Driving through neighbouring countries? Don't leave home without this...
If you'll be entering or passing through certain African countries, you'll need a Carnet de Passage. Translated from French, it means Book of Passage, or pass book. Basically, it's a document that serves as a passport for your car.
“A Carnet de Passage is compulsory for travel with your own vehicle to Egypt and Kenya and recommended for travel to countries outside of the Southern African Customs Union (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini). This document offers a guarantee to the foreign government that the vehicle identified in the Carnet will be removed from the country within a given time limit. If it isn’t removed, all duties and taxes associated with permanently importing that vehicle may be claimed by that government,” says AA Travel.
A Carnet de Passage has another purpose which will ultimately save you time and money, because you won't have to apply for temporary importation at most border posts of countries you enter.
Just make sure you research each country's entry and exit rules and regulations properly before setting off on your journey.
Some countries have strange requests. For example: There has to be a reflective jacket in your car if you're travelling to Mozambique. Click here for the AA's regional travel service advisory which includes pricing.
A Carnet is also an alternative to leaving cash as a security deposit with a foreign country. We've all heard stories of bribery and tourists getting fleeced when entering and exiting border posts, so the Carnet may just help you in your quest to keep within your budget!
What to read next:
- See a list of countries that require a Carnet de Passage here.
- Reckon that local is more 'lekker'? Read about some highly recommended weekend getaways in the Western Cape.
- Read our launch report of the new Ford Everest namely Out of Africa here.
