Car Shipping to Saudi Arabia
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Saudi Arabia is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Saudi Arabia, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Saudi and GCC 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 Germany
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 Saudi Arabia– Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Saudi Arabia — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Saudi Arabia– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 15% on the CIF value
Cost: $1,450–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail
Customs duty: 5% for motor cars; 12% for trucks
Required inspection: SASO Certificate of Conformity and MVPI (Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection); registration with the Saudi traffic department (Moroor)
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 Saudi Arabia
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia
Our local broker handles all Saudi customs paperwork, customs duty and 15% VAT, and processes the Bayan (Bill of Entry).
Delivered & Registered in Saudi Arabia
Your vehicle passes the MVPI inspection before registration with Moroor and release.
Saudi Arabia Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia starts around USD $1,450, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Dammam on the Persian Gulf and Jeddah on the Red Sea are the principal Saudi ports of entry, with additional service available to Yanbu, Jubail and Jizan. The estimated transit time is 20–35 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Jeddah | $1,450 | $1,700 | $3,200 | |
US West Coast → Jeddah | $2,700 | $3,200 | $5,500 |
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
Saudi Arabia Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in Saudi Arabia that we can ship a car to.
Ports Served in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah (Red Sea)
Dammam (Persian Gulf)
Jubail
Yanbu
Jizan
Description goes here
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 Saudi Arabian government. Some of these fees could include:
Saudi Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty (5% for cars; 12% for trucks)
VAT (15%)
SASO Certificate of Conformity / SABER certification fees
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
MVPI inspection fees
Car insurance
Registration fee
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing into Saudi Arabia, you can generally expect to pay a 5% customs duty on motor cars (12% on trucks) and 15% VAT, both calculated on the CIF value (vehicle value + freight + insurance). Vehicles under 6 months old are considered new with no age deduction; vehicles 6–12 months old are granted a 2% monthly deduction; vehicles 2–5 years old are granted a 1% monthly deduction on the customs value.
Saudi Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 15% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Classic / Vintage Vehicles (Over 30 Years Old) | While vehicles older than 5 years are generally restricted from import, classic vehicles over 30 years old may be imported as vintage cars under specific conditions. Eligibility should be confirmed with Saudi Customs and the SASO before shipping. |
Returning Saudi Nationals / Diplomatic Exemptions | Saudi nationals returning from abroad and foreign diplomats assigned to Saudi Arabia may be eligible for concessions on imported personal vehicles, subject to standard diplomatic or residency documentation. |
One-Vehicle-Per-Year Rule | An individual may import one vehicle per year into Saudi Arabia without holding a commercial permit. Higher volumes require commercial authorization. |
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 Saudi Arabia.
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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia applies a 5-year age limit on passenger cars and other light vehicles. Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles may be allowed up to 10 years old. Classic vehicles over 30 years old may be imported as vintage cars.
- Salvage, accident-damaged, ex-police and ex-taxi vehicles are restricted from import.
- All vehicles imported into Saudi Arabia must be left-hand drive and must have been manufactured that way.
- Vehicles must meet GCC safety and emissions standards and typically require SABER/SASO system certification before customs clearance.
- An individual may import one vehicle per year without a commercial permit.
- For safety, the fuel tank must not contain more than ¼ tank of gasoline.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Saudi Arabia:
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 Saudi authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Saudi Arabian Customs (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)
Bayan (Bill of Entry)
SASO Certificate of Conformity
Green Card (issued after SASO clearance)
MVPI inspection certificate
Copy of Saudi Residence Permit (Iqama)
Copy of Passport
Copy of Saudi Driver's License
Vehicle Registration in Saudi Arabia (Moroor)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Saudi Arabia must be registered with the Saudi traffic department (Moroor) before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay customs duty and VAT → receive the Bayan (Bill of Entry) → obtain a SASO Certificate of Conformity → receive the Green Card → pass the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI) → arrange Saudi motor vehicle insurance → register the vehicle at Moroor and receive Saudi license plates.
Vehicle registration in Saudi Arabia is valid for three years and motor vehicle insurance is mandatory.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Saudi and GCC standards, such as emissions or lighting compliance, these will need to be handled before the MVPI inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Saudi Arabia, 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!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabia Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Saudi Arabia.
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 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 Saudi Arabia?
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.
Can I ship a right-hand-drive vehicle to Saudi Arabia?
No. All vehicles imported into Saudi Arabia must be left-hand drive and must have been manufactured as LHD. US-spec LHD vehicles are well-suited to the Saudi market.
How old can a car be when imported into Saudi Arabia?
Passenger cars and light vehicles must generally be 5 years old or newer. Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles may be allowed up to 10 years old. Classic vehicles over 30 years old may be imported as vintage cars under specific conditions.
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.