How to import your car or vehicle into Dubai from the UK including a comprehensive FAQ guide

Get a car shipping quoteFor over 40 years, PSS Removals has been car shipping to Dubai. We have a wealth of experience with shipping to Dubai and all the other Emirates.

Whether it is shipping your car to Dubai, or another country, we always ensure that we provide the very best service for our valued customers. We offer many options for international vehicle transport to Dubai. So, whatever your personal car transport needs are, we can tailor your shipment to your needs.
If you need any advice with moving to Dubai, or if you want a no-obligation car shipping quote, then call us on 0800 988 3711. You can also see our vehicle shipping FAQ guide below for more information.

Our expert car shippers will work with you to discover the best method of exporting your vehicle to Dubai that is most suited to your individual importing needs. You can have your car shipped in a container on its own or with the other household goods you are shipping. We can also offer a roll on/roll off or lift on/lift off method for exporting your car to Dubai.

Is it worth shipping your car to Dubai?

The cost of shipping your vehicle from the United Kingdom is often a lot less than replacing it and when you are moving to Dubai you will want to save as much money as you can. Since people use right-hand drive cars, like in the UK, it certainly worth considering seriously.

To decide whether it is worth shipping your car to Dubai you first need to check if it is allowed under United Arab Emirate car import rules. Then you need to weigh up the costs of shipping and importing versus the cost of replacing the car in Dubai.

Some people advise that it’s not worth considering due to the paperwork involved, but when you have an expert car shipping company such as PSS to guide you, the actual process of shipping your car is not too difficult.

Why should you trust PSS Removals?

Shipping-Car-to-Dubai-from-the-UKPSS are one of the UK’s leading personal shipping companies helping people move to destinations all of the world – including the UAE. We are proud members of the FIDI Global Alliance, as well as being accredited by the FAIM Quality Standard for overseas removals. This means that we have been recognised for our ability to provide a professional, expert car shipping service to Dubai.

It can bring you comfort to know that we also offer the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme, which means your car shipping to UAEcosts are protected. As a leading UK car shipping company with many happy customers who have chosen us to ship their vehicle.

Shipping your car to Dubai is easy with PSS


STEP 1
Check suitability for importing

Ensure your vehicle meets requirements & apply for import approval if needed.

STEP 2
Prepare your vehicle for shipping

Make sure your car is clean & ready for shipping.

STEP 3
We collect and ship your vehicle

We load your car onto container at your address or you deliver it to the port / our depot.

STEP 4
Arrival & Customs Clearance

On arrival will take care of customs clearance & arrange for you to collect your vehicle.

Vehicle and Car Shipping to Dubai Cost Calculator

Want to know how it will cost to send your vehicle to Dubai? Our free online Cost Calculator will help you estimate the cost.

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How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711

Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.

A FAQ Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle To Dubai

How much does it cost to ship a car or vehicle to Dubai?

There are a number of costs you need to consider when transporting your car to Dubai – not just the shipping cost. Beware of quotes that are only port-to-port where you have to organise delivery, collection and take care of all the customs procedures.

Our price includes door-to-door pick and delivery as well as basic customs clearance costs. Costs for Scotland, Wales and Ireland can vary.

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There are however a number of other costs you need to consider when importing into the United Arab Emirates. These include:

  • Additional customs and quarantine costs including inspection fees, cleaning, port service fees etc.
  • Taxes and duties – If you are moving to the UAE your car may be subject to import duties an taxes.
  • Compliance and modification costs – if necessary for your vehicle to meet UAE standards and guidelines.
  • Vehicle Registration – you will need to register your vehicle in the relevant state before you can drive on local roads.
  • Marine Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover – Your standard motor insurance policy will not cover you for international shipping so you will need to take out additional cover.

Vehicle Shipping to Dubai from the UK

How long does it take to ship a car to Dubai from the UK?

If you are shipping your vehicle as groupage in a shared container it will take 7-10 weeks.

If you are shipping your vehicle with your belongings in a sole use container (FCL – Full Container Load) it will take around 5-7 weeks.

You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance and quarantine inspection.

How do you import a vehicle into Dubai from the UK?

There are a number of steps to importing a car or other vehicle into Dubai, but they can be done quite simply with the guidance of a shipping company like PSS.

  • Check the viability of importing your car into the UAE
  • Organise your shipping company
  • Get shipping insurance or shipment protection cover
  • Complete shipping forms and gather necessary documentation
  • On arrival arrange customs clearance and quarantine inspection
  • Register your vehicle in the UAE
  • Arrange delivery or collect your vehicle

What are the car import requirements for Dubai?

It is imperative that you understand the requirements for car shipping to the UAE. You will need to check with the the UAE government before shipment, to ensure you adhere to their strict import requirements. As with every country, you will need to make sure your vehicle meets the safety standards, emissions standards, and vehicle compliance checks relevant to the UAE.

Importation is allowed provided the vehicle meets UAE specifications of left-hand drive and other basics.

Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF/FOB Discretion at Government Authorities. 5% VAT plus processing charges as per the government regulation. If the original documents are missing than a fee of USD 300 applicable.

B/L should specify engine n°, chassis n°, make, model and colour etc. in detail.

Should have an ownership proof from origin country of the vehicle of title deed or similar documental proof.

After the vehicle is Customs cleared in the UAE, the Customs Authorities will issue a vehicle clearance certificate which should be submitted to the Local Traffic Authority to register the car in the name of the Owner/Consignee only.

Only 1 car is allowed for each consignee per shipment in a year and prior to exportation, the registration of the car should be de-registered near the local traffic authority.

If you need any further advice regarding car shipping to the UAE, or moving to the UAE in general, then please contact one of our friendly moving consultants.

 

What are the options for shipping your car to Dubai?

PSS Removals offers a range of car shipping to Dubai options. See below our options, and choose whichever is best for you and your needs. If you are unsure our vehicle shipping experts will be able to advise you.

Option A: Car and household items

It could be a good idea to combine your car shipment and household items together in one load. Our team can bring a shipping container to your home, then carefully secure your vehicle inside for car shipping to Dubai. Any remaining space can then be put to use for your household goods and homewares. If you’re moving to Dubai and you need to send over a number of items, then this is a great shipment option for you.

We will expertly pack and wrap your items using industry-approved materials and expert handling. They will then be placed in the container alongside the secured vehicle. At your door, we will seal the container with a customs seal before taking it to the UK port terminal for placement on the vessel. From there, the process of household and car transport to Dubai will take place.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a car shipping quote or any advice on this option (or other options and their car shipping rates).

Option B: Car only

On the other hand, you may need to only send your car abroad. In this case, you can make use of our car-only auto transport option. You will have your very own sole-use container that holds your car (or other vehicle) securely inside for shipment to Dubai.

This can be arranged at your place of residence, at a PSS warehouse, or a shipping line container depot – to suit you and your preferences. Then, the car will be loaded onto a vessel for UK to Dubai car transport.

Again, if you need a car shipping quote, or further details about our services and moving to Dubai, simply give us a call on 0800 988 3711.

Option C: Roll On/ Roll Off (RORO) or Lift On/ Lift Off (LOLO)

This last option is only available at selected ports.

Speak to our team today to see if this is an option for you. It will involve driving your vehicle onto the vessel to then be secured for auto transport to Dubai. Then, it is driven off again once it arrives in Dubai.

There some disadvantages to this option as your car or vehicle does not receive the same protection it would do if sealed in its own container.

However, this option is useful for larger vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and caravans which may be too wide to fit into a standard shipping container.

Please call us on 0800 988 3711 if you wish to discuss whether this is an option for you.

 

Can you ship your car with personal belongings inside?

It may be possible to ship your car with a few boxes of personal belongings inside. However, it is best to seek advice from one of our international removal consultants first as there are some restrictions.

Remember that all your belongings will be subject to the usual customs requirements and quarantine inspections so don’t think you can cram your car fall.

We do offer very cost effective options for shipping your belongings with your car so please ask us for more details.

 

How to prepare your car for shipping to Dubai?

It is important that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all organic material, including mud and dirt, is removed. This is to avoid potential problems with biosecurity and quarantine, in Cyprus.

We recommend that your car including engine and undercarriage is professionally steam cleaned.

However, we do not recommend that the interior is valeted as this can result in mould and mildew during the voyage.

It is also advisable that your vehicle has a full service and check over before it is shipped.

How to ship a motorhome or van to Dubai?

The shipping of motorhomes and vans to Dubai is very similar to cars. You will need to check that your vehicle meets local requirements and obtain Vehicle Import Approval before you begin shipping.

Also, if your vehicle is too wide or tall to fit into a shipping container, then it will need to travel as roll-on / roll-off or lift-on / lift-off.

Motorhomes and vans may also be subject to different rates of tax and duty.

 

How to ship caravans, boats and other vehicles to Dubai?

All types of vehicles can be shipped to Dubai including caravans, boats, trailers, quad bikes, jet skis and anything else you can think of!

For small vehicles, the best method is to ship them in a container with your other possessions or we can arrange a shared container.

The door sizes of standard shipping containers are about 7’8” (2.28m) wide or 7’5” (2.26m) high. These sizes can vary between shipping companies, but if your vehicle is larger you may need to use RORO or LOLO shipping services.

 

How to ship and import classic cars to Dubai?

A lot of people choose to import an older or classic car to Cyprus. For example, enthusiast, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use in car clubs.

For classic cars we highly recommend container shipping rather than RORO / LOLO as it offers greater protection.

Customs requirements may also differ.

When shipping valuable cars, you can be sure that our team takes special care to ensure it’s securely and safely packed for its journey.

How to ship a motorcycle to Dubai?

To ship a motorbike to Dubai you will need to follow a similar Import Approval process as for cars.

For the actual shipping, your bike would be secured in a shipping container, often in a wooden crate to ensure it is fully protected during transportation.

Your motorcycle or quad bike can be sent in a sole use container with your other possessions or in a shared container with other people’s belongings.

 

Customs and Quarantine for Your vehicle

As mentioned before, you will need to gain authorisation from the import authority in Dubai before car shipment, otherwise your vehicle will not make it through Dubain customs. Upon arrival, your car will go through a thorough inspection by the Dubain authorities (DAFF Biosecurity). This inspection aims to limit and prevent the spread of diseases, asbestos, noxious weeds, and pests from entering Dubai. If anything is found, your car may be seized and you may be fined. So, you must put your car through a thorough steam clean and remove all unnecessary clutter and instruments.

In order to clear Dubain customs, you will need to lodge an import declaration with them. You will also need to pay customs duty fees, goods and services taxes, and luxury car tax (if appropriate). Dubai’s quarantine requirements are just as strict. You will need to lodge a quarantine entry with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Then, arrange an inspection (as mentioned above).

You will need to follow Dubai’s customs clearance guidelines. Plus, we advise that you check over their government guidelines for importing a vehicle to Dubai. Lastly, you can find added information here with this step by step process for importing a car to Dubai: https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/process_overview.aspx

Alternatively, you can simply give us a call or fill out our form to obtain a car shipping quote and get all the necessary advice on Dubain customs and import requirements. Call us on 0800 988 3711 today.

 

Customs Duty and Taxes for Dubai

Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF/FOB Discretion at Government Authorities. 5% VAT plus processing charges as per the government regulation. If the original documents are missing than a fee of USD 300 applicable.

Delivery and Collection of Your car

Once your car arrives after international car transport to Dubai, you will be contacted by our team. We will then handle all the customs paperwork with you or on your behalf. Since Dubai has such strict guidelines for customs clearance and import requirements, though, we do recommend that you be at hand to ensure the process runs smoothly. Re-read the guidelines that we listed above about customs clearance and registration, as they are incredibly important and should be firmly followed.

Once all is done, we will make reservations with you to give your car back safely.

 

Do I need shipping insurance or shipment protection cover?

We try to do everything we can to protect your vehicle before, during and after car transport to Dubai. As industry professionals, we’re proud to say that there are never any major issues. However, it is always a good idea to be protected in case anything does happen.

Your usual motor insurance policy will not cover you for international vehicle transportation. This is why we have a carefully designed Shipment Protection cover to protect your vehicle in case of loss or damage.

Our Shipment Protection cover is backed by Basil Fry and Company and is based on the conditions recommended by the British Association of Removers. This means your car is in safe hands during the whole process. Rest assured that your protection starts as soon as your car is with our team.

For this reason, you can trust PSS Removals with your car shipping to Dubai and support throughout the entire process. So, the process is made easy when you opt to ship your car to Dubai with us.

 

How to ship your car from Dubai to the UK?

We can also arrange for your car or other vehicle to be transported from Dubai to the UK. Similar shipping options apply and it can be cost effective to ship your vehicle with your other possessions.

Contact us at our UK office and we’ll put you in contact with our team in Dubai who will be able to advise you on the whole process and give you a cost effective quote.