Documentation

Carnet de Passage

The headache of every overlander going through Egypt into Africa. First of all it is confusing to find out what it actually is and to calculate realistic costing. After reading several websites and guidebooks, the overland book (mentioned in the overland main page) provides the best explanation:

A carnet de passage is nothing else than an expensive "passport" for the car to cross borders while you are traveling through different countries outside of the EU. You can obtain one from ADAC in Germany (German / English). For other countries we advice to call your local road service organization and ask them for info or use google as we did. The Dutch ANWB for example does not arrange them anymore and redirects you to ADAC in Germany. Click here to see which countries use a Carnet de Passage.


The carnet the passage is issued by national motoring organizations (RAC in the UK). The document is issued in the country where the car is registered, so it is not a shop around for the best price exercise. This document allows you to temporarily import a car into a country without paying import duties. The cost for the carnet the passage (besides the administration fee) depends completely on the countries you visit on your journey. Going through Egypt makes it expensive as you will need to transfer a deposit for your car of approximately 75% of the market value of your car. Extending the duration of the carnet is possible in case you plan to travel longer than 1 year, but contact the issuing authority well in advance as it will take time (weeks in many cases).

In our case, it takes approx. 3-4 weeks to have the papers arranged including the sending back and forth. Tip: make sure to list all possible countries that you might want to visit, even if you don't in the end, as otherwise you will not be able to enter them. Arranging a new carnet de passage while on the road is possible but a huge headache and slow process!

Anyway, as with many official documents it takes long to arrange and there is a cost involved, but once it is done the fun can begin.

Driving Permits

Besides the carnet de passage, we also need International Driving licenses and an International Certificate for Motor Vehicles which cost almost nothing.

International Driving License

The International Driving License is available from the national motoring organizations on production of your current valid driving license and a passport picture. You must get your international driving license in the country where your domestic license was issued.

International Certificate for Motor Vehicles

Known as carte grise (grey card although it is white) in French speaking countries, is available from motoring organisations and provides a summary of the details of your car. It details (all) the serial numbers, etc. Useful at borders and police posts or roadblocks. Cost should be around 15 euro.

Insurance

Medical / personal insurance

A medical insurance is essential and should not be skipped to save money. We have selected the medical insurance from OOM.

Vehicle insurance

Vehicle insurance is less important because you will always be at fault in African countries (at least that is what we have read on many websites). Apparently, Campbell Irvine in the UK is experienced in meeting the needs of overlanders. We will also look around to see what is possible from the Netherlands.


In Kenya you can buy a vehicle insurance to cover almost all southern African countries (source: Bradt Travel Guide we mentioned earlier) except Mozambique. Third-party insurances are also available at some borders, including Zimbabwe and Zambia.