Documents

All documents listed below will have to be originals. Multiple copies of everything will be necessary.

Carnet

The carnet is NOT required anywhere in North, Central and South America including in Ecuador. Ecuador used to require it, and you may still be asked. if you have any problems, quote Articles 82/83, Decree 158/2082 in their law books - which they should have - and inform them the new law came into place September 21, 2004. Usually the bike's details are stamped into your passport - you cannot leave the country without the bike. Be VERY careful - the permit for the bike CAN BE shorter than your own visa. Travellers have overstayed the bikes permit and paid up to US$3500 in fines to get the bike released. Always ask for the maximum allowed, no matter how quickly you plan on staying, things can go wrong - or right, and you want to stay longer!

Vehicle Ownership Documents

This is your title and registration. 3 copies for each border crossing. Make sure your bike is all paid off. It has to be your name on the documents.

Driver's Licence

Get an International Driver's Licence. It's easy. Bring your local licence too. Make three copies for each border. Make 1 realistic laminated copy for each country we are travelling in case a cop wants to keep it for no good reason.

Insurance

Accident insurance is necessary on some countries. Some of them can be purchased at the border. Others are cheaper when abtained earlier. Mexican insurance can be quoted and bought online from BajaBound.com or MexAdventure.com for around $150.

Vaccination Cards

Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccinations will be necessary. Some of these can make you feel dizzy for a few days. Allow some time before travel.

Numbers

Write down important numbers. Emergency telephone, credit card, medical, blood type, embassies, spare parts dealers, tire pressure etc.

"Stealable" Wallet

Don't throw away expired credit cards. Put them in a separate wallet with some small cash. Keep this wallet more handy than your real one.

Passport with Visas

Make sure your passport is valid at least for two years from date of departure. Make multiple copies of every page with information. We need to get visas for Mexico, Guatemala and Panama. See details below.

Mexico

Visa Required for Turkish citizens. You can learn the details and fill the form on the website of the Consulate General of Mexico

Belize

Belize does not require a visa from Turkish citizens. See www.alfatravelguide.com for reference.

Guatemala

Visa Required for Turkish citizens. You can learn the details and fill the form on the TravelDocs.com website.

El Salvador

El Salvador does not require a visa from Turkish citizens. See www.elsalvador.org for reference.

Honduras

Honduras does not require a visa from Turkish citizens. See www.learn4good.com for reference.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua does not require a visa from Turkish citizens. See www.learn4good.com for reference.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not require a visa from Turkish citizens. See www.costarica.com for reference.

Panama

Visa and authorization required for Turkish citizens. May take up to 20 days for authorization. Go to www.sica.int and www.learn4good.com