Car Shipping to Kenya from UK | Mombasa Port

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Quick Answer: Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya via RoRo and container, with approximately 24–27 days sea transit and monthly sailings. RoRo starts from £1,327 for a standard small car. Kenya drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal and the only drive type permitted for permanent import. An 8-year vehicle age limit applies from the date of first registration. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from Intertek and an Import Declaration Form (IDF) via the KenTrade portal are both mandatory before shipment. Ship Cars Ltd handles all UK export documentation.

Can I Ship a Right-Hand Drive UK Car to Kenya?

Yes — and in Kenya, RHD is not just permitted; it is required.

Kenya drives on the left side of the road, exactly like the UK. UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Kenyan roads without any steering conversion or modification. This makes Kenya one of the most UK-car-friendly East African destinations.

Crucially, Kenya only permits right-hand drive vehicles for permanent import. Left-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered for road use in Kenya. This means any UK car — regardless of age or specification — is automatically drive-side compliant for Kenya import.

What Shipping Methods Are Available from the UK to Mombasa?

Ship Cars Ltd offers two shipping methods for vehicles travelling from the UK to Mombasa.

What Is RoRo Shipping to Kenya and How Does It Work?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most cost-effective method for standard operational right-hand drive vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK departure port and driven off on arrival at the Port of Mombasa. Sailings operate once per month with approximately 24–27 days sea transit.

RoRo pricing to Mombasa:

Prices cover UK port to Port of Mombasa sea freight only. CoC inspection, IDF, Kenyan customs duty, Excise Duty, VAT, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all additional.

RoRo requirements:

• Vehicle must be fully operational and driveable
• No personal belongings permitted inside the vehicle
• Hybrid and electric vehicles are not permitted on RoRo services

What Is Container Shipping to Kenya and When Should I Use It?

Container shipping loads your vehicle into a dedicated sole-use container (FCL) for maximum security and protection throughout the voyage. It is the right choice for:

• Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
• Electric and hybrid vehicles (a hazard surcharge of £295 applies for EVs)
• Non-running vehicles (which cannot be shipped by RoRo)
• Shipments where personal effects need to accompany the vehicle

Contact Ship Cars Ltd for a container quote — prices vary by container size and route specifics.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle the UK Process?

Once your booking is confirmed, Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process:

• Vehicle collection: by transporter or trade plate driver from your UK address, or self-delivery to port
• Vehicle condition report: documented inspection before loading — provided free of charge when we collect your vehicle, or £35 if self-delivered; strongly recommended alongside the CoC for comprehensive insurance cover
• CoC inspection coordination: we advise on the Intertek inspection requirement and timeline at the point of booking (see dedicated section below)
• UK export customs declaration: managed by Ship Cars Ltd on your behalf
• Bill of Lading: issued before your vehicle sails — your Mombasa clearing agent will need the original to release the vehicle from port

On the Kenyan side, engaging a licensed Mombasa clearing agent is strongly recommended and effectively essential — they manage the IDF via KenTrade, liaise with KEBS and KRA, and coordinate port release.

Is My Vehicle Eligible to Be Imported into Kenya?

Kenya has two hard eligibility rules that must be confirmed before booking.

What Is Kenya’s 8-Year Vehicle Age Limit?

Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration on all permanently imported vehicles, administered by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). For 2026, vehicles first registered before 2018 are generally ineligible for permanent import.

This rule is strictly enforced. Do not purchase a vehicle for Kenya import without first confirming it meets the age requirement. Verify current KEBS policy before booking — rules are subject to revision.

Can I Import a Left-Hand Drive Vehicle into Kenya?

No. Kenya only permits right-hand drive vehicles for permanent import. Left-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered for road use. This rule applies without exception to all permanent imports. UK vehicles are right-hand drive and are therefore automatically compliant on drive side.

What Is the Mandatory Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Kenya?

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory pre-shipment document for all vehicles imported into Kenya, issued by a KEBS-approved inspection agency in the UK before the vehicle leaves. Without a valid CoC, your vehicle cannot be cleared at Mombasa Port — your Mombasa clearing agent cannot complete KRA customs clearance without it.

What Does the CoC Inspection Verify?

The CoC inspection verifies:

• Vehicle identity — VIN/chassis number confirmed against documents
• Vehicle age — year of first registration must be within the 8-year limit
• Specifications and roadworthiness — compliance with Kenyan safety and emissions standards set by KEBS
• Declared condition — physical state of the vehicle at time of inspection

How Do I Arrange the Kenya CoC Inspection?

Intertek is the primary KEBS-approved inspection agency in the UK for Kenya CoC certificates. Contact Intertek in the UK after confirming your sailing date and schedule a vehicle inspection at an approved facility.

Key timings:

• Allow 5–10 working days from booking for the inspection and certificate issue
• Arrange the inspection before confirming your sailing date to avoid delays and potential vessel misses
• The CoC fee is charged directly by Intertek — it is not included in the Ship Cars Ltd shipping price

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Help with the CoC Process?

At the point of booking, Ship Cars Ltd advises on the CoC requirement, confirms the current approved agency, and coordinates UK collection timing so the vehicle is available for Intertek inspection before the sailing window. We ensure the CoC timeline aligns with the vessel schedule so no sailing is missed.

What Is the Import Declaration Form (IDF) and How Do I Get One?

The Import Declaration Form (IDF) is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), submitted online through the KenTrade portal (www.kentrade.go.ke) before the vessel arrives at Mombasa.

The IDF must be submitted before the vessel docks — it is not an on-arrival document. Your Mombasa clearing agent typically manages the IDF submission as part of the customs clearance process. If you are managing the import yourself, register on the KenTrade portal well in advance of the vessel’s ETA.

What Are Kenya’s Import Regulations for Vehicles?

What Rules Apply to Permanent Vehicle Imports?

When permanently importing a vehicle into Kenya, the following conditions apply:

• Age limit: No more than 8 years old from date of first registration — enforced by KEBS
• Drive side: Right-hand drive only — LHD vehicles are not permitted
• CoC: Mandatory pre-shipment certificate from a KEBS-approved agency in the UK
• IDF: Mandatory pre-arrival declaration via KenTrade portal
• Customs duty, Excise Duty, and VAT: Payable to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on arrival (see duty section)

Does Kenya Offer Transfer of Residence Relief?

Yes. Kenya’s Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme allows returning Kenyan citizens or expatriates granted permanent residency to import one vehicle with potential duty concessions, administered by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

ToR eligibility requires:

• The importer must be a returning Kenyan citizen or an expatriate granted permanent residency in Kenya
• The vehicle must have been owned and used by the importer in their previous country of residence for at least 12 months prior to importation
• The vehicle must still comply with the 8-year age limit
• A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is still required even under ToR
• Documentation proving ownership and usage duration for 12+ months is essential

Confirm ToR eligibility and the current application process with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and your Mombasa clearing agent before booking.

Can I Temporarily Import a Vehicle into Kenya?

Temporary importation is available for non-resident visitors — typically for tourism or specific short-term projects:

• A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is required — typically obtained upon arrival at Mombasa port or through an authorised agent
• The vehicle is permitted for up to 12 months, extendable in specific circumstances
• The vehicle must be re-exported at the end of the permitted period
• Commercial use of the temporarily imported vehicle is not permitted

What Import Duty and Taxes Will I Pay When Shipping a Car to Kenya?

Vehicle import taxes are assessed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) based on the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight), age, and engine capacity.

Rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify current duty rates with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or your Mombasa clearing agent before importing.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Kenya?

What UK Export Documents Are Required?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf. Standard documents required before sailing:

• V5C logbook (original) — do not leave inside the vehicle
• Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
• Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old
• Purchase invoice or proof of ownership
• Vehicle Condition Report — free when Ship Cars Ltd collects; £35 if self-delivered
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — obtained from Intertek (KEBS-approved) in the UK before the vehicle sails; mandatory — cannot be arranged after departure
• Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

What Documents Are Required at Mombasa Port?

Your appointed Mombasa clearing agent will require the following for customs clearance:

• Original Bill of Lading — issued by the shipping line; required to release the vehicle from port
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) — submitted via KenTrade portal before vessel arrival
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — original from Intertek; mandatory for KRA clearance
• Proof of ownership — original V5C and Bill of Sale
• Proof of residence/purpose — documentation supporting the reason for import
• Transfer of Residence documentation — if claiming ToR duty concessions (must be pre-approved)
• Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) — for temporary imports, obtained on arrival
• Import Duty and Tax Payment Receipts — proof of payment to KRA
• Passport — identification of the vehicle owner
• Insurance Certificate — valid for Kenya

Is Mombasa Used as a Transit Hub for Landlocked East African Countries?

Yes — and this is critically important if your vehicle’s final destination is not Kenya itself.

The Port of Mombasa is East Africa’s busiest port and the primary maritime gateway for several landlocked countries via the Northern Corridor road and rail network:

UK car exporters and traders supplying the East African market regularly use Mombasa for its established clearing agent community, modern port infrastructure, and well-maintained Northern Corridor road network.

If your vehicle’s final destination is Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, or another landlocked East African country, Ship Cars Ltd can advise on Mombasa clearance and onward transit arrangements. All vehicles transiting through Kenya to other countries require specific Transit Goods documentation from KRA in addition to the standard CoC and IDF.

What Insurance Is Available for Car Shipping to Kenya?

Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of marine transit insurance:

Eligibility: Vehicle must be no older than 10 years for either cover.

Condition report: Mandatory for comprehensive cover — provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects, or £35 if self-delivered. This report is also useful alongside the CoC when presenting the vehicle at Mombasa port.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Kenya

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Mombasa?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Mombasa starts from £1,327 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and from £1,453 for a large car (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Port of Mombasa sea freight only. Kenyan customs duty (25–35% of CIF value), Excise Duty, VAT (16%), IDF fee, CoC inspection fees, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all payable separately in Kenya. Get a free instant quote here.

How long does car shipping from the UK to Mombasa take?

Sea transit from the UK to Mombasa takes approximately 24–27 days, with one sailing per month. Including UK collection, Intertek CoC inspection, and Kenyan customs clearance (IDF, KEBS and KRA processing) after arrival, allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available in Mombasa.

What is the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Kenya?

A CoC from a KEBS-approved inspection agency (primarily Intertek in the UK) is mandatory before your vehicle leaves the UK. It verifies the vehicle meets Kenyan safety and emissions standards. Without it, the vehicle cannot be cleared at Mombasa Port by KRA. Allow 5–10 working days and arrange the inspection before confirming your sailing date.

What is the vehicle age limit for importing a car to Kenya?

Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration, strictly enforced by KEBS. For 2026, vehicles first registered before 2018 are generally ineligible. Do not purchase a vehicle for Kenya import without first verifying it meets the age requirement.

Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Kenya?

Yes — and Kenya requires it. Kenya drives on the left, and only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted for permanent import and road registration. Left-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered for road use in Kenya. All UK cars are right-hand drive and are automatically compliant on this point.

What is the IDF and how do I get one?

The Import Declaration Form (IDF) is a mandatory pre-arrival customs declaration submitted through the KenTrade portal (www.kentrade.go.ke) before the vessel arrives at Mombasa. Your Mombasa clearing agent typically manages the IDF submission as part of the customs clearance process. It cannot be submitted after the vessel arrives — plan ahead.

Information correct as of October 2026. Kenyan import duty rates, CoC requirements, vehicle age limits, and IDF/KenTrade procedures are subject to change. Verify current requirements with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or your Mombasa clearing agent before shipping.

We also provide efficient and reliable car shipping to:

• Car Shipping to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 
• Car Shipping to Douala, Cameroon
• Car Shipping to Durban, South Africa

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