Shipping a Car to Fiji from the UK: Suva Port, Right-Hand Drive and Import Duty

Fiji drives on the left, uses right-hand-drive vehicles as standard, and has strong historical trade ties with the UK and Australia/New Zealand, both of which also supply used RHD cars. This makes Fiji one of the more welcoming Pacific markets for a UK-sourced vehicle, without the steering conversion headaches that affect exports to left-hand-drive nations. That said, Fiji Customs and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) impose an eight-year age limit on used vehicle imports, so only cars registered from roughly 2018 onward are currently eligible in 2026.

There are no direct sailings from the UK to Fiji; vehicles are shipped via container from Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe, transhipped through Singapore or Port Klang, and arrive at Suva or Lautoka on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. Total transit time is typically 8–12 weeks including transhipment waiting time, so this is not a route for anyone needing a car quickly.

Container shipping (shared or dedicated) is the only realistic method — RORO services simply don't run to Fiji from the UK. Compare shared versus dedicated container shipping to decide which suits your budget and timeline.

Fiji applies import duty of around 32% on used passenger vehicles' CIF value, plus 15% VAT calculated on the value plus duty, and an Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) of 10% for higher-value vehicles above FJ$50,000. For a typical mid-range family car valued at £10,000, landed cost after duty and taxes can add £5,000–£6,500, so always run the numbers through Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) rate schedules before shipping.

Hybrid and electric vehicles benefit from reduced duty rates as part of Fiji's push toward lower-emission imports — worth checking if you're deciding what to ship.

As noted, used vehicles must be no more than eight years old at the time of import, calculated from the first registration date, not the manufacture date. The LTA requires a Fiji-specific roadworthiness inspection on arrival, plus compliance with right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive mixing rules (Fiji bans LHD vehicle imports entirely). For general guidance on how age caps apply globally, see our vehicle age restrictions by country guide.

Required paperwork includes the original bill of lading, commercial invoice or bill of sale, UK V5C registration document, a certificate of roadworthiness or MOT history, and a Fiji Customs import entry lodged by a licensed customs agent. If claiming a personal effects concession as part of relocation, you'll also need proof of Fiji residency or a work permit, plus evidence the vehicle was owned and used for at least twelve months prior to shipment.

Almost all importers use a licensed Fiji customs broker to lodge the entry with FRCS, calculate duty and VAT, and coordinate collection from Suva or Lautoka port. Brokerage fees typically run FJ$300–£600 depending on complexity. Port storage (demurrage) charges accrue quickly if clearance is delayed, so having the broker appointed and documents ready before the vessel arrives is essential to avoid unnecessary costs.

For a 2019 RHD hatchback purchased in the UK for £9,500: container shipping to Suva approximately £1,800–£2,200, Fiji import duty and VAT roughly £4,800, ECAL where applicable £300–£500, broker and port handling fees £250–£400. All-in landed cost typically sits between £16,500 and £17,500 including the purchase price — meaning total costs can approach double the UK purchase price once duty is applied.