Can I ship a right hand drive car from the UK to Israel?
No. Israel drives on the right and only accepts left hand drive vehicles for road registration. Right hand drive UK cars cannot be permanently registered.
Ship a Car from the UK to Israel
Ship your car from the UK to Israel via RORO or shared container. Israel is a strict but viable market for UK vehicle exports, with demand for British luxury saloons, electric vehicles, and limited specialty imports for olim (returning Jewish citizens), diplomats, and approved dealers. Imports clear through Haifa or Ashdod, the country's two main commercial ports. Israel drives on the right and requires left hand drive vehicles, so UK right hand drive cars are not accepted for road registration. The Ship Cars provides container shipping from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury with full HMRC C88 clearance and bill of lading handling. Typical transit: 18–24 days from Southampton, Felixstowe, or Tilbury to Haifa or Ashdod via the Mediterranean, typically with Maersk, MSC, ZIM, or CMA CGM services. Add 5–10 working days for UK collection, packing, and customs filing.. Main discharge port: Haifa.
- Transit time
- 18–24 days from Southampton, Felixstowe, or Tilbury to Haifa or Ashdod via the Mediterranean, typically with Maersk, MSC, ZIM, or CMA CGM services. Add 5–10 working days for UK collection, packing, and customs filing.
- Main port
- Haifa
- Shipping methods
- Container shipping is the primary method to Israel via Haifa or Ashdod. RORO is used on selected services but most private and used vehicle imports go in 20ft or shared 40ft containers. Enclosed conta
- Import rules
- Israel restricts private vehicle imports under Ministry of Transport and Tax Authority rules. Only approved importers, returning citizens (olim) with at least 24 months abroad, and diplomats may import. Vehicles must be left hand drive, less than 2 years old for new aliyah olim, and meet Euro 6 or e
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Israel?
In 2026, container shipping from Southampton or Felixstowe to Haifa or Ashdod starts at £1,650 in a shared 40ft or £2,300 in a dedicated 20ft, with 18 to 24 days transit. Combined Israeli taxes typically add 80 to 135 percent of CIF value.
Can a new immigrant (oleh) get a tax break on importing a car?
Yes. New olim who hold Teudat Oleh and meet eligibility may claim a 50 to 75 percent reduction on purchase tax on one vehicle, subject to Israel Tax Authority and Ministry of Transport approval.
What is the car age limit for imports to Israel?
Private vehicles must generally be under two years old from year of manufacture for olim and dealer imports. Classic vehicles over 30 years can be considered under a separate antique permit.
Which Israeli ports do UK car shipments arrive at?
Haifa and Ashdod handle the majority of UK car shipments. Haifa serves the north and Tel Aviv corridor, and Ashdod serves Jerusalem and the south.
Does the UK Israel trade agreement reduce import duty?
Yes. With a valid EUR.1 Certificate of Origin proving UK origin, the 7 percent customs duty on passenger vehicles is reduced to zero under the UK Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.
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