If you’re moving from the UK to South Africa, you may be weighing up whether to take your car with you or sell it before you leave. South Africa drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive vehicles, like the UK, which makes UK cars more practical to ship than they would be for many other destinations.
You can ship a car from the UK to South Africa, but eligibility comes first, and costs depend on the shipping method, vehicle size, destination, protection cover, and customs charges. A removals company can also ship your car and household goods together.
This guide isn’t legal, tax, or customs advice. Import rules can change and depend on your circumstances, so check official South African Government and SARS guidance and speak with a specialist before you ship. PSS International Removals does not set import duties, VAT, or registration charges, and any figures below are shipping guidance rather than quoted vehicle prices.
Key Takeaways
- Shipping a car from the UK to South Africa can cost from under £1,000 for basic sea freight with some providers, though the full cost varies with the vehicle, shipping method, destination and import charges.
- Competitor ranges commonly sit from about £845 to £1,649 for shipping-only or port-to-port services.
- South Africa restricts used vehicle imports, so you must confirm that you qualify before shipping.
- Common documents include customs clearance documents, an NRCS Letter of Authority, an ITAC import permit, and an Interpol Clearance Certificate.
- PSS can ship cars in containers, with household goods, or by RoRo/LoLo depending on availability and suitability, and combining your car and household shipment is often simpler than booking separate providers.
Can You Ship a Car from the UK to South Africa?
Car shipping is possible, but eligibility comes first. South Africa restricts second-hand vehicle imports, and returning South African nationals and immigrants with permanent residence are the main groups permitted to bring vehicles registered in their names into the country. Check the vehicle before shipping to avoid paying for transport and then facing customs problems, and don’t assume every UK vehicle can be imported. Confirming eligibility at the outset protects you from committing to a shipment you can’t clear at the other end.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to South Africa from the UK?
The cost depends on vehicle size and weight, departure and destination ports, whether you use a container, shared container, RoRo or LoLo shipping, whether the car ships alone or with household goods, collection and delivery requirements, shipment protection cover, and customs clearance, import duties, VAT and local charges. Competitors currently show port-to-port or shipping-only costs from around £845 to £1,649, but the final landed cost will be much higher once customs, taxes, documentation, destination charges and delivery are included.
| Cost factor | What affects it | Notes |
| Shipping method | Container, shared container, RoRo, or LoLo | A container is usually more protective; RoRo may be cheaper, but less suitable for some moves |
| Vehicle size | Small car, SUV, 4×4, classic car, motorbike | Larger vehicles use more space and may cost more |
| Destination | Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gqeberha | Inland delivery can add cost after arrival at the port |
| Household goods | Car only vs car plus removals | You can combine the car and belongings in one shipment |
| Protection cover | Vehicle value and chosen cover | Normal motor insurance doesn’t usually cover international transport |
| Customs/import costs | Duties, VAT, permits, clearance | Separate from the shipping quote |
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to South Africa?
Shipping a UK car to South Africa can make sense because South Africa also drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive vehicles. That makes UK cars more practical there than they would be in many left-hand-drive markets.
It may be worth shipping your car if:
- The vehicle is newer, higher-value, or difficult to replace locally
- It is a specialist, family, or sentimental vehicle
- The total shipping and import cost is lower than the local replacement cost
- You are already moving household goods and can plan the car shipment as part of the wider relocation
It may be less worthwhile for older, low-value cars or vehicles that are difficult to import. Before booking, compare the full landed cost against the cost of buying a similar vehicle in South Africa.
Best Ways to Ship a Car to South Africa
The best way to ship a car to South Africa depends on the vehicle, your budget, and whether you are moving household goods at the same time. A standard running car may suit RoRo, while a higher-value vehicle or a full relocation may be better suited to container shipping.
Shipping Your Car with Household Goods
PSS can load a vehicle into a container and use the remaining space for household goods and homewares. This is the most cost-effective option and is useful if you are relocating to South Africa with furniture, boxes, and personal belongings.
It also reduces the admin of booking separate car shipping and removals companies because the vehicle and household goods can be planned as one relocation.
Best for: Families, full relocations, and customers moving furniture or personal belongings with the vehicle.
Sole-Use Container Shipping
With sole-use container shipping, the car travels in its own dedicated container. This gives the vehicle more protection and more control than a shared shipment or port-based service.
PSS offers a car-only option using a sole-use container.
Best for: Higher-value vehicles, classic cars and customers who want dedicated container space.
Shared Container Shipping
Shared container shipping can reduce costs because your car shares container space with other compatible shipments. The trade-off is timing, since shared or groupage services usually take longer because loads need to be consolidated.
Best for: More flexible shipments where cost matters more than the fastest possible schedule.
RoRo or LoLo Shipping
RoRo means roll-on/roll-off, while LoLo means lift-on/lift-off. RoRo can be a lower-cost option for suitable running vehicles, while LoLo may suit vehicles that need to be lifted onto the vessel.
PSS offers RoRo and LoLo options for South Africa where suitable, but these services may only operate from selected ports and do not provide the same protection as a sealed container.
Best for: Suitable vehicles where port-based shipping works and budget is a major factor.
How Long Does Car Shipping to South Africa Take?
PSS says shared container or groupage shipping takes about 6 to 10 weeks before the vehicle reaches South Africa, while a sole-use container with belongings takes around 3 to 6 weeks, with additional time needed for customs clearance and inspection. Competitor sources often mention shorter sea transit times, but sailing time isn’t the same as the full door-to-door relocation timeline, so plan around the whole process.
Step-by-Step Process for Shipping a Car to South Africa
Shipping a car to South Africa should start with import eligibility, not the shipping date. South Africa restricts used vehicle imports, so confirm that the vehicle can be imported before you commit to transport.
The process usually works like this:
- Check import eligibility: Confirm whether the vehicle qualifies for import and whether you meet the residency or permit requirements.
- Choose a shipping company: Decide whether you need car-only shipping or a company that can manage the vehicle and household removals together.
- Choose the shipping method: Compare sole-use container, shared container, RoRo, and LoLo options.
- Prepare the vehicle: Clean the car, remove prohibited items, check fuel-level requirements, photograph its condition, and gather keys and documents.
- Complete the paperwork: Prepare the import, customs, and shipping documents required for the route and vehicle type.
- Arrange collection, loading, and shipping: The vehicle is collected or loaded according to the selected service.
- Clear customs in South Africa: Customs clearance and inspection take place after arrival.
- Register the vehicle: After clearance, the vehicle must be registered in South Africa before normal use.
What Paperwork Do You Need to Ship a Car to South Africa?
The paperwork needed to ship a car to South Africa can vary by vehicle, importer status and route. Your shipping company should confirm the exact document list before collection, especially because South Africa restricts used vehicle imports.
The table below lists the documents typically involved and why each one matters.
| Document | Why it matters |
| Passport or ID | Confirms importer identity |
| V5C vehicle registration document | Proves vehicle registration and ownership |
| Proof of ownership/purchase invoice | Supports customs and valuation checks |
| ITAC import permit | Required for second-hand/used vehicle import approval |
| NRCS Letter of Authority | Confirms vehicle compliance requirements |
| Customs clearance documents | Needed to clear the vehicle on arrival |
| Interpol Clearance Certificate | Listed by SARS for second-hand vehicle imports |
| Shipment documents | Provided by the shipping/removals company |
| Insurance/protection documents | Covers the vehicle during transit if selected |
For the current rules and forms, use the South African Government and SARS guidance. For deeper compliance details, see our guide on importing a car into South Africa.
What Import Duties and Taxes Apply?
The shipping cost is not the same as the total landed cost. Import duties, VAT, ad valorem or luxury duties, destination charges, and clearance fees may apply once the vehicle reaches South Africa.
The final cost can depend on:
- Vehicle type and value
- Importer status
- Customs valuation
- Shipping method
- Destination charges
- Permit or clearance requirements
- Whether any relocation-related relief or exemption applies
Some relocating residents may qualify for specific reliefs, but eligibility has to be confirmed with the relevant South African authorities or your shipping adviser. Request compliance guidance before shipping rather than relying only on competitor duty figures.
Can You Ship a Car and Household Goods Together to South Africa?
Yes. PSS can arrange for a vehicle to be shipped with household goods in the same container. The car is secured inside, and the remaining space can be used for furniture, boxes, and homewares.
This can be useful if you are relocating rather than only exporting a vehicle. The main benefits are:
- One company managing the vehicle and household move
- Car, furniture, and boxes planned together
- A better fit for full or part-house relocations
- A simpler quote process
- More joined-up customs and delivery support
Why Choose PSS for Car Shipping to South Africa?
PSS is a strong choice for car shipping to South Africa because it can support several vehicle shipping routes, including sole-use container, shared or groupage shipping, RoRo, LoLo, and car shipping with household goods.
That flexibility matters if you are relocating rather than only exporting a vehicle. PSS can help plan the car shipment alongside furniture, boxes, and personal belongings, which keeps the wider move easier to coordinate.
PSS also has more than 40 years of experience in overseas removals and shipping, with services covering South African destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gqeberha and Durban. Shipment protection cover is available for international vehicle transport, since standard motor insurance usually does not cover overseas shipping.
Get a Quote for Shipping Your Car to South Africa
To get an accurate car shipping quote for South Africa, prepare your vehicle make, model, and year, vehicle dimensions if available, UK collection location, South African destination, and preferred shipping date.
You should also confirm:
- Whether the car is running
- Whether you want car-only shipping or car + household goods shipping
- Approximate volume of any household goods
- Whether you want a sole-use container, shared container, RoRo, or LoLo options
- Whether you need shipment protection cover
- Whether you need customs, permit, or registration guidance
If you are unsure whether the vehicle can be imported, ask before booking the shipment.
Ready to plan your vehicle shipment?
Request a quote for car shipping to South Africa.
Moving your household too? Compare full removals to South Africa.
Need wider vehicle options? See the main international car shipping service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to South Africa?
Shipping-only or port-to-port competitor prices commonly range from around £845 to £1,649, but the final cost depends on the vehicle, shipping method, destination, protection cover, customs clearance and import charges.
What is the best way to ship a vehicle to South Africa when relocating?
For relocators, a container shipment is often the most practical option, especially if the car can ship with household goods. PSS offers car-only shipping as well as vehicle shipping with household belongings.
Can I ship my car and household goods together to South Africa?
Yes. PSS can secure your vehicle inside a container and use the remaining space for household goods and homewares, which is useful for full or part-house moves.
What paperwork do I need to import a car into South Africa?
For a second-hand vehicle, SARS lists customs clearance documents, an NRCS Letter of Authority, an ITAC import permit and an Interpol Clearance Certificate.
Can anyone import a used car into South Africa?
No. South Africa restricts used vehicle imports. The South African Government says permits are mainly issued to returning South African nationals and immigrants with permanent residence bringing vehicles registered in their names.
How long does it take to ship a car to South Africa from the UK?
PSS says shared container or groupage shipping takes about 6 to 10 weeks, while a sole-use container with belongings usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks, plus time for customs clearance and inspection.
