07 OCT 01  -  ENGLAND EN-ROUTE WORLD CUP

Congratulations England  - JAPAN here we come

05 OCT 01  -  SHIPPING FROM USA TO CUBA

(Russia and Siberia continued last update 21 Sept 01)   (Route)

The service to Cuba has been added to Crowley’s liner operation between the United States and Mexico. Vessels will sail weekly out of Port Everglades and Jacksonville on a port rotation that includes Havana and three ports in Mexico. U.S. This will be the first time since the embargo that a US shipping company has been allowed to visit.

CUBA

FLIGHTS TO CUBA

If travelling from Mexico depart: Cancun, Mexico via Aerocaribe for Havana.) many agencies in the Yucatán peninsula offer packages which are very good value and popular with travellers wanting to avoid Mexico City. There are several daily flights from Cancún. In 1999 Aerocaribe charged US$274 return to Havana, Mexicana US$265, Aviacsa US$208 and Cubana US$175. Flights are heavily booked. A recommended agency is Viñales Tours, in Mexico City at Oaxaca 80, Col Roma, T525-2089900, F2083704, www.spin.com. mx/vinales; in Guadalajara at Avenida Adolfo López Mateos Norte 1038-9, Plaza Florencia, T523-8172860, F8172983, vinales@infosel.net.mx; in Cancún at Av Coba 5, local A6, Plaza América, Super Manzana 4, T529-8840326, F8840396, adiel@cancun.rce.com.mex; and in Havana at Av 3 B 9207 entre 92 y 94, Miramar, T331051/5, F331054, vintours@ceniai.inf.cu

03 OCT 01  -  LOST BUT NOW FOUND ! - MAGADAN AIR

Magadan Airlines  (Alternative exit route from Siberia en-route Alaska)

• Magadan (Russia) - Alaska

Operates two flight schedules

• Once per week summer

• Once every two weeks

Russian Ministry of Transportation

Russian Ministry of Transportation has announced that the number of airlines operating in Russia can be shortened considerably in the nearest future. Right now there are about 300 airlines in Russia, and there are small airline companies that don’t always follow the regulations set by the Russian and International Aviation Administration. According to a ministry official, they don’t consider cutting down the number of airlines as their main goal, but they will be working to improve the quality of services in the Russian commercial aviation. One of the ways to do that will be to introduce better control of the airlines’ compliance with all existing laws and regulations, eliminating the companies that try to make profits at the cost of passengers’ comfort and safety. The airlines in question are usually small and operate mostly on local routes in the distant regions of Russia.  This initiative of the Transportation Ministry should not affect the major airlines, like Aeroflot, Transaero, Sibir, KrasAir, and some others that have proved to care about their image, as well as about their passengers’ safety and comfort's !

21 SEPT 01  -  RAINBOW BMW DEALERSHIP - SHEFFIELD 

(Russia and Siberia continued last update 21 Sept 01)   (Route)

Thank you " Mr Shaun Thomas"

RAINBOW - BMW DEALERSHIP

Rainbow BMW dealership has announced they shall be sponsoring Monika during the world tour start 2002.

To successfully complete our goal it is essential we the have best support and expertise available so it will be an honour and a privilege to have the backing of RAINBOW. Many thanks to MR SHAUN THOMAS - RAINBOW - BMW DEALERSHIP. In addition to sponsorship they will be loaning her a GS 650 for the next six weeks. So it will not surprise you to read that they where recently voted  Number 1 dealer in the NORTH of ENGLAND  "RIDE MAGAZINE RIDER POWER SURVEY" !

VLADIVOSTOCK TO JAPAN

It is now looking more and more likely that we should head for VLADIVOSTOCK instead Magadan because the one and only Airplane Company (MAVIAL Airlines) based in Magadan has now gone missing! I do know Terra circa have now rescheduled their exit point from Russia for exactly the same reason. Our schedule will now take us to Japan before we head to Seattle USA. This will now mean we will have to ride north across Canada to Alaska with the weather against us.

JAPAN - GETTING THERE FROM VLADIVOSTOCK

• 
  Name of carnet holder (your name)
  Date and time off arrival
  Port of arrival
  Day you will go to jaf office
  Copy of carnet (orange cover page and page you will use in Japan)
  Name of anyone travelling with you
  Date leaving Japan
  Port you expect to send motorcycle from when leaving Japan

• You must send this a week before arriving in Japan or you will have to go to Tokyo.

14 SEPT 01  OVERLAND IN AFRICA (SOUTH TO NORTH) On going Project- Russia and Siberia)   (route)

( http://www.alm-it.freeserve.co.uk/index.htm- fantastic site)

DEPARTING AFRICA   -   EUROPE / MIDDLE EAST

EXIT ROUTES

• MOROCCO - ALGECIRES SPAIN (£10 BIKE £20 PERSON)

• MOROCCO TANGIER - CEUTA SPAIN

• TUNISIA - SOUTHERN ITALY

• TUNISIA - TRAPANI SCILLY

• ALMERIA - MELILLA

• MALAGA - MELILLA

• MOROCCO - GIBRALTAR

• TETOUAN - GIBRALTAR

• MOROCCO - SETE FRANCE 38 HOURS / £250

• NADOR - SETE

• ALGIERS - MARSEILLE 22 HOURS / $140

• TUNISIA - SARDINIA ITALY  6 HOURS £40

• LIBYA TRIPOLI - MALTA $170 ONE WAY

• EGYPT ALEXANDRIA - RHODES GREECE

• EGYPT - LIMASSOL CYPRUS

• EGYPT - ANTALYA TURKEY

• EGYPT - JORDAN MIDDLE EAST (DAILY)

• EGYPT - SAUDI ARABIA (DIRECT FERRY TAKES 36 HOURS)

 

ARRIVING FROM SOUTH AMERICA: Flights (Varig and South Africa Airways) arrive in Johannesburg from South America  (Rio De Janeiro / Sao Paulo) Cost $1100 one way, each person. Plus the cost of shipping bikes.

Flights from Johannesburg to Cape town $130.00.

• ONWARD TICKET:  In some countries there is a requirement to display a onward ticket before a VISA is issued however sums exceeding $500.00 dollars and major international credit card can waver this requirement. It will be assumed you will have by having both that you will be able to pay for exit out of the country.

• LIBYA: if you plan to go to Libya ensure you have the first few pages translated into Arabic before you apply. This can be done at the passport office before you leave. Not normally issued to UK citizens unless travelling as part of a group or company and need to be sponsored by a Libyan tourist company. Visa's cost $30 and usually valid for one month. Exit from Libya by ferry to Malta current costs about $180 one way.

• SOUTH AFRICA: most holiday visitors do not require Visas. You will be issued with a entry permit on arrival. You may have to satisfy immigration that you have enough funds to stay.

• NAMIBIA: Most visitors do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.. If required you can obtain them at the Namibia Tourist office in Cape town or Johannesburg.

• BOTSWANA: (Victoria Falls) Most visitor do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Botswana visa desk is located in Johannesburg

• LESOTHO: Members of Commonwealth do not require a Visa. If you arrive at the border and you do require a VISA you will be granted an entry permit to obtain visa from Immigration Office.

• SWAZILAND: Most people do not require a VISA however they can be obtained at the border. (Obtain visa for MOZAMBIQUE at MBABANE much faster than South Africa.

• MOZAMBIQUE: Visa is required by all. Transit Visa’s cost $15.00 (See Swaziland)

• ZIMBABWE: Visa’s are not required by  Members of the Commonwealth

• MALAWI: Visa’s are required by all except for French Nationals. Visa’s cost $15.00 but can be $50 if obtained Niger. Visas are not available at the border and usual1y valid for one month only. Visitor must register with the police at “Mopti, Gao and Timbuktu”

• MADAGASCAR: All visitors must obtain a Visa from the Malagasy embassy or Consulate. Normally issued for periods of  90 days. Fee $33.00 and four passport photos required.

• Flights to Madagascar from Johannesburg using AIR MAD receive a 50% discount.

• ZAMBIA: All visitors require a VISA excluding members of the commonwealth (Not Britain) Visa fee $25.00. (Obtain visa for Congo)

• TANZANIA: Most people do not require a visa. If required they can be obtained at the border for free. Obtain visa for Burundi at Kigoma

• BURUNDI: Visas required by all visitors. Can be obtained at the border.

• RWANDA: Visa required by all except French and Germans.. 15 day transit visa can be issued at border for $20 and can be issued in 15 minutes.

• CONGO: Visa required and price depends on intentions. Letter of Introduction required from Embassy and Health certificate may be asked for. Travel permits are required whilst transiting the country

• KENYA: Visa's are required by all commonwealth nationals excluding UK. Cost of a 3 month visa is $30. As long as your visa is valid you can visit Tanzania or Uganda. 3 month visa extensions also cost $30.

• UGANDA: Visa required, fee $25.00 for a three month single entry, two passport pictures required. Visa's issued with 24 hours. (In theory you can apply for your Sudanese Visa here however it takes one month to issue if issued at all due to the civil war in southern Sudan) Kampala is a good place to pick up for visa for surrounding countries.

• GABON: The authorities here regard all foreigners with suspicion so it may be difficult to obtain a visa. Available from surrounding countries and cost $80.00 you may also be asked to provide a letter of introduction from a resident of the country and a onward plane ticket but this can be returned after receipt of visa.

• SOMALIA: Visa should be required by all but currently it looks like you may arrive and enter.

• CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC (CAF): Visa's available from all neighbouring countries and can be as high as $65 (Chad). Visa's should be issued within 24 hours.

• CAMEROON: Available from neighbouring countries. You may be asked to provide proof of exit from country. A 90 day visa costs $60 and should be issued within 24 hours. Two passport photos will be required. Remember to carry your passport at all times or expect a hard time from the Army. One month Visa extension cost $20.

• NIGERIA: Visa's required by almost all nationals, available at the border and costs $214 at time of writing. Letter of invitation and three passport photos required and proof of onward journey. (I don't think they are keen on visitors).

• ETHIOPIA: Every body requires a Visa and expect to be asked for proof of exit and to provide details of enough money for your stay. Proof of Yellow feather and Cholera vaccinations required .Visa costs $65.

• SUDAN: Everybody requires a visa and can take as long as two months and may not be issued at all. Many complaints are received because people send postal applications with money and never ever receive a reply not to mention a visa. Travellers cheques to the value of $300 are required for every two weeks stay, not always enforced. Proof of Yellow feather and Cholera vaccinations required. You will also have to register in Khartoum or any provincial town with three days of entry

• CHAD: Visa required, fee varies from $15 to $30 and available from every country in western and central African country except Gambia. Again you must register within 72 hours at the SURETE. Registration is free and you require two passport photos.

• NIGER: Can be problematic, if possible get a Visa in advance of arrival in Africa. Can be issued within 48 hours. Can be obtained in Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt. Visa fee $40 and you will require proof of vaccinations, three passport photos and a letter from your bank to verify you have at least $500 in your bank. Visa extensions cost $14 and further two passport photos required.

• MALI: Visa cost only $15 but expect to pay $50 in Niger. You must register with the police on entry in MOPTI, GAO or TIMBUKTU for a fee of $2. VISA are not available at the border.

• BURKINA FASO: Visa's required by all. You will be asked for proof of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations.

• SENEGAL: 90 day visa required by almost everybody.

• MAURITANIA : Required by all except for national of Arab league countries. Vaccinations certificates required on entry. Visa's cost $15 but can be as low $5 and valid for three months. Four passport photos required.

• ERITREA: It is recommended that you obtain a visa from your own country in practice if can provide details of onward / previous journey they should be more flexible. Visa cost $40 aprox and a month extension cost $35 plus one passport photo required.

• EGYPT: Most national require a visa. Visa can be obtained from neighbouring countries with little fuss. Cost usually about $25. Single entry visa valid for three months and multi visa valid for three visits. You can also get a visa on the boat from Jordan.

• ALGERIA: Visa still available for Algeria for a fee of £27. Highly recommended that you apply from your own country prior to departure. If you have a stamp in your visa from Malawi, Israel and Taiwan you will be rejected. Civil war continues!

• TUNISIA: Nationals of most western countries can visit Tunisia with out a Visa. Just arrive and collect a stamp in your passport. Visa extensions if required are difficult and a hassle however a one month stay should be enough. Exit via ferry to numerous Italian ports and Marseille France, is an easy option.

• MOROCCO: Most nationals to Morocco do not require a VISA and are allowed stays up to 90 days. Visa can take up to four weeks to issue however it took us only one hour at the Moroccan consulate office (Ferry Port) Algecires Spain.

10 SEPT 01 - NOT LONG TO GO!

ON THE MOVE - WESTERN SAHARA FEB 2001

03 SEPT 01 MEETING BMW (GB)  

Jonathon / Monika	Jonathon / Norman	Sir Alex	Jonathon

03 SEPT 01  OVERLAND IN CHINA

To make a long story short, as with everything in China, there a many different ways of doing things. It might work for person "X", but person "Y" will not succeed. Many times it just depends on whom do you know at the right places at the right times (called "Guangxi" in China).

31 AUG 01 - LATEST ON RUSSIAN VISA'S

St. Petersburg is preparing for a big experiment in visa processing. The Consular section at the Pulkovo-2 airport in St. Petersburg will start issuing 72-hour Russian visas on September 1, 2001.  This is good news for people touring Europe who can now make a 3-day side trip to St. Petersburg without obtaining a Russian visa long in advance. However, not everything is as simple as it looks. To obtain this visa at the airport, any foreign visitor should have a voucher from a Russian hotel or travel agency registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The travel agency or hotel should also file a request for visa with the Consular section at the airport and pay the visa fee a couple of days before the passenger’s arrival. The authorities will be monitoring the experiment’s progress, and based on the results, this new visa regulation may be introduced at the automobile border crossing on the Russian-Estonian border, and possibly the Russian-Finnish border later on. The purpose of this new regulation is to simplify visa processing, and therefore attract more visitors to St. Petersburg for the city’s 300-th birthday to be celebrated in 2003.

LATEST NEWS ON RUSSIAN / MONGOLIAN BORDER CROSSING

BALTIC STATES - RUSSIA - KAZAKHSTAN - MONGOLIA - CHINA SIBERIA

VISA (STAGE ONE) On going Project- Russia and Siberia)   (route)

CENTRAL AMERICA
 

VISA / SHIPPING INTO CENTRAL AMERICA On going Project- Russia and Siberia)   (route)

• GUATEMALA - VISA not required. 30 day tourist card issued on arrival at the border. You can depart for Honduras on a day pass to see the tourist sites and be allowed to return to Guatemala on completion.

• BELIZE - VISA not required, however you may be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay in the country.

• HONDURAS - VISA not required. 30 day tourist card can be obtained at the border. The rules of entry change frequently so check before you arrive at the border.

• EL SALVADOR - VISA not required. A 90 day tourist card should be issued at the border but the official are inconsistent with the number of days permitted.

• NICARAGUA - VISA not required. 30 day tourist visa issued at the border ($5.00). Check with embassy before arrival.

• COSTA RICA - VISA Not required. 90 day tourist card issued at the border. Passports must be carried at all times.

• PANAMA - VISA REQUIRED. Obtain Visa in advance of arrival. 90 day tourist card issued at border however these can be obtained at the embassy consular section.

SOUTH AMERICA (15000 MILES)

VISA / SHIPPING INTO SOUTH AMERICA

• Carnet required for South America but not always asked for.

• Kidnap and repatriation Insurance highly recommended

• You must submit three copies of Bikes registration papers if shipping bike in.

• Letter of permission from the registered owner if shipping bike.

• In some cases if you are not the owner proof that the bike is paid for.

• On arrival make it clear that the bike and yourself are in transit.

• Once you are in South America border crossings should be routine with your own bike.

• International Driving Permit Required.

• International Yellow fever certificate.

• Obtain international student card.

COMMON ENTRY ROUTES INTO SOUTH AMERICA

• TEGUCIGALPA - ISLAND DE SAN ANDRES - BARRANQUILLA (COLUMBIA)

• SAN JOSE - ISLAND DE SAN ANDRES - BARRANQUILLA (COLUMBIA)

• PANAMA CITY - ISLAND DE SAN ANDRES - BARRANQUILLA (COLUMBIA)

• PANAMA CITY - ISLAND DE SAN ANDRES - CARTAGENA (COLUMBIA

• PANAMA CITY - BOGATA (COLUMBIA)

• PANAMA CITY - MEDELLIN (COLUMBIA)

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• ARGENTINA - Passports are obligatory for all visitors. Most foreigners do not require a Visa, however one must obtain a FREE 90 day tourist card usually obtainable at the border.

• BOLIVIA - Passports must be valid for one year from date of entry. Entry and exit stamps are free of charge. one must obtain a FREE 90 day tourist card usually obtainable at the border. Passports, Tourist cards and Bike documents must be carried at all times.

• BRAZIL - UK citizens do not require a visa. You will be asked to fill in a tourist card which is in two parts, one part is secured to your passport the other is held by immigration If you arrive without proof that you are in transit you may be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds to depart the country.

• CHILI - 90 Day tourist card issued at the border, passports obviously required. Renewal of 90 day tourist card cost $100.

• COLUMBIA - Visa not required however one will receive a STAMP in the passport from the security police (DAS). The maximum time allowed to stay is 90 days however the issue of a 30 or 60 day stamp is more common. Make sure you get a exit stamp on departure from country.

• ECUADOR - On arrival produce passport and you will be issued with a "T3 TOURIST CARD" again valid for a maximum stay of 90 days. Both your passport and T3 card will receive a stamp stating place and date of entry. Ensure you carry your passport and T3 card at all times as you could be arrested and then deported with out it.

• GUIANAS - VISA not required and you will be granted a 30 day stay on arrival.

• PARAGUAY - VISA REQUIRED and you must apply in advance of arrival. Ensure passport is stamped on arrival.

• PERU - VISA not required, again a 90 day TOURIST CARD will be issued on request at arrival at the border, however 30 days is the normal.

• URUGUAY - VISA REQUIRED. 90 day tourist card issued at the border.

• VENEZUELA - VISA not required. 90 Day tourist card issued at consulates and at some borders. Advised to obtain 90 day border card in advance of arrival.