Car Shipping to Gambia from UK | Banjul | RORO & Container
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £995
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Banjul, The Gambia via RoRo, with approximately 34-40 days transit and one per month. RoRo starts from £995. The Gambia drives on the right — only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. A strict 8-year vehicle age limit applies. Import duties, sales tax, and an ECOWAS levy are payable on arrival. We handle all UK export documentation.
Left-Hand Drive Vehicles Only
The Gambia drives on the right side of the road. Only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. UK-registered vehicles are right-hand drive and cannot be registered in The Gambia. Confirm your vehicle is LHD before booking. UK dealers exporting to the West African market should source LHD-specification vehicles.
What Are The Car Shipping Methods?
At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and container shipping; Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
What Your Car Shipping Service Includes
When you book your Banjul shipment with shipcars.co.uk, our comprehensive service covers:
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Origin port charges and handling fees in the UK.
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Ocean freight on reliable carrier lines to the Port of Banjul.
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Essential documentation, including the Bill of Lading.
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Expert support and tracking from collection to port of departure.
Please Note: Gambian import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and any local port/agent charges are not included in our shipping quote. These are payable directly to the Gambian authorities and your agent upon the vehicle’s arrival.
The Gambia Import Rules: Key Regulations
Compliance with Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) customs regulations is essential. Key rules include:
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Vehicle Age Limit: The Gambia has a strict 8-year age limit from the year of manufacture. Vehicles older than eight years cannot be legally imported.
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Right-Hand Drive: The Gambia drives on the right. Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import.
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Import Duties & Taxes: The GRA calculates import duty based on the vehicle’s CIF value, engine size (cc), and age. Taxes are significant and can include Customs Duty, Sales Tax, and a ECOWAS levy. A professional clearing agent can provide an accurate estimate.
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Pre-Shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory, a pre-shipment inspection report from an approved agent may be required or can significantly smooth the customs process.
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Temporary Imports: For tourists, a carnet de passage may allow temporary import without paying duties, but the vehicle must be exported within a specified period.
Indicative duty structure (The Gambia):
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Import Duty: typically 5–20% of CIF value depending on engine size and vehicle category
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VAT/Sales Tax: 15% on CIF plus duty
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ECOWAS Levy: 0.5–1% (regional levy)
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Processing and port fees
Indicative only — verify current rates with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) or your Banjul clearing agent.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Banjul?
In the UK (Origin):
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V5C logbook (original — do not leave inside vehicle)
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Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
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Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old
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Purchase invoice or proof of ownership — evidence of value for ABF
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Commercial cleaning receipt — dated proof of biosecurity cleaning (required for DAFF)
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Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form
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Vehicle Condition Report (free if we collect; £35 if self-delivered)
Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf.
You or your appointed clearing agent in Banjul will require these original documents:
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Original Bill of Lading.
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Original Vehicle Title (V5C Logbook for UK vehicles) as proof of ownership.
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Commercial Invoice from the seller stating the purchase price.
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Certificate of Marine Insurance.
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Copy of Your Passport.
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Freight Certificate/Invoice.
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Pre-Shipment Inspection Report (if required or obtained).
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Valid Gambian Customs Broker License (held by your clearing agent).
Crucial Advice: Engaging a reputable, licensed customs clearing agent in Banjul is highly recommended and often essential. They will manage the complex duty calculation, tax payment, and all port clearance procedures on your behalf.
Cost & Transit Summary
Here is a clear overview for shipping a standard small car to Banjul.
Shipping Cost (Example) |
From £995 for a small car via RORO (all-inclusive of our listed services). |
Insurance |
Total Loss cover: 1% of declared vehicle value. Comprehensive cover: 1.5% of vehicle value. Comprehensive cover recommended for all West Africa shipments. |
Total Transit Time |
Approximately 34-40 days from UK departure port to arrival in Banjul. |
Sailing Frequency |
Regular sailings, with vessels departing per month. |
Collection Service |
Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options. |
Local Taxes & Duties |
Payable in The Gambia. This includes all import duties, sales taxes, ECOWAS levies, and agent fees. |
EV Note: EVs cannot travel RoRo; container only; £295 hazard surcharge; battery below 50%.
Shipping a Car to The Gambia as a Member of the Diaspora
The UK is home to one of the largest Gambian diaspora communities in Europe, and shipping a vehicle to The Gambia is a common way for diaspora members to support family, invest in a vehicle back home, or prepare for an eventual return. Whether you are sending a car to family in Banjul, Serrekunda, or Brikama, or shipping a vehicle ahead of your own return, Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export side and works with trusted Banjul clearing agents to handle Gambian customs.
Common diaspora shipping scenarios we handle: sending a vehicle to family, shipping a car for resale in the Gambian market, and Transfer of Residence shipments for those returning permanently. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to The Gambia
Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to The Gambia?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Banjul starts from £995 for a standard small car. This covers UK port to Port of Banjul sea freight only. Gambian import duty, sales tax, ECOWAS levy, port handling, and clearing agent fees are payable separately in The Gambia.
Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Banjul take?
Transit from the UK to Banjul takes approximately 34-40 days, with two sailings per month. Including UK collection and Gambian customs clearance, allow 6–8 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available.
Q: Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to The Gambia?
The Gambia drives on the right, and left-hand drive vehicles are the standard for registration. While RHD vehicles are commonly imported through the used-vehicle trade, confirm current registration eligibility with your Banjul clearing agent before booking.
Q: What is the vehicle age limit for The Gambia?
The Gambia applies a strict 8-year age limit from the year of manufacture. Vehicles older than eight years cannot be legally imported. Verify your vehicle’s eligibility before booking.
Q: What documents do I need to ship a car to Banjul?
You need the original Bill of Lading, V5C logbook, commercial invoice, marine insurance certificate, and passport copy. A pre-shipment inspection report may be required. A licensed Banjul clearing agent will manage Gambian customs clearance and duty payment.
Get Your Vehicle Shipping Done with Ship Cars Ltd
Ready to Get a Precise Quote? Contact us today with your vehicle’s details and requirements for a straightforward, fixed-price quotation and personalised support for your shipment to Banjul. Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.
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