Car Shipping To Jamaica
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1250
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Weekly
Shipping Your Car from the UK to Kingston, Jamaica: The Complete Guide
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to the vibrant heart of Jamaica is a significant step, whether you’re returning home, relocating, or sending a vehicle for personal use. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in making the process of shipping to Kingston seamless, reliable, and fully compliant with Jamaican import regulations. This definitive guide provides a complete overview of our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service, detailing costs, essential paperwork, tax implications, and the critical preparation needed for a smooth arrival at the Port of Kingston.
Why Ship Your Vehicle to Kingston, Jamaica?
Kingston is not only Jamaica’s capital but also its main economic and logistics hub. Having your own vehicle provides the freedom to navigate the city and explore the island’s stunning landscapes. Common reasons for shipping include:
- Returning Residents: A primary reason for shipping is Jamaican citizens and holders of a Returning Resident status moving back home and bringing their UK-purchased vehicle with them, often under specific customs concessions.
- Relocation: Individuals or families moving to Jamaica for work, retirement, or to be closer to family, who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own vehicle.
- Business & Commercial Use: Importing vehicles for business purposes, for use in the tourism industry, or for specific commercial projects.
- Vehicle Value & Choice: For certain models, especially luxury or specific European cars, shipping a vehicle from the UK can be more desirable or cost-effective than purchasing locally.
Our Shipping Method: Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) to Kingston
For operational, everyday vehicles, our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service is the most efficient and cost-effective choice for shipping to Jamaica.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is driven under its own power onto a specialised car carrier vessel at the UK port. It is securely parked and chocked down within the ship’s garage for the ocean voyage to the Port of Kingston.
- Benefits: RORO is specifically designed for vehicle transport, offering a straightforward and proven method. It is generally more affordable than container shipping for a single, operational car.
- Considering a Container? For non-running vehicles, high-value classics requiring maximum protection, or specific cargo needs, we also offer international container shipping services.
Key Service Details & Pricing
Here is a clear breakdown of our RORO service from the UK to Kingston.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 28 days from the UK port to the Port of Kingston.
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart twice per month, providing good scheduling flexibility.
RORO Pricing Guide
Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £1,218 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,700 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for container shipping.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.
- Ocean Freight: The core cost of the RORO vessel transport from the UK to Kingston.
- UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port.
- Jamaica Port Fees: Including wharfage, terminal handling, and security charges at the Port of Kingston.
- Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all required UK export and Jamaican import paperwork.
- Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage during the voyage (detailed below).
- Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you require us to collect your vehicle from your UK location.
Paperwork Required for Shipping
Accurate documentation is essential for a smooth export from the UK and import into Jamaica, which has specific requirements for returning residents.
Paperwork from the UK
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory for processing the vehicle’s permanent export from the UK.
- Proof of Identity & Ownership: A copy of your passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Commercial Invoice: We will assist in preparing this document, which states the vehicle’s value for Jamaican Customs.
For a full pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
Paperwork for Jamaican Customs
- Original Bill of Lading: The title document for the shipment, which we will provide.
- Jamaica Customs Import Declaration Form (C78): The main form for declaring your vehicle.
- Proof of Status: For returning residents, this includes your Jamaican passport, proof of residency abroad for at least 3 years, and a Returning Resident stamp from a Jamaican embassy or consulate.
- Title/Registration History: Documents proving you have owned and used the vehicle for a specified period (typically at least 6 months prior to shipping).
Jamaican Import Rules, Duty & Tax
Understanding Jamaica’s import regulations is critical, especially the concessions available for returning residents.
- Returning Resident Concession: Eligible returning residents are granted significant concessions. This often includes an allowance for shipping personal and household effects, including a motor vehicle, free of Customs Duty. However, General Consumption Tax (GCT) and other fees may still apply on the value exceeding the concession.
- Permanent Import (Non-Resident): For standard imports, the following taxes apply:
- Customs Duty: Varies by vehicle type, engine size, and age but can be substantial.
- General Consumption Tax (GCT): 15% is levied on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) plus the customs duty.
- Additional Fees: These may include an Environmental Levy and Stamp Duty.
- Temporary Import: Tourists can temporarily import a vehicle for the duration of their stay, but this requires a customs guarantee.
Important Note: Regulations and concessions can change. It is the importer’s responsibility to verify their eligibility with the relevant authorities.
Official Links:
Vehicle Preparation & Insurance
Preparing Your Vehicle for RORO Shipping
Proper preparation is key to avoiding damage and ensuring compliance.
- Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full.
- Personal Belongings: The rules for shipping personal goods inside a vehicle on a RORO service to Jamaica are complex and subject to strict customs scrutiny. You must speak to us directly before considering this, as it can significantly impact the import process and liability.
- Vehicle Cleanliness: The vehicle should be clean, both inside and out.
- Alarm Systems: Disable any alarm or immobiliser systems to prevent battery drain.
- Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in good, fully operational condition for RORO shipping.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please read our dedicated article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
We offer two levels of marine insurance coverage for your peace of mind.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This pre-shipping inspection documents the vehicle’s condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options:
- You Deliver: Drive your vehicle to our designated UK port.
- We Collect: We collect from your home or workplace using a transporter or trade plate driver.
- Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
Adherence to these rules is mandatory to avoid delays and penalties.
- Allowed Vehicles:
- Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles are allowed.
- Not Allowed / Restrictions:
- Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
- Personal Belongings: As stated, the rules are complex for RORO to Jamaica. Consult with us first.
- Prohibited Items: This includes flammable liquids, explosives, weapons, ammunition, narcotics, pornographic material, and any hazardous materials.
Essential Resources for a Successful Shipment
To ensure a smooth process and avoid common errors, we highly recommend these resources:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Learn from others to avoid costly delays.
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps to safeguard your vehicle.
Ready to Ship Your Car to Kingston?
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Kingston is a detailed process, particularly with Jamaica’s specific import regulations for returning residents. With Ship Cars Ltd, you gain a trusted partner to manage the UK export, ocean freight, and guide you through the requirements.
Our transparent pricing, regular sailing schedule, and expert support make us the ideal choice. Contact us today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us ensure your vehicle arrives in Kingston safely and in full compliance with local regulations.
