How to Obtain a Temporary Vehicle Import for Tourism

Are you thinking of taking your personal car on an overseas road trip? You’re not alone, many people prefer the comfort and familiarity of using their own vehicle abroad. Whether you’re planning an extended holiday, traveling to a car rally, going on a driving tour, or just want the comfort of driving your own car abroad, it’s entirely feasible to bring your vehicle along with you, as long as you follow the right steps.

As each country has its own specific rules around temporary vehicle importation, it’s easy to get caught out if you are not well prepared. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to temporarily import your car, including who’s eligible, what documentation you will need, and what to do when your trip ends.

What Is Temporary Importation of a Foreign Vehicle?

Temporary importation is when you bring your own vehicle into another country for a short period of time. Unlike permanent importation, where you would need to pay import duties, register the car locally, and possibly meet strict compliance rules, temporary importation just means getting permission to use your foreign-registered vehicle for tourism or short-term visits.

This option is ideal for people who are traveling, moving temporarily, or taking part in activities such as car rallies or road trips. The key point being that this is not a permanent move for your car, so you will need to take your vehicle back out of the country before the specified deadline, which can vary between different countries.

Who Is Eligible for Temporary Vehicle Import for Tourism?

Typically, temporary import of vehicles is available to any non-residents who are visiting a country for short-term stays or tourism. This could also include anyone who is just passing through a particular country as part of an extended road trip.

The most important point to ensure you are eligible is that you are not planning to stay long-term or to sell your vehicle while you are there, and that your vehicle will be for personal use only. Most countries will ask you for proof that you are a temporary visitor, for example, a passport with a valid visa or entry stamp, and they will need to know that your vehicle is registered in your name or that you have permission to use it.

If you are actually moving abroad permanently or you plan to stay in your destination country for longer than a year, you will likely need to look at options for full vehicle importation instead.

What You Need for Temporary Importation of Your Personal Vehicle

If you’re planning to temporarily import your vehicle into the USA, you will need to meet the requirements set out by three key agencies: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). To do this successfully, advance planning is essential, and you must make sure that you have the right documentation in place before your vehicle arrives at the border. This includes:

Proof of Ownership

This could be an original title or vehicle registration document from the country of origin to confirm that you legally own the vehicle.

EPA Form 3520-1

This form shows that your vehicle meets, or is exempt from, U.S. emissions requirements.

DOT Form HS-7

This is used to declare whether your vehicle complies with U.S. safety standards or qualifies for a temporary exemption. You will need to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN number) on this form. The vehicle year is a key factor in figuring out which safety standards apply.

EPA Approval Letter (if applicable)

This may be required if your vehicle doesn’t meet current EPA standards, specifically older car models or motorcycles. In these cases, your car will need to go through modifications and testing by an EPA-authorized Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). Importantly, the EPA won’t release your vehicle until all of the necessary ICI work is completed.

Valid Passport and Visa

This proves that you are a temporary resident or tourist who is eligible for temporary vehicle importation.

Bill of Lading or Shipping Documents

These will be required if you are shipping your vehicle as part of your move, to confirm how and when it will be arriving.

Proof of Foreign-Compliant Insurance

Don’t forget to arrange insurance that covers you and any other person that will be driving your car in your destination country. You must secure an insurance policy that meets the minimum insurance laws of the country you are visiting.

Other Points to Consider

Once your paperwork is complete and all customs requirements are met, US Customs and Border Protection will issue a temporary import permit at the border, allowing your vehicle to be legally used in the country for up to one year.

For certain vehicles or destinations, you may need to obtain prior written approval from the destination country’s transportation or environmental agency.

If you are planning to temporarily import your vehicle into another country, the process may vary. For example, taking your U.S. vehicle into Canada is usually quite straightforward, as you will just need to present your US registration documents and proof of Canadian automobile insurance. Your vehicle doesn’t even have to meet Canadian safety standards for short-term personal use. However, taking a car to Mexico can be more complex, as you will need a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) and must pay a security deposit, which is refunded once you export your vehicle.

Remember to always check the latest local laws and import rules for your destination before you travel to avoid any surprises along the way.

After Your Trip: Export Requirements for Your Foreign Vehicle

Once your temporary stay comes to an end, you will need to export your vehicle before your temporary import period expires, which is typically after one year. If you don’t export your vehicle within this time frame, then you could face serious consequences, such as fines, penalties, or even have your vehicle seized.

When exporting your vehicle from the US, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will require proof that your vehicle has left the country. You must ensure that all of your outstanding paperwork is finalised and keep records of the export process in case this is requested by the authorities. If your vehicle has entered the US under an EPA exemption, you must also notify the EPA once it’s been exported.

CFR Classic Can Help with Temporary Import and Export Requirements

Navigating the temporary import and export of your vehicle can be challenging, but CFR Classic is here to help. If you’re looking to ship your car for a short trip, we can help you to handle all of the paperwork and logistics smoothly, so you can focus on the journey ahead.

We ship over 2,000 cars internationally every month from across the United States to destinations worldwide, so contact us today for a personalized online quote.