Car Shipping to Cyprus from UK | Limassol Port

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Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Cyprus via weekly RoRo and container services to Limassol Port, with approximately 18 days transit. RoRo starts from £775 for a standard small car. Since Brexit, UK vehicles entering Cyprus attract 6.5% customs duty plus 19% Cypriot VAT unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. Cyprus drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal. We handle all UK export documentation.

RHD Vehicles Welcome: Cyprus drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Cypriot roads and can be registered without steering conversion.

What Are The Shipping Methods

We offer a range of shipping options to suit your needs when sending your vehicle to Cyprus:

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured for transit. This is a cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in fully operational condition and able to be driven onto the ship.

• Restrictions:

  • No personal belongings or other goods are permitted inside the vehicle during shipping.

  • Hybrid vehicles are not allowed on RoRo services. Electric vehicles are also not permitted on RoRo services.

• Learn More: For more details on this service, please visit our RoRo Shipping page.

2. Dedicated Container Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is loaded into its own exclusive shipping container, offering maximum security and protection.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle does not need to be in working order for container shipping.

• Flexibility:

  • Both hybrid and electric vehicles can be shipped via container. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295 due to battery regulations.

  • Personal belongings can be loaded into the container alongside your vehicle, subject to customs regulations.

  • There is a £100 surcharge for loading a vehicle into a dedicated container.

• Learn More: Discover more about our container shipping options on our Container Shipping page.

3. Shared Container Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle shares a container with other vehicles, making it a more economical option than a dedicated container, while still offering more security than RoRo.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle does not need to be in working order for shared container shipping.

• Flexibility:

  • Similar to dedicated containers, hybrid and electric vehicles can be shipped. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295.

  • Loading a vehicle with goods into a shared container also incurs a £100 surcharge.

  • Shipping personal belongings outside your vehicle in a shared container is generally not permitted due to space limitations and customs regulations.

Post-Brexit Import Duty — What UK Vehicles Now Face in Cyprus

Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, UK-registered vehicles are now treated as non-EU imports when entering Cyprus. This means:

• Customs Duty: 6.5% of the vehicle’s CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value
• Cypriot VAT (IPT): 19% applied on the customs value plus duty

Example: A vehicle with a customs value of £10,000 shipped to Cyprus:

• Customs duty (6.5%): £650
• VAT base (£10,000 + £650): £10,650
• VAT (19%): £2,024
• Total additional cost: £2,674

Important exceptions:

• Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can exempt qualifying permanent residents from customs duty and VAT — see ToR section below
• Temporary import rules allow duty-free import for up to 6 months within a 12-month period for non-residents

Verify current duty rates with the Cyprus Customs and Excise Department at mof.gov.cy before importing.

Cypriot Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (ΤΜΑ Inspection):

After customs clearance at Limassol, your vehicle must pass a roadworthiness inspection at the Department of Road Transport (ΤΜΑ) before it can be registered in Cyprus. This inspection assesses safety standards, emissions, and roadworthiness. The inspection is conducted at a ΤΜΑ testing centre and is required for all imported vehicles. Most well-maintained UK vehicles pass without modification. Contact the Cyprus Department of Road Transport at mcw.gov.cy for current requirements.

What are The Destination Rules and Regulations in Cyprus

Understanding the rules for different types of import is crucial.

Permanent Export / Transfer of Residence

If you are permanently exporting your car or moving to Cyprus as part of a transfer of residence, specific regulations apply. As an EU member state, Cyprus has procedures for customs and taxation relief for those relocating.

• Authority Website: For the most up-to-date information on customs regulations, import procedures for permanent export, and transfer of residence, please refer to the Republic of Cyprus Customs and Excise Department:

  • Customs and Excise Department

Temporary Import

Temporary import allows you to bring your vehicle into Cyprus for a limited period without paying full import duties and taxes, provided certain conditions are met. This is typically for tourism or specific events.

• Duration: The rules for temporary importation can vary, but generally, non-EU registered vehicles can be temporarily imported for a set period (e.g., up to 6 months within a 12-month period) without duties, under specific declarations.

• Requirements: The vehicle must be registered outside Cyprus and owned by you or a family member. You will need to provide proof of ownership, registration, and potentially a tourist visa or proof of temporary stay.

What Are The Required Documentation For Shipping

Accurate paperwork is essential for a smooth process.

UK Export Documentation:

1. V5C logbook (original — do not leave inside vehicle)

2. Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner

3. Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old

4. Purchase invoice or proof of ownership

5. Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

6. Vehicle Condition Report (free if Ship Cars Ltd collects; £35 if self-delivered)

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf. 

What Documentation Required at the Destination Port (Cyprus)

The specific documents required will depend on your import status (permanent, temporary, or transfer of residence). Generally, you will need:

1. Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company.

2. Customs Declaration Form: To be completed for import into Cyprus.

3. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C and Bill of Sale.

4. Identification: Passport.

5. Transfer of Residence (ToR) Application: If you are moving permanently and wish to claim relief from duties and taxes, you must apply for this in advance with the Cyprus Customs and Excise Department.

6. Temporary Importation Declaration: For temporary imports.

7. Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance valid in Cyprus.

8. Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate: Depending on the age and type of vehicle, a certificate confirming compliance with safety and emissions standards may be required.

Ports of Arrival in Cyprus

We can ship your vehicle to the main port in Cyprus:

• Limassol

RoRo, Container, and Shared Container Shipping Rates and Schedule

When shipping to Cyprus, you have multiple options with varying costs and schedules.

RoRo Shipping Rates

• Small Car (e.g., Golf): £775 per vehicle.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1140 per vehicle.

Shared Container Shipping Rates

• Small Car (e.g., Golf): £960 per vehicle.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover): £1120 per vehicle.

Dedicated Container Shipping Rates

• Rates for dedicated containers are typically higher than shared containers and depend on the size of the container and specific route. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

Transit Time and Frequency

• Estimated Transit Time: Around 18 days 

• Frequency: Vessels typically depart weekly from major UK ports, ensuring regular shipping opportunities for all service types.

Inspections, Permits, and Fees

Inspections

• Pre-shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory, a condition report is highly recommended, especially for comprehensive insurance. This report documents the vehicle’s condition before shipping.

  • Cost: Free if we collect your vehicle. £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.

• Destination Port Inspections: Cyprus Customs may conduct inspections to verify the vehicle’s details and compliance with regulations.

Permits

• MOT Certificate: For vehicles being collected on trade plates by a driver, a valid UK MOT certificate is required.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): While not always mandatory for car shipping itself, an IDP may be required for driving in Cyprus, depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Check with the relevant Cypriot authorities or your embassy.

• Transfer of Residence (ToR) Approval: If you are relocating permanently, you must obtain approval for ToR relief from the Cyprus Customs and Excise Department before importing your vehicle.

Duty, Tax, and Costs

The cost of shipping your vehicle to Cyprus is influenced by several factors, including duties and taxes.

Duty and Tax

• Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief: If you are moving permanently to Cyprus and meet the eligibility criteria, you can benefit from relief from customs duties and VAT. To qualify, you typically need to have owned and used the vehicle in the UK for at least six months prior to your relocation and demonstrate that you are establishing residency in Cyprus. You must apply for and obtain approval for ToR relief before importing your vehicle.

• Temporary Import: For temporary importation, duties and taxes are usually suspended, provided the vehicle is re-exported within the permitted timeframe.

• Standard Importation: Once the 6.5% + 19% VAT figures are stated prominently, the “Standard Importation” row should point to that section.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of shipping your car to Cyprus includes several components:

• Shipping Fee: Based on the chosen method (RoRo, Shared Container, Dedicated Container), vehicle size, and destination port.

• Port Fees: Charges levied by both the UK and Cypriot ports for handling and berthing.

• Documentation Fees: Costs associated with preparing and processing shipping and customs paperwork.

• Insurance: Varies based on coverage level.

• Cleaning: Vehicles may need to be cleaned to meet quarantine standards.

• Customs Clearance: Fees for customs agents in Cyprus, if used.

• Collection/Delivery: If you opt for our collection service from your UK address.

• Loading Surcharge: A £100 surcharge applies for loading vehicles into containers (both shared and dedicated).

• Hazard Surcharge: Applicable for electric vehicles shipped via container (£295).

Please note: For a precise breakdown and consolidated pricing, please contact us for a detailed Quote.

Vehicle Collection in the UK

We offer flexible collection options for your vehicle within the UK:

• Transporter: Your vehicle can be collected by our professional transporters and delivered to the port.
• Trade Plate Driver: If your vehicle is fully operational and has a valid MOT, it can be driven to the port by one of our experienced drivers using trade plates.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

We offer comprehensive insurance options to protect your vehicle during transit.

• Total Loss Cover (1% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers total loss due to fire or water damage.
• Comprehensive Cover (1.5% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers cosmetic damage in addition to total loss.
  • Eligibility: The vehicle must not be older than 10 years for this cover.
  • Condition Report: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover. This is provided free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 will apply for the condition report.

What Are The Prohibited Items and Restrictions

To ensure a safe and compliant shipment, the following items are generally not allowed to be shipped within or alongside your vehicle to Cyprus:

• Personal Belongings/Goods:
  • RoRo: Strictly prohibited inside the vehicle.
  • Container Services (Shared & Dedicated): While personal effects can be included in dedicated containers, all items must be declared. Restrictions apply, and illegal, dangerous, or excessively valuable items should not be shipped. Shipping personal effects in shared containers is generally not permitted.
• Hazardous Materials: Flammable substances, explosives, corrosives, or any other hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
• Perishable Goods: Food, plants, and other items that could spoil.
• Firearms and Ammunition: Unless properly declared and permitted by law.
• Illegal Substances: Drugs or other illicit items.
• Restricted Goods: Items that may infringe on local regulations or are subject to import restrictions.

Restrictions:

• Fuel: Vehicles must have a minimal amount of fuel (typically just enough to drive onto the ship or container).
• Batteries: For electric vehicles, specific regulations regarding battery state of charge may apply.
• Hybrid/Electric Vehicles on RoRo: Not permitted.

Ship Your Car From The UK To Cyprus With Ship Cars Ltd

Ship Cars Ltd offer efficient care shipping services worldwide anywhere anytime with an expert level team handling you cars shipping smoothly. For a personalized quote and to discuss your specific shipping needs to Cyprus, please do not hesitate to Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to:

Limassol

Valencia

Pasajes

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I ship my car to Cyprus by RoRo or container?

Both RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) and container shipping are available for exporting a vehicle from the UK to Cyprus, and each method suits different vehicle types and budgets. RoRo is the more straightforward and cost-effective option — your vehicle is driven directly onto the vessel at the UK port and driven off at Limassol Port, which is Cyprus’s primary vehicle receiving port. Container shipping provides a higher level of physical protection and is ideal for classic cars, high-value vehicles, or customers wishing to ship personal effects alongside the vehicle. Shipcars.co.uk offers both options and will recommend the most suitable method based on your specific requirements.

How long does shipping from the UK to Cyprus take?

Transit time from UK ports such as Southampton or Tilbury to Limassol is typically 12 to 21 days by RoRo or container service, depending on the shipping line, routing, and any transshipment points. Customers should allow an additional 3 to 7 working days for customs clearance at Limassol Port after the vessel arrives. RoRo sailings on this route are not always direct, so confirming the sailing schedule at the point of booking is essential for accurate planning.

What documents are required to ship a car to Cyprus?

Essential documents include the V5C logbook, original Bill of Lading, valid passport or ID, and commercial invoice where the vehicle has been purchased. Cyprus Customs also requires a Single Administrative Document (SAD) submitted through a licensed Cypriot customs agent at the port of arrival. For EU-registered vehicles or those being imported permanently, additional registration and roadworthiness documentation may be required by the Cyprus Road Transport Department. Shipcars.co.uk works with established destination agents in Limassol to ensure all paperwork is in order before the vessel docks.

What import duties apply when shipping a car to Cyprus?

Cyprus is a European Union member state, which means vehicles imported from the UK following Brexit are subject to EU customs duty — typically around 6.5% on the CIF value of the vehicle. VAT at 19% is also applied on top of the customs value plus duty. Vehicles previously registered in the UK and imported by Cyprus-resident individuals may also be subject to a registration tax calculated on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions and engine size. Shipcars.co.uk recommends consulting a licensed Cypriot customs broker to obtain a precise duty calculation before shipping.

Is RoRo or container shipping better for Cyprus?

For most standard passenger vehicles, RoRo is the preferred option — it is efficient, cost-effective, and widely used on the UK–Cyprus corridor. Container shipping is the better choice for prestige or classic vehicles where enclosed protection is a priority, or where the customer needs to consolidate personal effects within the same shipment using an LCL (Less than Container Load) service. Shipcars.co.uk assesses each enquiry individually and provides a clear recommendation based on the vehicle type, condition, and destination requirements.

Why use Ship cars ltd to ship my car to Cyprus?

Ship cars ltd has direct experience managing vehicle exports from the UK to Cyprus by both RoRo and container service. We handle UK export documentation, port booking, and full coordination with our trusted Limassol-based destination agents — ensuring a seamless handover from the UK port to your door in Cyprus. Marine cargo insurance options are available on every shipment, and our pricing is fully transparent with no hidden port charges added after booking. One customer shipping a BMW 5 Series from Southampton to Limassol said: “The whole process was handled professionally from start to finish — the car arrived in perfect condition and exactly when we were told it would.”

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