Green Card and documentation for a smooth motorcycle trip

If you are a fan of motorcycle touring, you have certainly heard of the famous "Green Card." This is one of the documents required to travel by motorcycle through Mercosur. Do you know what it is for and how to issue a Green Card? And for other countries, how should you proceed?

Several countries in South America (and around the world) require foreigners to purchase a type of insurance in order to use vehicles within their territory. These insurance policies are similar to our"mandatory insurance," but are specific to foreigners.

The National Driver's License (CNH) is valid in all countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention, which includes all countries in South America. In addition, there is an" International Driving Permit" ( PID), which is issued by state traffic agencies. The permit does not replace the CNH, and it is recommended that you present both if requested by local traffic authorities, in the event of an accident, or when renting a vehicle.

It is also recommended to bring your original ID card and/or passport, as some countries do not accept driver's licenses as identification.

Traveling around Brazil is easy when it comes to documentation. As long as your motorcycle documents are up to date and your driver's license is valid, all you need to do is fill up the tank and hit the road.

And in South America? Check out some tips I have prepared for you.

What is a Green Card?

The Green Card is an international insurance document that is mandatory for vehicles traveling between Mercosur member countries and other Latin American countries. It certifies that civil liability insurance has been taken out, covering material and personal damage in the event of a traffic accident.

Green Card Insurance

The Green Card Insurance is a guarantee that the vehicle is insured against civil liability risks in foreign countries. It is a requirement for vehicles crossing borders within Mercosur and also in some neighboring countries.

The Green Card must be in the name of

The Green Card must be in the name of the vehicle owner, i.e., the person listed as the legal owner on the vehicle registration document. This ensures that the insurance covers the owner's liability in the event of an accident.

Before your motorcycle trip, organize your documents.

To cross the border, the rider must pay attention to the motorcycle's documentation if it is not registered in the rider's name. This is one of the essential requirements for obtaining a Green Card.

• If the motorcycle is registered to another person or to a finance company (sold), the driver must carry authorization issued by the owner, indicating the start and end dates of the trip, as well as the countries visited;
• If the motorcycle is registered in the name of a relative up to the second degree, you only need to bring documents proving the relationship. However, we advise you to also bring the authorization mentioned above.
• If the motorcycle is registered to a legal entity (company), authorization signed by the company's legal representative is required. In addition, you must bring a copy of the company's articles of incorporation and a copy of the legal representative's CPF (Individual Taxpayer ID).

For all of the above cases, a document issued by a notary public, called a Hague Apostille, is required and must be attached to the authorizations.

+ READ MORE: TOP 3 MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL ROUTES IN SOUTH AMERICA

Green Card and documentation for traveling by motorcycle through Mercosur

Green Card in Argentina

The Green Card is an essential document for anyone planning to cross the Argentine border with their vehicle. Issued by insurance companies, it plays a crucial role in proving that the vehicle has valid civil liability insurance in Argentine territory. With the Green Card in hand, drivers can explore Argentina's beautiful landscapes with peace of mind, knowing that they are in compliance with local regulations.

Green Card in Uruguay

In Uruguay, as in Argentina, the Green Card also plays a crucial role for those who wish to travel with their vehicle from neighboring countries. Driving legally in Uruguay requires possession of a Green Card, which offers peace of mind that any damage caused to third parties will be covered. Whether exploring charming cities or Uruguayan beaches, having the Green Card is essential for a safe and worry-free trip.

Green Card in Paraguay

Paraguay also requires the Green Card. When driving on the country's roads, foreign drivers must comply with local regulations, ensuring that they are properly covered in the event of an accident. The Green Card provides this guarantee, allowing travelers to explore Paraguay's natural and cultural beauty with peace of mind, knowing that their liability to third parties is properly protected.

Chile

Crossing the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert is a dream for many motorcyclists, but it is necessary to purchase Soapex Insurance to enter Chile. The Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes Personales Causados por Vehículos Motorizados con Matrícula Extranjera (Compulsory Insurance for Personal Accidents Caused by Foreign-Registered Motor Vehicles) is a mandatory document for all foreign vehicles entering Chilean territory and must be purchased before crossing the border.

Like Brazilian compulsory insurance, Soapex covers personal injury caused to the driver and third parties as a result of a traffic accident involving the insured vehicle.

Please note: this document is only valid in Chile, and for a fixed period specified in the contract.

Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia

If solving mysteries is your thing, you'll need to purchase SOAT to speed through Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito covers traffic accidents that cause death, disability, hospital expenses, and even burial costs.

Insurance is offered in cities near the borders and has varying validity periods, which should be noted at the time of purchase. The cost varies according to the insured vehicle and its year of manufacture.

Bolivia

Another iconic tourist attraction is the Salar de Uyuni, but you need to be very careful when entering Bolivia! In this country, you don't need to take out insurance if you are staying for up to 30 days. However, there have been several reports of vehicles being seized due to a lack of entry documentation issued by the authorities.

The aggravating factor is that vehicles seized in this country are immediately auctioned off without reimbursement to the owner. So, wait for the necessary time for your entry to be made properly and keep all receipts carefully!

+ READ MORE: THE IDEAL MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES FOR A LONG TRIP

How about planning your next motorcycle trip through South America?

Now that you know how to proceed to cross borders, it's time to plan your next motorcycle trip and hit the road. But if you don't want to deal with all the red tape, you can travel with us on our guided tours!

MotoNomads has a fleet of BMW R 1250 GS motorcycles equipped and prepared for you to venture out to the best destinations in South America, with total safety and comfort.

We take care of everything so that your only concern is to accelerate and enjoy the trip:

• Motorcycle guide + support vehicle + 24-hour assistance;
• Superior hotels with breakfast;
• International travel insurance and assistance with all documentation;
• Experienced and highly qualified staff;
• Exclusive tourism at the main attractions of the itinerary.

+ READ MORE: ATACAMA BY MOTORCYCLE: THE FAVORITE DESTINATION FOR MOTORCYCLE TRAVELERS

Do you have any questions?

Send a message via WhatsApp at (11) 99116-2250.

Good roads!