Revision as of 16:55, 18 November 2011

A Carnet de Passage is a customs document that identifies a vehicle - it's easy to think of it just like a passport for your vehicle.
It is absolutely mandatory to enter some countries with a vehicle and must be prearranged

Definition

The Canadian Automobile Association explains a Carnet de Passage as follows:

The Carnet can be thought of as a passport for your car. It offers a guarantee to a foreign government that the vehicle identified in the Carnet, if granted temporary importation status, will be removed from the country within the time limit imposed by the respective jurisdiction. In the event that the vehicle is not removed within the imposed timeframe, the country may claim from the issuing association all duties and taxes that would be required to permanently import the vehicle to that country. Using the Carnet is an alternative to leaving a cash security deposit with a foreign government to guarantee the vehicle leaves the country. It allows free movement and unencumbered access between foreign countries....

Where to get a Carnet de Passage

In almost all cases, a Carnet can be obtained from the motoring association in your home country. Ask there.

Price of a Carnet de Passage

Each country requiring a Carnet for entry will require a certain value be placed in bond. This amount is usually stated as some number of times the estimated value of the vehicle.
For example, if your vehicle is valued at $20,00 and the particular country you want to visit requires a Carnet of 3 times the value of the vehicle, you will have to purchase a Carnet for $60,000 to enter that country.
The Canadian Automobile Association has an Online Calculator which will help you estimate how much your Carnet will cost.
NOTE: Different countries require different amounts. If you plan to visit multiple countries requiring a Carnet, you should spend the amount required by the most expensive country.
NOTE: The Canadian Automobile Association list of countries requiring a carnet or requiring "other written approval" (see here) are both very out of date and incorrect. Use the calculator as an estimate of costs only. Wikioverland is an up-to-date source for this information.

Do I get my money back?

Yes. When the vehicle comes back to it's original country, the Carnet is cancelled, and the original bond amount is refunded (usually minus some fees).

I don't have that much money...

Most Motoring Authorities that can issue Carnets now have an indemnity coverage option, which means you only pay a fraction of the full amount required and the remainder is covered by indemnity insurance. Inquire at your local motoring authority.

Countries that require a Carnet de Passage

Unfortunately almost all lists on the internet are quickly out of date. Hopefully in the near future wikiOverland will contain this information. For each country, the entry requirements are listed.
For now, you may also want to check

• Paperwork | Horizons Unlimited
• Carnet de Passage - wikipedia (list of countires is known to be out of date)