Can I ship a right hand drive car from the UK to Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda accepts right hand drive vehicles but they must have headlight beam adjusted for right hand traffic and pass a Rwanda National Police roadworthiness inspection before registration.
Ship a Car from the UK to Rwanda
Ship your car from the UK to Rwanda via RORO or shared container. Rwanda is a landlocked East African market with steady demand for UK 4x4s, double cab pickups, Toyota Land Cruisers, and luxury saloons for Kigali's growing business and diplomatic communities. Imports flow through Mombasa or Dar es Salaam and onward by road through the Northern Corridor or Central Corridor to Kigali. Rwanda drives on the right, so UK right hand drive vehicles are accepted but headlight beam adjustment and a roadworthiness check are required before registration. The Ship Cars handles RORO and container shipping from Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury with bonded inland transit to Kigali. Typical transit: 28–35 days from UK ports to Mombasa, plus 6–9 days bonded road transit to Kigali via the Northern Corridor. Via Dar es Salaam add 7–10 days through the Central Corridor.. Main discharge port: Via Mombasa (Kenya).
- Transit time
- 28–35 days from UK ports to Mombasa, plus 6–9 days bonded road transit to Kigali via the Northern Corridor. Via Dar es Salaam add 7–10 days through the Central Corridor.
- Main port
- Via Mombasa (Kenya)
- Shipping methods
- RORO and container shipping via Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), with bonded road transit to Kigali. RORO is the standard for single running vehicles; shared and dedicated container option
- Import rules
- Rwanda is an EAC member, so import duty follows the EAC Common External Tariff at 25 percent on most passenger vehicles, 10 percent on goods vehicles, plus VAT 18 percent, withholding tax 5 percent, and infrastructure development levy 1.5 percent. Excise duty applies on engine size and age: 5 percen
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Rwanda?
In 2026, RORO shipping from Southampton to Mombasa starts at £1,450 and container shipping from £1,950 in a shared 40ft, with onward bonded road transit to Kigali from £900. Total door to door typically £2,400 to £4,000.
Is there an age limit on imported cars in Rwanda?
Rwanda does not impose a hard age limit, but vehicles over 15 years old attract higher excise duty and tighter inspection. Most importers stay under 10 years for cost efficiency.
Which port serves Rwanda for UK car imports?
Mombasa in Kenya handles the majority of UK car shipments destined for Rwanda via the Northern Corridor. Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is the alternative via the Central Corridor.
What taxes apply to imported cars in Rwanda?
Import duty 25 percent under the EAC Common External Tariff, VAT 18 percent, withholding tax 5 percent, infrastructure development levy 1.5 percent, and excise duty of 5 to 15 percent based on engine displacement.
Do I need a customs broker in Rwanda?
Yes. A licensed Rwandan clearing agent is required to file the SAD declaration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority and coordinate inland transit, inspection, and registration.
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