How to Cross International Borders with Motorcycle? The easiest way!
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- čas přidán 20. 11. 2017
- Top 10 Tips How to cross international borders.
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1. Preparation
I will use again my favourite phrase - the preparation is the key of success. Yes, guys, the time you going spend before the trip, will help you during the trip. It’s never been so easy. We have internet, Google, CZcams, Facebook motorcycle forums and many more
2. Documents
In some countries yon will need visa. Your passport must have minimum 6 month valid period to be able to receive it. Do not forget that you take your driver license and the title of your motorcycle.
3. Motorcycle and luggage
Your motorcycle has to look as normal safe vehicle. Make sure that you have lights, indicators and there are no leaks of oil or petrol. Pack your luggage carefully.
4. Behaviour
You have to behave as normal and respectful person. Some of you guys saw me many times to overtake or split the lanes on the border, but I never do it in front of the border police eyes. They have seen almost anything you can imagine. To be arrogant or noisy will not help you at all. They have rights to hold you as longer they decide and even not let you to go in. Be flexible and respond regarding the situation.
5. Corruption
In some countries this is still a problem or I would say it’s like tradition. We have a word for this in Bulgaria - it doesn't matter how expensive are the cigarettes we will smoke and it doesn't matter how cheap is the petrol we will steal. Some things cannot be change, don’t even try. It will be like mission impossible and will cost you a lot of waiting hours at the border
6. Customs regime.
In Europe is easy, no borders. You just fly from country to country without any problems. Only the information signs change their language, but outside of Europe is different story. In most of the borders you have to fill a form for preliminary import. It is basically declaration from you that entering into the country with a curtain motorcycle, brand, model, year of production, VIN number and so on. You have to sign it and you are free to go. Of course you will receive a copy which one you have to keep until you leave the country, with the same bike.
Important!!! You cannot leave the country without the bike!!! Do not even try, you will be arrested. .
7. Money
In most of the borders the amount you can carry in cash, without declare it is 10,000 Dollars. If you have more than that make sure that you tell the border police. If not and they found it later, they have the full right to confiscate it. In some countries they might ask to see and check your cash, because they are looking for fake notes. Don’t worry it is a standard practise and they will not steal your money.
8. Insurance
In Europe you don’t need anything else then your green card. The rest of the countries has different regulations. For Russia for example you cannot receive Visa without insurance, but in many other countries they will ask you to make it on the border. It’s usually cost between 10 and 30 dollars for one month period.
9. Weapons
As you can guess you are not allowed to carry any firearms, but you can have a knife. In Germany for example you can carry a knife only if it’s less than 12 sm and it is foldable blade. Just keep that in mind. I have heard about the cases where the riders kept signal pistol and crossed many borders without any problems, but I never tried.
10. Alcohol and cigarettes and drugs
You are allowed to carry only one litter alcohol and ten packs of cigarettes per person. If you are group and some of the members do not have you can split it and take more. Dima, for example always keep the important handmade alcohol in a petrol can and the border police never asked what is this. I don’t need to remind you that to carry drugs through the borders is forbidden.
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Hej Dima, great comprehension! Let me add some things:
1) Corruption at borders.I crossed about 16 non EU borders. Only once (Bar Dobo, Tajikistan) they tried to trick me.... Unsuccesfully :)
2) Russia: you do not need a insurance to apply for Russian visa.
My first aid/med pack has never been checked
3) Skipping to the front of the row:
Almost everywhere the border guards wave you to pass the cars with your bikes, esp. when it rains.
They even want you to pass the waiting people at the passport control on foot.
4) Leaving without motorbike. No problem, if the bike breaks down or you are injured. You only need a copy of the freight forwarder that your bike is transported back home....well, I left both Kazakhstan and Nepal without motorbike by plane. No one at the passport control (airport) even asked for it....
Keep on the great work you do!
Safe travelling!
Never have come across such a wise man. Thank God.
Hi, it's your new subscriber again, the ex Customs Officer. This is another excellent video with very good and accurate advice. Sometimes people get annoyed at being asked questions but it all helps the Customs guy to see you are a legitimate traveller with a real interest in visiting his country. Yes, you are right that sometimes they are just interested in you if you are a little different from all the regular things they see every day. But so what? As you said, talk to them, answer those questions - and ask some advice from them too. For example, if they ask to know your route tell them, then ask if they would suggest anything you have left out. And be enthusiastic about their reply. With corruption, let the situation be your guide and never offer money until you KNOW for sure, that is what they are waiting for. To offer money in the wrong place will get you in jail. It's a fine balance but people will know when they are doing it for themselves. One other tip is NEVER carry anything for anyone else across the border. Even an envelope to post for them - it could be soaked in LSD and you will regret it for many years. All the best, Pete
Thanks for taking the time again Pete!
Documents; It's a wise idea to scan (in colour) all your documents and email them to yourself. In the event that the worse happens and you lose all paperwork/documents and your phone/laptop, then you can find a computer with a colour printer and print off copies of the documents you need. This is also good for your passport as a photocopy speeds up the re-issuing of a genuine replacement passport by your embassy.
Yes - I put all of mine of a dropbox or google drive account that i can get to from any internet connection.
Andrew Mack one time someone stole my ssi card and passport. It took me about a week to get my I’d replace because I emailed the info to myself.
I guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account??
I was dumb lost my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me.
@Franklin Rowan Instablaster :)
@Gunner Andy I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out atm.
Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Thank you for the useful information currently I’m living in Japan next year I’m thinking a bike trip from Tokyo to İstanbul I will use the Russia Eurasia route really appreciate your information I noticed that every single second of your videos
You are the single channel i watch where i first click the like button and then watch the film!
Dima is a tricky guy :)
Excellent video with spot on advice. Especially on understanding the local "customs" and being respectful. The border guys are often indeed bored senseless and you are spot on - a motorbiker doing something different is a break for them so give them 30 mins of your time you will be well rewarded with lots of local information - just ask!
I like Pavlins comment about giving stickers out. If I was stuck on the boarder as a gaurd i think a souvenir from a traveller would cheer me up no end..
That you said about border guys won't happen in the borders of Myanmar, India and China. Borders are militarized zones in these countries and border guards are actual army men, who have orders and protocols to follow!
Nice video!
Another tip that should come probably first.
When reaching the border and facing the custom guys, always remove your helmet and sunglasses!!!
I've always done so, and sometimes I didn't even have to show my documents!
Remember that! :D
Good point, thanks for adding!
It's always good to help!
Every little tip helps everyone!
Furthermore, I read some comments on Serbia... I had some trouble there, trying to fill my tank. If you get out of the main roads, be sure you have cash!
Got stuck twice with the credit card receiver stuck...
Now, I just stop at the first ATM and get some cash to cover the expense of refueling, and hours lost...
I"m French and living in Romania for 10 years now! So, it seems we are neighbours!!! :D
See you in Bulgaria some day, got very good friends there!!!!
See you! Ride safe my friend!
Great advice! The best was at the end. A friendly smile and greeting makes a big difference where ever you go in this world.
I enjoy your videos. Always informative and full of common sense. Thank You!
When travelling back from Bulgaria (with my car) I was asked what fluid is in my bottle. It was handmade slivovic from my friend so I said it is fluid for my windscreen washer. He made me fill it in :-(
Haha :)
Good one! ;-)))))))))
Thanks Pavlin.
Those were important and necessary tips. I am sure this will help me during my international trip.
What you say is really True.i crossed 3 boarders the last 3 month but without a bike and its more easy than everyone writes or says. Be prepared and friendly. Thats all you need!
One of the well edited and composed video along with advices..
Thanks sir😉
I become your admire just watching by your 3 videos.... I am also riding since more than 20 year and must say that our thought process are same, What i like the most in you is your dialog delivery. All the best to you.
Thanks, everything well said! Especially the trick with the petrol can. :) Dima is a god :DDD
Really good piece of advice for all of us. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. Truly thankful. God bless.
Great explanation...my first experience crossing border with motorcycle is from Malaysia to Thailand. The experience is just what u said in the video...
More great advice, being nice works so well. :)
very useful information.its fun 2 watch ur videos as u r brief and 2 the point.
Thanks for the info, very use full.
Thank you, u r doing great job
great information, thank you my friend.
Excellent information and video, many thanks.
this has got to be one of the most helpful videos for bike touring to different countries.. much thanks.. :)
You are welcome any time!
Dimma will be happy for sharing his secrets lol btw. finally a new camera good stuff 👌
Accuracy; brevity; speed. Most excellent.
Very informative thanks for sharing 😍
Your travel advices are priceless, thank you! 👍
My pleasure!
Top vid, mate. Thank you
Even though I might know all this, I still enjoy how you tell a story and get the message across.
A tip going from Malaysia into Thailand, put 20 Baht inside your passport at the photo page, it's considered a tip for good service same as in a restaurant, I'm told it goes into a pot and is shared equally. They are very open about it, smile and say thank you.
Thank you. Its very userful.
Thank you for sharing, great information.
I have heard that when you get your visa stamped in some countries you get a stamp for your bike also, temporary import visa, but sometimes the exit dates are different, visa for you could be 30 days but bike only 2 weeks, some people have been caught out by this so always worth checking at border just to make sure.
Very good tips - and almost everything you say is the same for traveling in Southern/Middle Africa. A smile and a good attitude goes a long way. Also research, for example in Zimbabwe it is well know to ticket foreigners for not carry a warning triangle (reflective triangle in case of break down ), this is something that is easy to know about with a short google but catches a lot of people out.
Hi, Pavlin!
Very useful information, thank you! I like very much the trick with the 5 liters spare home-made...fuel! :-)
Drive safe!
It's work perfectly all the time, Dima is so happy!
Dima you are a legend. Great vid
Good advice!!!
I would say most of your videos are very heplful for motorcyclists exploring the world. Thank you so much.
You are welcome anytime!
I have watched about 20 of your videos in the past week. All great advice and videos. You have a great delivery.🙂 I of course am subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you, Pavil, for the useful tips. Most of them should be clear by using the own common sense. But anyway, it's absolutely worth to talk about and you did it again with your well known manner: Concisely and without flourish.
That's what I like so much about your videos. Thumbs up!
Some very helpful info
Good advice.
Thanks a lot for making this video :)
good advice and I know you are correct
Outstanding Stuff
Very useful, thanks a lot
You are welcome anytime!
Thank you for this helpful advices ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My pleasure!
very good Info . thanks.
You are welcome anytime!
finally man.. thanx :)
I like this video... This guy has a nice talk 😍
Truly helpful
Glad it helped!
Fantastic advice! Again.. I have to say..for our trip this part will take a long time, and alot of paperwork.. :) But part of the adventure for sure :) Thanks again, and thanks for letting us know Dimas brilliant "home made fuel" trick :P
You are welcome and best regards from Dima!
Cristal clear and right to the spot as usual...Pavlin...I wonder if I can join on one of your trips, with Dima as well!!)))
You give some of the best tips for motorcycles, a lot of channels on YT give very good tips, but yours are the most useful ones.
I hope you will come once in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have quite a lot of friendly motorcycle groups and the best barbecue in the world (which is the main reason anyone should visit us). :)
I will come next year. Drop me an e-mail here to get your details: rtw-adventures.com/contacts-1.html
very very educative.
Helpful information. Want to travel by motorcycle through much of Europe. Don't enjoy being in a car and missing all the sights. Bulgaria is one place I want to see more than a great many others. Fascinated by their history and want to experience their food and drink. Thank you for your assistance.
Glad it was helpful!
Great Job........
Thanks!
Good tips
Thank you for taking the time!
Awesome ......and I like it .......Ride safely my friend . Regards, Mich'Michel Cernev
Thanks!
Most wanted vedio....
Thank you
Thanks Pavlin.
Easily explained!!! WOW
Glad it was helpful!
Once flying out of Ashgabad, Turkmenistan with caviar in my hand luggage, the customs guy took me into a small refreshment area to 'discuss'. We cracked a bottle of cheap brandy and an hour later were both smashed. When they called the flight, the official held everyone back and insisted I board first! He forgot I had the caviar... I had to remind him and slipped him a $20 'fine' which he absolutely refused. Be nice to these guys and they repay many times over.
Tks pal
Thanks sir Ian going to world tour
Wow
Great video
Thank you!
Nice
Perfect tips, Pavlin ! The situation on Albanian border is the same - this summer i test this ! They want me money, after tell me to stop outside for "detail inspection" ;) It is never a problem to go in front of the cars, but .... dont do it in front of the border officers .... especially in Serbia / personal experience/ . Most important as you say : be smile and flexible ! Greatings from Bulgaria :)
I rode through southern balkans twice in the last two years (croatia-montenegro-albania-macedonia-greece) and never got anyone looking for any money. So, is it a "skip-the-line" kind of thing, where you are paying to skip the cars? What do they ask the money for? I went off season, the borders would be pretty empty when I crossed.
No , in my case it is not "skip-the-line" thing. I have a crash with my bike in Albania /self crash/ and friend of mine come with car and trailer to get me home. I think because of this unusual situation they look a opportunity to "make a question for money" ;) In a normal case when i am traveling through Albania /3-4 times/ nobody want money from me. And .... the Albanian and Serbian boarders are not my favorites, this is my feeling !
Nice tips.. In 2020 we are planning a road trip from India to London... hope to meet you on the way
When are you planning? Can you involve me in the process, planning myself one cross country ride
Hi. Pavlin. Very very thank u for sharing your experience. I really liked it. I always wished to travel via bike towards europe. Your this vedio encouraged my wish. Now i will try my best to fullfill my wish. I also welcome you to my country Pakistan. You can visit there many beautiful places of nature, many Delicious foods, our culture and our people. Give us chance of hospitality. 😊
thank you sir
You are welcome!
Thanks for great tips Pavlin!
I think in Bosnia or Serbia green card doesn't work - it's one exception in Europe.
My tip: don't go topless on the border even when it's hot - we have some problems in Croatia because of that ;)
Krzysztof G nope. Depends on your insurer. My Italian green card is valid in all eastern Europe , with the exception of Kosovo, plus turkey and Russia.
And FYI, you can bathe topless in most of Croatia and nobody will bat an eyelid. ( Women can usually do it too if they really want to... :D )
Yeah, don't go topless in Croatia anywhere where you need to deal with officials and be careful when going topless around towns as well. Most of our seaside towns that are popular with tourists have historical centre, some of them are protected by UNESCO or some government bodies and most of them have active churches... so some places could have fines in place for people who walk around protected historical locations in bikinis or topless. We have that in Dubrovnik for example (although you will most likely just be warned to put on your shirt before anyone charges you a fine).
Exiting a country at the border, you will be seperately exporting: a)yourself out, and b) motorcycle out. Then in entering new country, importing: a)yourself in; b) motorcycle in. Note*:Always ask for the longest maximum visa stay when asked how long you want to visit. You never know if you will need it.
good points, thanks!
tnz bro....
My pleasure!
Great video Pavlin and very useful information for us who dream about riding in different countries. Can you do a video about how much money you carry with you and how to store the money? Some people don't carry much cash and use ATMs for cash when they need it. What do you recommend?
I will, very soon.
Супер. Не гледах сериите за пътуването ви до Монголия защото организирам едно такова лятото на 2018, но всяко едно друго видео гледам с голям интерес. Продължавай само така. ;)
Мерси! Успех и на теб в предстоящото пътуване!
Love From Pakistan.
D best of d best.
Dear friend, Sorry if I missed it, but if not, I think It’s about time to bring mr. Dima to one of your episodes. Make him talk about your fun stories. Greetings from Serbia.
I might do it!
On Alchol remember in some states in India and some countries outside Europe and the Americas Alchol is illegal.
Another great video and loads of great tips! I think now you have to apologise to Dima, as every border he crosses is going to confiscate his 'fuel' can! 'Home made' alcohol did you say? Is there no end to his talents!! How he rode that distance with a broken ankle I have not idea! I am off to find the video's.... TC&RS my friend. (Have you stopped riding now till the Springtime? I know the bike is 'sick'....
Hi Paul, yes, Dima is the guy with many talents and yes, he rode the bike, with plaster, 1,000km till the Spanish border. I am not riding at the moment because I have business to take care and the weather is... I had enough rain during my last trip in Mongolia. The bike is fine, I fixed and even made some short trips.
I understand, my bike is stored now until the Spring also.... there is no fun for me in riding in cold, and rain etc. Time now to do repairs, and plans and other things that need to be done.
Dima rocks !!!
Dima is great rider and very good friend.
I know, I can see this. Your videos are very informative and objective. but your trips wouldn't be the same without him. Great respect for you both. Greetings from nearby Dima, from Romania.
Good videos well done!any website for get a green card for Europe?
പൊളിച്ചു ❤❤❤
Thanks for taking the time!
Great advices.
And you are correct with your last advice. Politeness can take you a long way.
I was traveling from Greece to Germany through Switzerland. Since I am a police officer, I do not have an official ID, other than my police ID, which is perfectly good for any EU country. But Switzerland is not part of EU. The officer at the borders explained to me the reasons why he can't let me through, which I totally understand since I would probably do the same thing in his place.
Essentialy he told me that I should make a big circle and go through austria in the middle of the night (it was about 2am)
After a calm and polite conversation, and after I answered all his questions, he went in his office and 5 minutes later he told me that he will make an exception and let me pass.
In am sure things would go much worse if I tried to act like a jerk and demand things that I didn't deserve anyway
Yes, the smile could open more doors than a gun.
I am very interested on ur video...but i have 1 question..did for bike riding to other country . is it need to pay bike price to embassy???
After watching this video, Customs will be checking fuel cans for alcohol. Lollll......naughty Dilma
I hope no, he will kill me!
HO, HO Much more difficult and struggle ..... How can I prepare, myself And thank you thank you for your pieces of information
You are welcome anytime!
Good and important videos! Salute from indonesia.
I need to know more about the bike's documents across border. Will any country accept my bike? What will happen to the license plate? Etc
Motorcycle title, passport, driver license, insurance. You might need Visa for some countries, check with your embassy.
What documents are needed for an Argentine citizen (already has Visa) to cross the US border from Mexico on 2014 Kawasaki KLR 650?
So I don't need carnet de passage? Is there always another solution at the border?
In Belgium ANY knife if illegal to carry, even if it's a minuscule Opinel... good to know ;)
You Should make a trip in South America, we have many great places to see, but dude, the corruption in Argentina is a big trouble for cheap riders like me in my 250cc Yamaha...
South America is in my list. I will go there next year.
HAHHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAH DIMA's Homemade drink! :)
Hi Pavlin,
Thanks for the video.
I want to go to Russian, in my green insurance paper includes RUS. do I need extra insurance?
How about georgia, tunisia, algeria, marocco?
Thanks,
Diogo
Hello ! Can you do vidéo to explain everything about TIR ? How to get it ? Where ? And the cost ?
Thanks
I will do in the near future, thanks!
Hello. Is it possible to apply tourist visa in a certain embassy and telling them that your just visiting the place through tourism and entering via Airport but in reality entering by crossing the boarder through motorcycle?
Yes, except the countries that requires carnet de passage. The visa is for you, not for the motorcycle. Watch the video once again.
Poor Dima, always gets in trouble... :)