Motorcycle Travel Guide
Travel Information
Different destinations have different requirements on import and export of goods and vehicles.
Carnet de Passage en Douanes
A ‘Carnet de Passage en Douanes’ enables vehicles to be temporarily ‘imported’ into a country avoiding local duties and taxes.
A carnet is required for travel in: Africa (not required in Tunisia and Morocco); Australia/New Zealand; Far East; Middle East and is recommended in South America.
A Carnet de Passage en Douane section has been introduced on the FIA public website. The [FIA website] is a fundamental platform to ensure a wider visibility of the carnet at an international level.
On this site you will find information on:
- About the carnet and the Triptych
- Advantages of the carnet system
- Where to get a carnet
- How the carnet system functions
- Carnet brochures (in Arabic, English, French and Spanish)
Documents
It is a requirement in almost every country to have motoring insurance on your vehicle before it arrives there. If you don’t have this then there is every chance that the bike will be denied entry.
Many people scan and email their important documents to themselves prior to travel. This way they can access them at any time from an internet café. As part of our service we will issue you with a key fob with our 24 hour number.
We will hold copies of your important paperwork on file and in the event of an accident/emergency. So should you not be able to access the internet our number is in your ignition and you or the authorities will be able to contact us.
Preparation
You may encounter stretches of gravel road and even off road on your travels. Plan ahead and take in some training with the best to ensure that your riding skills are at their peak.
Australia
Join the 1000's of Aussie bikers on some of the worlds best roads, under blue, blue skies.
Every year 100's of bikers from Europe venture Down Under for a real biking holiday. With microclimates to suite all, cities, sun sand and sea. and.... deserts.
Bikers of all species abound, so it doesn't matter what you ride, you'll fit in.
No one has measured the endless roads in Australia coz they haven't made a speedo with enough digits on it.
You'll need a Carnet fia.com
Plus here are a couple of great web sites to help you on your way
China
Ride your own bike all the way to China.
You to can ride your own bike all the way to China. The best way to taste Chinese takeways. Join a GlobeBusters Expedition. You can get more information and buy the full video from GlobeBusters globebusters.com
Watch the trailer here
Colombia
The new gateway into south america.
As from 2009 we are shipping and airfreighting bikes into and out of Bogota.
Possibly the most stunning country in the world. With it's interesting history, awesome scenery and great roads, Bogota is the new gateway into the Latino world of South America. The people of Colombia are very friendly and helful. Visit the Gold museum in Bogota learn about the ancient Latino Culture and enjoy the fabulous foods and wines that the country has to offer.
Follow the route to Medellin and then down into Quito, cross the equator and continue through the vast and magnificent countries of South America.
Kenya
Kenya, Truly the middle of the planet.
Whether you are riding northbound, southbound or just visiting Kenya for the sheer experience, you will be amazed.
Riding your motorcycle around Kenya will be a memory for life. The people are amazingly friendly and helpful considering their not too wealthy state.
Visit the Mara (Home to the Marsh Pride and the Big Cat Diaries) or one of the many Game parks for a great Safari experience.
Ride with Kenya on 2. Visit their website ko2.org.uk for more information
Morocco
Africa on Your Doorstep.
Open Roads - Sand Dunes - Ski Slopes Straight Roads - Twisty Roads Excellent Food - Belly Dancers Snake Charmers - Culture and most importantly Good Beer Morocco is right on the doorstep.
To get your bike to Morocco is easy. We take it as far as Malaga. You collect in Malaga and cross from Algeceiras to Africa. That way you only fill in a simple form when entering Morocco - 5 minutes later you're enjoying the roads, sun and sand. All you need is your paperwork showing that you own the bike and insurance.
Let us take your bike there for you or for a holiday and adventure of a lifetime ride with the experts at GlobeBusters expeditions globebusters.com
Namibia
A Biking Paradise.
Can you imagine a Country that is 824000 square kilometres, a population of only 2.43 per square kilometre, has 5450 km of tarred roads and 37000 km of gravel roads? This is Namibia, a biking paradise. Situated North West of South Africa and West of Botswana. In Namibia you will find some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including the great Fish River Canyon which is the 2nd largest Canyon in the world next to the Grand Canyon is the USA. From the Etosha Pan wetlands in the North to some of the worlds harshest desert, Namibia is home to a vast variety of African Game and has many Reserves to choose from.
Accommodation is available throughout the country, from self catering through to top quality hotels. The Namibian Tourist Board website will assist you with all the information you need to travel the Country. Do yourself a favour and visit their website namibiatourism.com.na . You will need a Carnet de Passage fia.com to take your bike to Namibia.
The carnet also allows you into other neighbouring countries such as Botswana and South Africa. And, can you imagine, visiting Victoria Falls on your bike? ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. You will need a visa for Zambia but at time of writing these are readily availble at the border crossing point.
Panama
What a Fantastic place.
Whether you start, end, or transit your journey here, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the Country.
Panama has a very interesting history and inevitably, if you are travelling North or South through the Americas you will pass through Panama. It is an ideal place to take a midway break. Enjoy the company of the friendly people, the excellent restaurants and food. With many exquisite islands and blue seas it is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Our colleagues in Panama are experienced in transferring southbound bikes to Columbia and Ecuador or returning them to the USA and Europe.
Interesting facts about Panama: When travelling through the Canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific you will actually be travelling from West to East & 14500 ships transit the Panama Canal every year. panamacanal.com
Senegal
If you've made it to Dakar you have had a great time.
Whether you've travelled South or North, Senegal is a great place.
Smiling people, giant Baobab trees. warm weather, great roads.
Are you ready to come home. Our fantastic agent in Dakar are experienced in bike shipping and will look after your baby as well as it has looked after you to get you here.
We can ship or airfreight your motorbike to or from Dakar to most parts of the world
A must for all travellers through Senegal is the Oasis of Zebrabar. A real blessing. Visit their website zebrabar.net
Contact us for advice and prices to get your bike(s) to or from Dakar and if your prefer to travel in the company of experts then ride with the experts at GlobeBusters expeditions globebusters.com
South Africa
The worlds best biking roads are here.
On or off road southern africa has it all.
Ride off road through the Bush, see the Big Five or enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain roads and then on through the desert. South Africa is full of adventurous and fun things to do. The home of the worlds highest fixed Bunjee Jump off the Bloukrans bridge, Shark Diving with Great White sharks or a variety of Scuba Diving opportunities. If you're heading down South then time your trip to coincide with some of the funnest Rallies around
You will need a Carnet de Passage fia.com for South Africa. This covers most Southern African countries. Uk Passport holders don't need a Visa unless you are considering Mozambique or Zambia but Visas are available at the border crossing points. You should consult your travel clinic before travelling to South Africa to get a prescription for malaria tablets and any other advice they can give.
For more info on S.A. check out bikesa.net
United States
Route US 101. The Famous Pacific Coast Highway
The longest coastal highway and probably the most varied scenery in the world. Take your time and enjoy the fabulous views. Sea Lions on the beaches. Giant Redwoods in "The Avenue of the Giants" so big that the road goes through them.
Break away and cross country to Las Vegas. Or.... Time your holiday to travel right across country and join in the fun at the Sturgis Rally and then carry on to Chicago and come back from there.
You don't need a Carnet for the USA unless you are thinking of going further south into South America. You will need your insurance documents.
"There is no law north of the Yukon, and no God north of the Arctic Circle". Welcome to Alaska
Alaska is part of the USA so all regulations applying to the USA apply here. Home of the worlds most northern point accessible by road, Prudhoe Bay, the starting point for many a traveller touring the Americas.
Ride the Dalton Highway. Get the timing right and enjoy the Northern Lights, see wild bears and other wildlife, and last but not least, skinnydipping in the Arctic Ocean is a must.
