Indulging in a stretched journey on your motorcycle through various countries is adventurous and exhilarating. But getting that motorcycle to cross international borders can be a daunting process. Various rules and regulations regarding every country/ continent’s requirements and laws can make this whole procedure lengthy and taxing If you are not well-prepared.
Ensure that you have all necessary items before you set off on a trip across the border, including paperwork and safety gear such as a helmet and gloves. You can search the market for cool motorcycle helmets, because, in almost all countries, it is considered a fine-worthy offense not to wear one while riding a motorcycle.
To further your knowledge, have a detailed discussion with an agent who might guide you on how to acquire the correct paperwork for the respective border. But for an overview of the basic procedure to get through international borders with a motorcycle, we have compiled a detailed guide for you below.
Primary Steps for a Smooth Transition Through International Borders With a Motorcycle
Motorcycles are one of the most convenient modes of commuting to get anywhere without much hassle. Several people find it stirring and convenient to use a bike to travel to work, cities, or even across the country.
For your ease, we bring you the essential steps that might assist you in having a smooth experience while crossing borders with a motorcycle.
Have All Your Safety Gear in Check
The first step is to make sure that you possess apt safety gear. Helmet, gloves, appropriate boots, elbow pads, etc., can be kept in check. If you opt for a longer route across the border, you might want to consider noise cancellation, durable construction, and optimum protection options offered by the SHOEI QWest Helmet.
Wearing a helmet is necessary because almost all countries state it is an offense not to wear a helmet while crossing the border with a motorcycle.
Gather Information Regarding Border Requirements
Many agents and apps on the internet these days provide information regarding crossing requirements for every border.
You can look through people’s experiences, charges they had to pay, or tricky paperwork. This gives you enough time to arrange everything beforehand.
Ensure No Possession of Unnecessary/Illegal Items
Before you reach the border, self-check and ensure that you carry no illegal objects according to that country’s laws, these items can include the following objects.
- Prohibited medication
- Weapons of any sort.
- Sums of cash
- Raw eatables
- Trackable devices.
Ensure Accurate Paperwork Before Approaching the Border
You should keep the following paperwork under consideration.
- Check If you have to get a visa to get across the border of that country or do you hold a specific nationality to attain a Visa on Arrival.
- Get your Visa, and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) organized.
- Check your passport validity, with at least 6 months on hand.
- Check If you can apply for TIP or if you can get a Carnet de Passage for your vehicle. TIP is a proper applicable permit, but Carnet de Passage avoids local duties and taxes and allows a temporary passage for your vehicle to cross the border. You can resolve this after you get back.
- Make sure you have enough copies of all the documents to give all the borders.
Stamp Your Passport Out at the Immigration Office
Once you approach the immigration office at the border, you can show them your visa documents and Vehicle Permits and stamp them out. This proves that you are legally crossing the border with your vehicle.
Cross the Border
Every country/area has a different regiment to cross its border. After getting approved, you can use the land, bridge, or other ways provided to you by the people in charge to cross into the other country.
Get Your Passport Stamped at the Immigration Office Across the Border
Immediately after crossing the border, get to the immigration office and stamp, which is your legal entry pass. There is usually no fee for this process.
Obtain a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for Your Motorcycle
You must apply for a Vehicle Import Permit at the customs office. This allows you to use your motorcycle across the border freely.
Pay Any Charges Required.
It all depends on the customs, duty taxes, road taxes, etc., in the country you are entering. Pay any charges that are required and ask them for a receipt.
Keep this in safe keeping as proof of your legal entrance across the international border.
Conclusion
People who love to travel on their motorcycles need to go through a series of steps to get safely across international borders. Having safety gear like a helmet for your motorcycle is considered necessary. Having prior information about visas and Temporary Vehicle Import Permits is essential.
Getting your paperwork in check before getting to the border & stamping it out at the immigration office are parts of the process. After entering the other country, stamp in to have proof of your legal stay and entry. Get your TIP approved, and make sure to pay all charges. Have a safe trip.
