A Comprehensive Guide for all the Documents Needed for an International Motorcycle Tour

Motorcycle Tour
Image Courtesy: Oliver Sjöström, Pexels

Motorcycling is a great way to see the world. But if you’re planning on taking your bike on a long-distance international tour, there are a few things you need to take care of first including all documents needed during your travel to other countries on your bike. To help you with this, we have prepared this comprehensive guide for all the documents needed for an International motorcycle tour.

How to Prepare for an International Motorcycle Tour

When planning an international motorcycle tour, there are a few key documents that you will need in order to make sure the trip goes smoothly. First and foremost, you will need a valid passport. Make sure your passport is up-to-date and will not expire during your trip. You will also need to obtain a visa for the countries you plan to visit. Depending on the country, you may be able to get a visa upon arrival or you may need to apply for one in advance.

In addition to your passport and visa, you will also need to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). The IDP is an internationally recognized document that allows you to drive in most countries around the world. To get an IDP, you must first have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Once you have your license, you can apply for an IDP through AAA or the National Automobile Club.

Finally, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your motorcycle. Your regular insurance policy may not cover you overseas, so it is important to purchase additional insurance before embarking on your trip. You can usually purchase international motorcycle insurance through your regular insurance company or through a specialty insurer.

With all of these documents in hand, you will be ready to hit the open road on your international motorcycle tour!

What Documents are Needed for an International Motorcycle Tour?

When planning an international motorcycle tour, it is important to know what documents are needed in order to cross borders smoothly and legally. Here is a list of the necessary documents:

  • Passport: This is obviously the most important document needed for international travel. Make sure your passport is up to date and will not expire during your travels.
  • Visa: Depending on the countries you plan to visit, you may need to obtain a visa before entering. Do your research ahead of time to find out the visa requirements for each country.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is required in many countries when driving a foreign-registered vehicle. It basically acts as a translation of your regular driver’s license and can be obtained from your local AAA or similar organization.
  • Registration and Insurance Documents: You will need to have these documents for your motorcycle in order to cross borders legally. Be sure to keep them up to date and in an easily accessible place while on the road.
  • Health Insurance Card: This is another important document, especially if you are travelling outside of your home country where medical care may be more expensive or difficult to come by. Make sure your health insurance policy covers you for medical treatment abroad before setting off on your trip. There are a number of top travel health insurance companies from where you can buy travel health insurance.
  • Carnet de Passage: A Carnet de Passage is an international customs document that allows the holder to temporarily import/export a vehicle without having to pay duties and taxes. It is valid for one year and can be used for multiple trips. To obtain a Carnet de Passage, you must first purchase it from an authorized issuing organization, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Auto Club (NAC). Once you have the Carnet, you must then take it to a customs office where it will be validated. Once the Carnet is validated, you can then use it to temporarily import/export your vehicle.
  • Hotel Bookings: You may also need to book hotels for your stay for the places you are visiting.

When importing into a country, you will need to present the Carnet at the port of entry. The customs officer will stamp the Carnet and keep the top copy, which serves as your proof of payment. You will then need to present the Carnet again when exporting the vehicle out of the country. Carnets are not required for all countries, so it’s important to check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting to see if one is needed.

How to Get the Necessary Documents for an International Motorcycle Tour

Before you embark on your international motorcycle tour, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get everything you need:

  • Passport: You’ll need a valid passport to enter most foreign countries. Make sure yours is up-to-date and will not expire during your trip. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can apply for or renew your passport through the U.S. State Department website.
  • Visa: Depending on the countries you’re visiting, you may need to obtain a visa before entering. For example, if you’re planning to tour Europe, you’ll need to get a Schengen visa in advance. Doing your research ahead of time will help ensure that you get the correct visa for your trip.
  • International Driver’s Permit: If you’re planning to drive a motorcycle during your tour, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You can apply for an IDP through AAA or the National Automobile Club in the United States. Be sure to bring along your regular driver’s license as well when applying for an IDP.
  • Motorcycle License: In addition to an IDP, some countries also require that you have a valid motorcycle license from your home country before being allowed to drive a bike on their roads. Check with the embassy of each country you’re planning to visit

The Cost of an International Motorcycle Tour

When planning an international motorcycle tour, the cost of the tour is an important factor to consider. There are a number of costs that can be associated with an international motorcycle tour, including the cost of the bike, the cost of shipping the bike, the cost of accommodation, the cost of food and drink, and the cost of petrol.

The cost of the bike is likely to be the biggest expense when planning an international motorcycle tour. The type of bike you choose will have a big impact on the price, so it is important to select a bike that is suitable for touring. Shipping costs can also add up, so it is worth considering shipping your bike to your destination rather than taking it on the ferry or plane.

Accommodation costs will vary depending on where you are touring and how long you plan to stay. It is worth research accommodation options in advance so that you can find somewhere that meets your needs and budget. Food and drink costs can also vary considerably depending on where you are touring and what you plan to eat and drink while on tour. Again, it is worth doing some research in advance so that you can budget for this aspect of your trip.

Petrol costs will also need to be considered when planning an international motorcycle tour. The price of petrol varies considerably from country to country, so it is important to check prices in advance and factor them into your overall budget.

Tips for Planning an International Motorcycle Tour

Assuming you have a passport and your bike is registered and plated, you will need to obtain an International Drivers License from AAA or the National Automobile Club. You will also need to get insurance for your bike that covers you in the country or countries you will be riding in. Once you have all of that squared away, you can start planning your route!

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning an international motorcycle tour:

  • Pick a destination (or several destinations) and research the best time of year to visit based on weather conditions.
  • Your itinerary should include rest days to avoid fatigue.
  • Plan your route based on the type of riding you want to do. If you’re looking for scenic routes, winding roads, and beautiful views, Google Maps is a good resource.
  • Make sure to account for border crossings and research the requirements for each country.
  • Obtain any necessary visas in advance.
  • Pack light! You’ll want to be able to move easily on your bike, and carrying too much weight can be dangerous.
  • Inform your bank of your travel plans so your credit/debit cards don’t get flagged for suspicious activity.
  • Finally, tell friends and family about your trip so they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Before you embark on your international motorcycle tour, be sure to have all the proper documents in order. This includes a passport, driver’s license, registration and insurance papers for your bike, and any visas that may be required for the countries you’ll be visiting. By having everything in order before you leave, you can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about getting stopped at a border crossing.