Please add useful information in regards to crossing borders in West Africa, Temporary import requirements, costs, opening times, and any potential problems.
* this information to being put together from traveller reports, and from research, however it is important to note that requirements to change and you should always fully research and verify any Visa, TIP or Carnet requirements independently.
Visa rules for entering West African countries vary widely depending on the nationality of the traveler, the duration of stay, and the purpose of the visit. Below is an overview of the visa requirements for countries from Morocco (northernmost) to South Africa (southernmost), focusing on West Africa. The countries are divided into three regions: North Africa, West Africa, and Southern Africa.
TIP
Temporary vehicle import regulations for traveling from North Africa to South Africa along the West Coast (through countries in Western and Southern Africa) can vary significantly depending on each country’s specific rules. Below is a general outline of the typical requirements and procedures for temporary vehicle importation, but it’s important to verify the regulations of each individual country you plan to cross.
****notes to clear through****
**New 01/01/2019**
From 1 January 2019, the D16 temporary importation form is no longer used, travellers have reported currently you only have to present your registration documents to customs.
Customs will enter your details into their system and print you out a document / TIP.
Documents required:
Mauritania
TIP
I do not remember the price, however I think it is around 8 euro but don’t let them screw you as they will likely try. I recommend using a fixer Chiek at Mauri border after no-mans-land (please read Border crossings in general for more info)
Senegal
TIP
The TIP is easy to obtain in Diama, however it is only for 2 days and can be extended 15 days for free in Dakar (This extension can be done twice to total 30 days). They do this in St.Louis as well but it is well known for a corrupt official to try charge an insane amount for it. I recommend trying St.Louis just to see, but if there is ANYTHING fishy, just go to Dakar and get it done for free. The building in Dakar is next to the AXA insurance building near the port, the sign on the outside is something like “WORLD TOURS”, it is a few floors up. N 14'40.128 W 17’25.894
The Gambia
Guinea-Bissau
They say the TIP is not required (at least for motorcycle), but it is. If you get stopped by police you will be totally at their mercy. This happened to me. I would not recommend leaving customs without getting a TIP or some type of signed document to give to police in the event you’re stopped.
Guinea
VISA
Get via in Dakar or E Visa in London
TIP
Was not required when I entered, however I did not want a repeat of Guinea-Bissau so demanded a TIP from customs. They were extremely friendly and the chief issued me a TIP for 5000CFA. On exiting Guinea, I was asked for the TIP which I had to hand in. I recommend getting this on entry rather than risking it.
Mali
VISA
TIP
Some people have had to pay 5000CFA / 8 euro for a TIP here. Coming from Guinea in the south, I did not have to pay anything. I was told I did not need one. I did not want to risk this after what happened in Guinea-Bissau however they would not issue me one. I was stopped by the boss at customs on exit and told I needed one. He wanted me to pay a bribe. This fizzled out after a few minutes and he allowed me to leave. I recommend trying to get some form of documentation on entry rather than risking it.
Ivory Coast
VISA
Get Visa in Guinea
TIP
Ghana
VISA
Visa Ivory Coast
TIP
Ghana is a tricky one. Basically if you don’t have a carnet you have several options. Option 1 is you leave your vehicle at the border and collect it on exit. Option 2 is leave the dutiable value of your vehicle at the border, drive your vehicle in and collect the money on the way out from the same border. Both of these are not very practical if you want to exit into Togo. Option 3 is you get customs to help you organise an insurance guy who you buy insurance from which is approximately 1% of the dutiable value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is worth $10,000 the duty may be worth $2,000 or something. You’d have to pay like 1% of this for the insurance. I never went down this route as it was a Saturday and I didn’t want to wait so long so I rode into Togo. In hindsight I should have done the insurance route as I hated using public transport when I went back into Ghana from Togo. I am not entirely sure of all the ins and outs of the insurance, but that was how it was described to me by customs. It may vary with you, if you choose to do this.
Togo
VISA
Visa on arrival
TIP
I left my motorcycle in Togo and went into Ghana. When exiting Togo the customs guy on the computer looked at me strangely but let me pass without the vehicle. I had no idea what was on the computer. When I entered Togo again I left through the middle border into Benin. I had overstayed the 1 month TIP by about a week, however at this border it was super chill. The customs guy said “do you have any paper for me”, this took me off guard as I expected a nightmare having overstayed the TIP. I said “uh….nnoooo?”, and he waved me through no problem.
Benin
VISA
Evsia online
TIP
Nigeria
VISA
Visa in home country
TIP
Cameroon
VISA
Visa in home country or Dakar
TIP
Gabon
VISA
Visa in Cotonou, Benin or Lome
TIP
Congo Republic
VISA
Ghana, lome togo
TIP
The Douane (customs) is located about 50km after the border if you’re entering from Ndende, the customs guy there waved a Carnet paper in front of me from a Chinese guy who had passed through the day before, asking me where mine was. I said I didn’t have one and I needed a TIP. He made a phone call and wrote one out for me. He slid it across the table smugly and asked for money. I said no, and produced all the free TIP’s I’d had from the last few countries and said I want it for free. He gave up pretty quickly
important - On exiting Congo Brazza into Cabinda you must go to customs and get an export permit. This sounds ridiculous and we seriously did not believe them, however once on the Angolan side this document is very important to get your Angolan TIP. On the Congo side they asked for 10,000CFA. I eventually got it for free as there was no listed price and they could not give me an official receipt.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
VISA
Cameroon
TIP
Angola
VISA
Visa on arrival
TIP
(Cabinda) This was the most official TIP I had in West Africa. The export paper from Congo was required in order to get this TIP. I don’t remember the exact cost but it was about 5 or 6 euro (at the black market exchange rate in August 2016). We had a friend from Pointe-Noire helping us who took care of all the TIP etc so I do not know the details on obtaining this myself. Some people have not had to obtain this TIP in the past, I assume coming from DRC.
Namibia
VISA
TIP
TIp at border or Carnet (not required on land border only shipping)
South Africa
VISA
TIP
You can get a free TIP at the border for 6 months or use your Carnet. For shipping out of South Africa it does not matter whether you have a TIP or a Carnet. You could always drive back to the border and get it, but save yourself the trip and get it on entry. Otherwise you can transit freely through Namibia/Botswana/South Africa/Lesotho/Swaziland without being asked about a TIP or carnet.
Please update and share your experiences
* this information to being put together from traveller reports, and from research, however it is important to note that requirements to change and you should always fully research and verify any Visa, TIP or Carnet requirements independently.
Visa rules for entering West African countries vary widely depending on the nationality of the traveler, the duration of stay, and the purpose of the visit. Below is an overview of the visa requirements for countries from Morocco (northernmost) to South Africa (southernmost), focusing on West Africa. The countries are divided into three regions: North Africa, West Africa, and Southern Africa.
North African Countries
- Morocco:
- Visa-free for many nationalities: Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several others can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Visa required for others: Some African and Asian nationals may need to apply for a visa in advance.
- Electronic Visa for certain nationalities: Available for certain groups.
- Western Sahara (Disputed Territory governed by Morocco):
- Same rules as Morocco apply, as it is largely administered by Morocco.
West African Countries
This region consists of members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a common policy allowing free movement for citizens of ECOWAS member states.- Mauritania:
- Visa required for most nationalities: Must be obtained in advance or at the airport.
- Visa on arrival: Available for some countries, primarily for tourists and business travelers.
- Senegal:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa-free for citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and several other countries for up to 90 days.
- Visa required: Other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance.
- The Gambia:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa-free for 90 days: Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, and Canada.
- Visa on arrival: Some countries can obtain a visa on arrival.
- Guinea-Bissau:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival or e-visa: Available for most travelers.
- Guinea:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other nationalities need a visa, which must be obtained in advance.
- Sierra Leone:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival: Available for most travelers.
- Liberia:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance.
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast):
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- e-Visa: Available for most other travelers.
- Mali:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance.
- Burkina Faso:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other travelers need to apply for a visa in advance.
- Ghana:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival: Available for select countries.
- Visa required: Most nationalities need a visa, either in advance or on arrival.
- Togo:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival: Available for most travelers, valid for 7 days.
- Visa required: Others need to apply for a visa.
- Benin:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- e-Visa: Available for most travelers.
- Niger:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Must be obtained in advance for most travelers.
- Nigeria:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other nationalities must apply in advance.
- Cape Verde:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival or e-visa: Available for most other travelers.
Southern Africa (Countries Transitioning from West Africa to the South)
- Chad:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other travelers must apply in advance.
- Cameroon:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Must be obtained in advance.
- Equatorial Guinea:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: For most other nationalities, a visa must be obtained in advance.
- Gabon:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- e-Visa: Available for most travelers.
- Republic of the Congo:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Must be obtained in advance.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance.
- Angola:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa on arrival: Available for citizens of select countries.
- Visa required: Most nationalities must apply for a visa.
Southern African Countries
- Namibia:
- Visa-free for ECOWAS nationals.
- Visa required: Most other nationalities need to apply for a visa.
- Botswana:
- Visa-free for many countries**: EU, UK, USA, and other nationalities for up to 90 days.
- Visa required: Some African and Asian countries need to apply for a visa in advance.
- South Africa:
- Visa-free for 90 days: For citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, and several other countries.
- Visa required: Some African and Asian nationals need a visa.
Summary of Visa Rules for ECOWAS Nationals:
ECOWAS member countries (including most West African nations) have visa-free entry for each other's citizens. The ECOWAS members are:- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d'Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
TIP
Temporary vehicle import regulations for traveling from North Africa to South Africa along the West Coast (through countries in Western and Southern Africa) can vary significantly depending on each country’s specific rules. Below is a general outline of the typical requirements and procedures for temporary vehicle importation, but it’s important to verify the regulations of each individual country you plan to cross.
1. Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD)
- A Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) is an international customs document that facilitates the temporary importation of vehicles into foreign countries.
- It is widely accepted in most African countries, and it’s essential for many nations along this route.
- The CPD acts as a guarantee that you will not sell the vehicle in the country and ensures that the vehicle will be re-exported.
- You will need to obtain a CPD from your home country before you start the journey. The deposit required for the CPD can vary depending on the value of the vehicle and the countries visited.
2. General Requirements
- Passport and visa: A valid passport is needed, and some countries will require you to have a visa in advance.
- Vehicle Registration Document: You will need the original vehicle registration papers (in your name or a notarized letter from the owner granting permission for the journey).
- Proof of Insurance: You will need to show valid insurance for the countries you are visiting. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory in many African countries, and you may need to purchase a local policy at the border.
- Temporary Import Permit: In some countries, you may need to obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) if you do not have a CPD. This is often done at the border or customs office and may involve a fee.
3. Country-Specific Rules
- Morocco: A CPD is not required, but you will need a temporary importation document at the border or port . This is valid usually for six months.
- Mauritania: A CPD is recommended. You may also need to purchase local insurance at the border.
- Senegal: A CPD is accepted, but a temporary import permit may also be required. The insurance is also mandatory.
- Gambia: CPD or a TIP is required.
- Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia: Regulations vary. CPD is recommended for smooth entry, and local insurance is often required.
- Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire): CPD is accepted, and vehicle insurance is mandatory.
- Ghana: A CPD is recommended. Without it, a temporary import permit can be obtained at the border.
- Togo, Benin: CPD accepted; third-party insurance may be required.
- Nigeria: CPD is required for temporary import. You may also need local insurance and pay fees for a TIP.
- Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo): CPD is required, along with local insurance.
- Angola: CPD accepted, TIP also available. Insurance required.
- Namibia: CPD accepted, local insurance required.
- South Africa: CPD accepted, and you’ll also need proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
4. Local Road Taxes and Fees
- Some countries charge road taxes or fees, particularly for foreign vehicles. These may include toll fees, road usage taxes, or environmental fees.
- In West and Central Africa, police checkpoints are common, and bribes are sometimes solicited. Ensure your paperwork is in order to avoid unnecessary complications.
5. Customs Declarations
- In many countries, border officials will inspect the vehicle and issue customs forms. Keep these forms safe, as you may need to show them when exiting the country to prove that you are not leaving the vehicle behind.
6. Duration of Stay
- The length of stay allowed for vehicles under a temporary import permit or a CPD can vary from a few weeks to several months (e.g., South Africa allows up to 12 months with a CPD).
- Exceeding the allowed period may result in fines, penalties, or the requirement to export the vehicle immediately.
7. Other Considerations
- Left-hand drive vehicles: In some countries, such as Angola and Mozambique, left-hand drive vehicles are allowed, but there may be restrictions.
- Import Duty: If you fail to re-export your vehicle within the permitted period, you may be liable to pay import duties or face vehicle confiscation.
Summary
Traveling from North Africa to South Africa along the West Coast with a vehicle involves navigating a range of rules across multiple countries. The Carnet de Passage is the most widely recognized document, but in some cases, you may need additional permits or local insurance. It’s essential to research each country’s requirements in advance and ensure that all documents are up to date and valid for your entire journey.****notes to clear through****
Vehicle Entry (update 01/01/2019)
A Carnet De Passage is not required for temporary tourist entry into the country, although it may be used if you have one. Using a carnet may allow you to stay longer than those on a TIP, and also bringing multiple vehicles at once.**New 01/01/2019**
From 1 January 2019, the D16 temporary importation form is no longer used, travellers have reported currently you only have to present your registration documents to customs.
Customs will enter your details into their system and print you out a document / TIP.
Documents required:
- – Passport
- – Vehicle registration
- – Insurance (can be purchased at the port after customs)
Mauritania
TIP
I do not remember the price, however I think it is around 8 euro but don’t let them screw you as they will likely try. I recommend using a fixer Chiek at Mauri border after no-mans-land (please read Border crossings in general for more info)
Senegal
TIP
The TIP is easy to obtain in Diama, however it is only for 2 days and can be extended 15 days for free in Dakar (This extension can be done twice to total 30 days). They do this in St.Louis as well but it is well known for a corrupt official to try charge an insane amount for it. I recommend trying St.Louis just to see, but if there is ANYTHING fishy, just go to Dakar and get it done for free. The building in Dakar is next to the AXA insurance building near the port, the sign on the outside is something like “WORLD TOURS”, it is a few floors up. N 14'40.128 W 17’25.894
The Gambia
Guinea-Bissau
They say the TIP is not required (at least for motorcycle), but it is. If you get stopped by police you will be totally at their mercy. This happened to me. I would not recommend leaving customs without getting a TIP or some type of signed document to give to police in the event you’re stopped.
Guinea
VISA
Get via in Dakar or E Visa in London
TIP
Was not required when I entered, however I did not want a repeat of Guinea-Bissau so demanded a TIP from customs. They were extremely friendly and the chief issued me a TIP for 5000CFA. On exiting Guinea, I was asked for the TIP which I had to hand in. I recommend getting this on entry rather than risking it.
Mali
VISA
TIP
Some people have had to pay 5000CFA / 8 euro for a TIP here. Coming from Guinea in the south, I did not have to pay anything. I was told I did not need one. I did not want to risk this after what happened in Guinea-Bissau however they would not issue me one. I was stopped by the boss at customs on exit and told I needed one. He wanted me to pay a bribe. This fizzled out after a few minutes and he allowed me to leave. I recommend trying to get some form of documentation on entry rather than risking it.
Ivory Coast
VISA
Get Visa in Guinea
TIP
Ghana
VISA
Visa Ivory Coast
TIP
Ghana is a tricky one. Basically if you don’t have a carnet you have several options. Option 1 is you leave your vehicle at the border and collect it on exit. Option 2 is leave the dutiable value of your vehicle at the border, drive your vehicle in and collect the money on the way out from the same border. Both of these are not very practical if you want to exit into Togo. Option 3 is you get customs to help you organise an insurance guy who you buy insurance from which is approximately 1% of the dutiable value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is worth $10,000 the duty may be worth $2,000 or something. You’d have to pay like 1% of this for the insurance. I never went down this route as it was a Saturday and I didn’t want to wait so long so I rode into Togo. In hindsight I should have done the insurance route as I hated using public transport when I went back into Ghana from Togo. I am not entirely sure of all the ins and outs of the insurance, but that was how it was described to me by customs. It may vary with you, if you choose to do this.
Togo
VISA
Visa on arrival
TIP
I left my motorcycle in Togo and went into Ghana. When exiting Togo the customs guy on the computer looked at me strangely but let me pass without the vehicle. I had no idea what was on the computer. When I entered Togo again I left through the middle border into Benin. I had overstayed the 1 month TIP by about a week, however at this border it was super chill. The customs guy said “do you have any paper for me”, this took me off guard as I expected a nightmare having overstayed the TIP. I said “uh….nnoooo?”, and he waved me through no problem.
Benin
VISA
Evsia online
TIP
Nigeria
VISA
Visa in home country
TIP
Cameroon
VISA
Visa in home country or Dakar
TIP
Gabon
VISA
Visa in Cotonou, Benin or Lome
TIP
Congo Republic
VISA
Ghana, lome togo
TIP
The Douane (customs) is located about 50km after the border if you’re entering from Ndende, the customs guy there waved a Carnet paper in front of me from a Chinese guy who had passed through the day before, asking me where mine was. I said I didn’t have one and I needed a TIP. He made a phone call and wrote one out for me. He slid it across the table smugly and asked for money. I said no, and produced all the free TIP’s I’d had from the last few countries and said I want it for free. He gave up pretty quickly
important - On exiting Congo Brazza into Cabinda you must go to customs and get an export permit. This sounds ridiculous and we seriously did not believe them, however once on the Angolan side this document is very important to get your Angolan TIP. On the Congo side they asked for 10,000CFA. I eventually got it for free as there was no listed price and they could not give me an official receipt.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
VISA
Cameroon
TIP
Angola
VISA
Visa on arrival
TIP
(Cabinda) This was the most official TIP I had in West Africa. The export paper from Congo was required in order to get this TIP. I don’t remember the exact cost but it was about 5 or 6 euro (at the black market exchange rate in August 2016). We had a friend from Pointe-Noire helping us who took care of all the TIP etc so I do not know the details on obtaining this myself. Some people have not had to obtain this TIP in the past, I assume coming from DRC.
Namibia
VISA
TIP
TIp at border or Carnet (not required on land border only shipping)
South Africa
VISA
TIP
You can get a free TIP at the border for 6 months or use your Carnet. For shipping out of South Africa it does not matter whether you have a TIP or a Carnet. You could always drive back to the border and get it, but save yourself the trip and get it on entry. Otherwise you can transit freely through Namibia/Botswana/South Africa/Lesotho/Swaziland without being asked about a TIP or carnet.
Please update and share your experiences
Last edited: