Car Shipping to the UAE
2026 Guide
Car shipping to the United Arab Emirates is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to the UAE, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Emirati regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to the UAE
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to the UAE – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to the UAE — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to the UAE – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 3–5 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 5%
Cost: $1,450–$6,000+ (ocean), $20,000+ (air)
Main ports: Jebel Ali
Import duty: 5%
Required inspection: RTA/Tasjeel
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to the UAE
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in the UAE
Our local broker handles all Emirati customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in the UAE
Your vehicle undergoes inspection before registration and release.
UAE Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to the UAE starts around USD $1,450, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 3-5 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Jebel Ali | Unavailable | $1,650 | $3,300 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Jebel Ali | Unavailable | $1,900 | $3,400 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Emirati Destination Ports & Transshipment Destinations
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in the United Arab Emirates that we can ship a car to, plus additional ports in the region we can transship to. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in the UAE, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in the UAE
Jebel Ali
Main UAE Port in Dubai
Jordan
Aqaba
Bahrain/Kuwait
Kenya
Mombasa
Oman
Sohar
Beirut
Lebanon
Saudi Arabia
Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh
Iraq
Umm Qasser
Egypt
Alexandria
Tanzania
Dar E Salam
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Emirati government. Some of these fees could include:
UAE Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Value-added tax
(VAT)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection fee
Vehicle modification costs
If non-conforming
Car insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Generally, you can expect to pay a 5% VAT and a 5% import duty based on the CIF (Cost inclusive of customs duty, Insurance, and Freight) value of the vehicle.
Emirati Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 5% VAT plus 5% import duty — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Tourist Vehicle Temporary Admission | If you are bringing a vehicle into the United Arab Emirates temporarily, such as for a holiday, event, or short-term stay, you may be able to avoid paying permanent import duty upfront by using a temporary admission process. Foreign tourist vehicles may be admitted for six months with an international passage carnet or three months without a carnet, with possible renewal when a bank guarantee or cash deposit is provided. The vehicle must be re-exported, placed in a free zone/customs warehouse, or formally cleared for home use with duties paid. |
Diplomatic Vehicle Exemption | Vehicles and goods imported by accredited diplomatic corps, consulates, international organizations, and qualifying members may be exempt from customs duty, subject to UAE Customs diplomatic exemption rules and Ministry of Foreign Affairs procedures. Exempted diplomatic vehicles generally cannot be sold or disposed of before the required period unless specific exceptions apply. |
Military and Internal Security Exemption | Imports for military forces and internal security forces may be exempt from customs duty and taxes. UAE Customs lists arms, ammunition, military equipment, means of transport, and related parts as eligible when imported for these sectors, provided a request letter from the competent authority is produced. |
Free Zone, Transit, Warehouse, and Re-Export Relief | Vehicles imported into a UAE free zone, customs warehouse, transit process, temporary admission process, or import-for-re-export arrangement may qualify for duty and VAT suspension rather than immediate payment. This is not the same as a permanent exemption. If the vehicle later enters the UAE mainland for local use, customs duty and VAT can become payable. |
Returned Goods Exemption | Duty exemption may be available for certain returned goods, such as goods previously exported from the UAE and then returned, provided they meet UAE Customs’ documentation, identity, and timing requirements. For foreign goods, duty generally must have been paid when originally imported and not refunded at re-export |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in the UAE.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to the UAE, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to the United Arab Emirates.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Emirati emissions standards. The UAE uses GCC emissions standards, which are based on EU standards.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with GCC safety standards, which are based on EU safety standards.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation process which will be an additional expense.
- If you plan to use the vehicle only short-term (e.g., exhibition or limited visit), you might use temporary admission (bond/guarantee) instead of full duty — but this must be arranged before import.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the United Arab Emirates:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Emirati authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Before vehicle registration in the UAE, you’ll need the following:
Documents for Import
ESMA Conformity Letter
Required for registration of used imported vehicles
Passport or UAE ID
Requirements for Temporary Admission of Foreign Private Motor Vehicles
Temporary AdmissionForeign private motor vehicles (other than those registered in any of the GCC States) can be granted temporary admission license as follows:
- Six months (180 days) for motor vehicles guaranteed by a valid international passage carnet.
- Three months (90 days) for motor vehicles not guaranteed by a valid CPD, renewable for similar periods, if the applicant submits a bank guarantee or a deposit equivalent to the amount of the customs duties payable on the motor vehicle.
The following will be required in order to import temporarily:
- Valid license & registration
- Valid insurance coverage throughout the temporary admission period by an approved insurer in the country
- An international CPD carnet, approved in any of the GCC States, shall be presented to guarantee the amount of customs taxes/duties
- The person shall be the owner of the motor vehicle or authorized to drive it under a duly certified special proxy issued by the country of registration of the motor vehicle
- Valid residence permit in the country of registration of the motor vehicle, if not a national of that country
Vehicle Registration in the UAE
RegistrationVehicles shipped to the UAE must be registered to operate on UAE roads. UAE Customs will provide a Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) for the vehicle upon clearing the Customs Import Bill of Entry. This certificate is a mandatory requirement for registration. The V.C.C. should be submitted to RTA/UAE vehicle licensing authorities or RTA-approved registration channels for registration. Once registered, you’ll receive a license plate and certificate of registration. You can request the VCC here.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in the UAE, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
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Emirati Car Shipping FAQs
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to the UAE.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes (like major U.S. to Middle Eastern ports) are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in the UAE?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.