where you hand over 200 dirham and are given a ticket with your photo. We were told to return the following day, which we did and the visas were ready.
Incidentally, we asked for 45 day, multi-entry starting on Oct 1st (we like to keep our options open) and received 30 day, single entry starting on day of issue. Either way, it will do for now.
I think Ramadan is probably behind the late opening and 24 hour wait, but we're not in a rush so these things don't bother us.
|
Picked up our visas yesterday from the Mauritanian Embassy in London. Turned up at 11.00am, shown to a comfy leather arm chair, filled in the forms which were then collected by a lovely young lady, sat and read a few magazines and 30 minutes later .... there were our visas ... valid for 3 months from 15th October .... perfect.
Sad note is ... the embassy closed its doors on Friday for the last time.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|