Bringing Bike to Colombia
 

So I am moving to Colombia in July and want to bring my XR650r with me. Why spend 5 grand or more on a POS there when I have a killer bike here already. From the majority of the research I have done it will cost me anywhere from $1000-$2000 to ship depending on how I do it, air or ship. Any more info. from people with experience dealing with that would be greatly appreciated.
Now about documentation and importing my bike into Colombia? I will be on a work visa. I understand they issue you a import stamp that is the same as how long your visa is for. I will be on an extended visa, will that make a difference? I am not expecting them to give me a 2 year permission. I just want to be able to get my bike in the country. If I have to drive out every year that is fine. Can anyone help me here? I know there are some guys with their bikes down there. What is your experience?

Thanks in advance!

You can only keep a foreign registered bike in Colombia for up to 6 month per calender year on a tourist VISA. If you get a residency VISA because you marry, work or study, you can not bring in a vehicle at all.

Its illegal to import a used vehicle to Colombia (except on the tourist tempory import permit).

So unless you plan to go out of the country for 6 month per year on the bike, I suggest you find another solution.

I know a couple of guys who brought their bikes in on a tourist visa and later got a different visa, where after they have managed to extend their temporary import permit by talking their way out of it. But I just tried to bring in a foreign registered bike on a temporary import permit but was refused because I hold a residency visa now. So they have tigthned the procedure on the border!

Kaiser,
well that sucks!! But I guess it would suck more to fly a bike down there and not be able to get it in. Hmmm, I guess its back tot he drawing board. thanks

I second what kaiserkyhl said. I came to Colombia on my bike, received a 60 day tourist visa for myself and a 60 day temporary import permit for my motorcycle. Having decided to hang on to Colombia a little longer than planned, as so many do, I cleverly got myself a Student Visa to take me through another 4 months. Little did I know that this then rendered my motorcycle ineligible for renewal on my temporary import permit. In fact, ADUANA said there was nothing I could do to make my motorcycle legal to ride, and that I must fly it out of Bogota. Had I renewed my visa as a Tourist Visa, I could have extended my motorcycle permit, but Colombia permits used vehicles only on Tourist Visas or if you are a diplomat. The US Embassy and Consulate did nothing; they said follow ADUANA's orders. I am currently investigating how to change my Student Visa to a Tourist Visa.

Hello!!

Do you need a Carnet to import your motorbike in Columbia?? I will ship my motorbike in Cartagena by sea from France and start a six months trip from here.

I will travel as a tourist in Columbia and will leave the country 3 weeks after my arrival to go to Ecuator.

Thanks for all your comments!!

Carnet's in South and Central America is a waste of money and time. No need for it. In many countries the customs don't even know what it is even though they are listed on the back of the carnet as being part of the convention. All countries have their own temporary import procedure including ColOmbia!

Thanks for your quick answer!
 

Thanks for your answer!!!!!!!!

So I won't do any procedures to get a carnet and will ship my motorbike to cartagena in Columbia by sea without any carnet!!

If someone is interested I will be in Cartagena mid of november to start a 6 months trip until TDF!!

See ya and thanks again!!

Drop by and say hi in Cali!

Chao
Mike