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Preperations
Travel Documents Do not attempt any trip into Africa without all the necessary documentation. The more time you spend obtaining the required documents before departure, will save you time and many problems at African borders. Remember Africa is a Third World continent, which often means a strong belief in restricting the free movement of people without lots of documentation . In some African country’s bribery has become a culture. With all the necessary documentation you don’t have to become a victim of that behaviour. Trust this statement; “with the necessary documents and the right attitude you will get through any African border post”. The most important thing to remember is to never, never give original documents to border officials. Make photocopy’s of all your documents, let them certify, and give a copy to the officials. |
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Passport. Make sure it is valid for at least three months after you expect to use it and that it has at least two blank pages for each country for visas and immigration officials. Remember; don’t let it out of your sight. Visas Visas are not required by all African countries. When you plan an over landing trip, make sure you obtain visas for the countries where visas are compulsory. Try to obtain as many of the requested visas from your home country before you leave. Make sure that their validity expires well after you need them. For the latest details on visa requirements, visit www.dfa.org.za. International Driver’s Licences There are two international conventions on driver’s licences covering different countries. Get both international licences and carry your original one too. Your local automobile organisation will issue them for you Carnet de passage This is a document that will save you a lot of problems entering and leaving countries. This document can be obtained through the Automobile Association of your home country. You lodge a sum of money with the issuer and are then guaranteed for possible payment of import duties on the vehicle. It eases your vehicle’s passage through borders. Very important, some countries require the drivers name on the carnet not just the owner’s. Vehicle documentation It is necessary to proof ownership of your vehicle at borders. It is suggested that you have copies of the following documents to proof ownership; • Vehicle registration certificate; • Vehicle licence; • Copy of a letter from the financial institute that you are allowed to take the vehicle out of the country if the vehicle is not fully paid; • If the vehicle is not registered in your name, an official letter (on a letterhead) giving you permission to drive the vehicle. Yellow International Certificate of Vaccination This is important. Don’t let medical doctors tell you that some inoculations are not necessary or old fashion and don’t work. Carry your yellow card for at least yellow fever, cholera and typhoid. It is a lot safer than being jabbed at a border where the conditions aren’t always hygienic. Information list A document with detailed information of the vaccinations required, also al the visa requirements by the countries we intend to travelling through. Click here to view; |
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