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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Boat
Posts: 44
When things go wrong......

When things go wrong…..

Here’s a little story from the real life:
Entering Namibia 27th of March 2013 in Walvis Bay, to pick up my 4X4 that’s being shipped in.
Filling out the immigration card in the airport, asking for the allowed 90 days in the country.
No visa needed, as I’m on a European passport. Immigration officer stamps my passport and writes something on the stamp.
When he’s handing the passport back, I’m asking how long I can stay. Up to 90 day’s sir, is the answer.
I put the passport in my bag, WITHOUT CHECKING THE STAMP…….
I collect my truck, and spend some time touring around, not leaving Namibia.

The 11th of May I’m back in the airport, to fly back to France. My bag is checked in, and I’m given a boarding pass.
Then the fellow at the airline desk checks my passport, and informs me that I have overstayed my time in the country.
WHAT?? Yes, the immigration officer that stamped my passport, wrote down that I was allowed until the 20th of April (my birthday ???).
Long story, but I got arrested in the airport, taken to a holding cell in Walvis Bay, and spend 3 days there before appearing for the court.
Was fined 1000 NAM dollars, and given 48 hours to leave the country.
Back to the airport and on the plane to Johannesburg the next day.

Goes to show how quickly one’s life can change.
I can recommend to check passport stamps…………………………..
My truck is still in Namibia. I will try and re-enter in August.

Cheers, Ib.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Poor you...hope you had a great holiday even though. This is definitely worth starting three threads
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
when things go wrong ...

Hello VikingOnTour,

thank you for posting your story here, hard to believe that they put you to jail for three days just for overstaying. But the world is more and more a police state and I am not surprised to read what happened to you.

Also in South America (where I spend most of my time) they come up with more ridiculous fines and rules by the day. But in a way they just follow what happens in the US and Europe.

One more thing learned out of your story, yes always check the stamps and dates for your bike permit and for your visa. In South America it is a scam now, that they give you only 30 days on entry, even you are entitled to 90 days and you apply for 90 days on the form, and then they can fine you if you overstay your 30 days.

If you can or if it is not that expensive and complicated, enter Namibia with a new passport when you go back in August.

Greetings and good luck from Switzerland
mika
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I read a related story on LP where a French couple sent their passports off together for 180 day Indian visas, they gave the same answers to the same questions and their passports came and went in the same envelope, they checked one of the passports on getting them back and all was well.
The visas start on day of issue and they left for a 90 day stay 30 days after issue but upon arrival in Delhi the chap was deported straight away, he had only been given 90 days and his return ticket was for after that, they would not let him stay and re-book his return.
It pays to check but I must confess to not always doing so.

Good luck with your re-entry
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Sydney to Germany - the African way BikingMarco Ride Tales 320 23 Sep 2012 11:31
Mt Everest - The 'wrong' side tomski Route Planning 20 22 Jul 2012 10:06
Wrong info cyber-zebb Northern and Central Asia 0 9 Jul 2012 20:33
Wrong coil sent - swap for 43F type Bandit127 Yamaha Tech 0 3 Dec 2011 14:18

 
 

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 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. 11-14
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

 
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 18:41.