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Our African Odyssey

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OUR AFRICAN ODYSSEY

All paperwork, including passport and credit cards, needs to be copied at least three times:  one copy to be left at home with family, and two spare copies to be stored in the vehicle.  We also plan to scan and email copies of our documents to ourselves so that we can always access them.

 

Passports

We are told that we need to allow for 2 pages per visa, and that passports must be valid until at least 3 months after finishing our travels.  We therefore intend to apply for new passports, with 48 pages.  We hope to obtain Arabic translation of passports which could be required in some Arabic countries.


International Driver’s License

This will be obtained soon before we leave, as it is valid for 1 year from the time of issue.   We will also need to have our British Driving Licence with us.  International Driving Licences are obtainable from the RAC or AA.

 
Immunisation document

This must be carried when crossing any borders. Yellow fever immunisation is mandatory in most African countries.


Travel Visas

Some visas will be obtained before we leave the UK, others will be obtained en route. Two spare passport photos are needed for each visa.    Visa Requirements


Carnet De Passage

A carnet is an essential and expensive document for anyone taking a vehicle across Africa.  They can be obtained in this country from the  RAC.  All persons who will be driving the vehicle are required to have their name on the document.    For carnet information click here.

Insurance

Comprehensive travel and health insurance will be required.  It is important to read the small print on a policy before making any decisions, especially regarding medical cover and repatriation.  Some companies give a good deal, and then you discover that those electronic items are not covered!

Vehicle Insurance

We have found out that our current vehicle insurance, including a Green Card, only covers us until we leave the EU (or possibly Tunisia).  We had already discovered that third party insurance has to be purchased individually in each country, but had assumed that damage, fire and theft cover would continue with our existing policy.  As this is not the case, we are investigating companies which provide cover for damage, fire and theft whilst out of the country.  We understand that it is likely to be very expensive, and we might take the decision to go without insurance once in Africa.  For really useful information on vehicle insurance click here. 

Comessa Insurance which covers all southern African countries was obtained in Nairobi.

EHIC

A European Health Insurance Card is now issued for member countries of the EU (replacing the old E111). This card  entitles us to reduced cost (sometimes free) health care where treatment becomes necessary within the EU.  For information on EHIC  click here.

List of Medications

A list of all medications we intend taking across borders is advised, with a letter from the doctor:  proof of purchase is required.  Permission is required for transporting any medical supplies across a border. 


Photographic and electronic equipment

We need to write the serial numbers of all electronic equipment we are carrying with  proof of purchase.  We intend to get this translated into Arabic before we leave.

Spare Photographs

It is suggested that we take a couple of sheets of spare passport photos with us, in case they are required.

 Contacts

We will require the embassies and consulate contact information for each country we are planning to visit.  The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers  has a list of physicians who can be contacted while travelling in a country.
 

 

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