Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Tanzania in 2026

Shipping a standard saloon or SUV from the UK to Tanzania typically costs between £950 and £1,750 for RORO from Southampton to Dar es Salaam, depending on vessel availability and vehicle size. Container shipping, whether shared (LCL) or dedicated (FCL), runs from £1,400 for a shared 40ft slot up to £2,600 for a sole-use container. Larger 4x4s and vans attract a premium due to deck space, and vehicles over 10 years old face closer scrutiny at Tanzanian customs.

Freight rates fluctuate with bunker fuel surcharges and currency movements, so always confirm a live quote through our cost calculator before booking.

RORO vessels from Southampton to Dar es Salaam typically take 24–30 days, with monthly sailings via Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners calling at Mombasa before Dar es Salaam. Container services from Tilbury or Southampton take 28–35 days depending on transhipment at Jebel Ali or Salalah. Add a further 5–10 working days for customs clearance and TRA inspection once the vessel docks, so most customers should budget six weeks door-to-door.

Tanzania applies import duty of 25% on the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value for passenger vehicles, plus 18% VAT calculated on the duty-inclusive value, and an excise duty ranging from 5% to 20% based on engine capacity. A petrol car with a 2.0-litre engine and CIF value of £8,000 could face combined taxes exceeding £5,000. Vehicles older than 10 years attract an additional overage penalty of 20% of the duty payable, so shipping newer stock is usually more economical overall despite a higher purchase price.

We recommend registering with a licensed Tanzanian clearing agent at Dar es Salaam port before the vessel arrives to avoid demurrage charges, which accrue quickly after the five free days expire.

You will need the original V5C logbook (or a certified copy if the vehicle is on finance), a bill of lading, commercial or sale invoice, a DVLA export notification, and a TRA-endorsed Tanzania Import Declaration Form (IDF) obtained before shipment. Right-hand-drive vehicles are permitted in Tanzania, unlike some neighbouring East African states, which keeps this corridor attractive for UK exporters.

RORO is the default choice for standard running vehicles because Dar es Salaam has dedicated vehicle handling facilities and RORO avoids container detention fees. However, if you are shipping a higher-value vehicle, spare parts, or personal effects alongside the car, a shared container offers better protection and lets you consolidate shipments to reduce cost per vehicle.